What are Gimmicks?

"Gimmicks" has several definitions and the Oxford English Dictionary credits the word “gimmick” as first entering the English language in the early 20th century. Gimmicks can refer to features of a product that make it more attractive but are not essential to the functionality of the product. It can also refer to specific types of advertising meant to elevate product sales, called advertising gimmicks. A gimmick can also be a term used in magic to describe a non-seen element of a trick that helps to create an illusion.

Typical gimmicks in products include using attractive colors, packaging, or other features that will attract a consumer's notice. Take for example, the average plastic toddler’s dish. The functionality of the dish is not affected by its artistic designs. But if you put bright colors, a picture of Barney or Winnie the Pooh on the dish, it will be more appealing to toddlers, and their parents than a plain white plastic dish. Children’s clothing uses similar gimmicks with pictures of cartoon characters.

A picture of Sponge Bob on a t-shirt does not improve the function of the t-shirt, but such pictures will sell more t-shirts because they will better appeal to a certain group who adores Sponge Bob. Food for toddlers may also come in cartoon character shapes. There are Nemo popsicles to appeal to the Disney crowd. For adults, certain types of packaging may also be gimmicks. We grow used to iconic characters like Mr. Clean®, the Brawny Man™, or Tony the Tiger™ which may make us more likely to buy products.

In advertising, gimmicks are in constant use. For example, the selling point, “Free gift with purchase,” may have us running out to purchase something in order to get a free gift. Perhaps one of the most recognizable advertising gimmicks in use is the term BOGO, most associated with Payless ShoeSource stores. BOGO means by one get one half off, or buy one get one free, usually the former. Television ads regularly advertise that Payless is having BOGO days.

Coupons are another common use of gimmicks. The prospect of saving money, though it requires spending money helps move merchandise. Discount cards offered at supermarkets are also an advertising gimmick where holders of the card can receive discounted prices on certain items in a store.

Sometimes gimmicks are thought negative or sneaky. Advertised sales that really don’t save money are considered gimmicks of the negative type. Especially parents, if they shop with their children may be annoyed by some gimmicks like free toys at the bottom of the cereal box, which may set children begging for the opportunity to get a relatively worthless toy. Toys offered by fast food restaurants with the purchase of meals are often considered influential in children desiring fast food.

Other times, gimmicks in advertising, when carefully watched can be helpful when you have to purchase something anyway. If you do shop at Payless ShoeSource, it makes sense to shop during a BOGO time, especially if you need more than one pair of shoes. Though BOGO is clearly a gimmick, it can still save you money when you plan to make a purchase in any case.