# Hammacher Schlemmer - more money than sense? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 21, 2009, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammacher-schlemmer-more-money-than-sense/518458 "2009-11-21T21:49:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Fuzzy\_Dunlop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/848f3c/32.png) [@Fuzzy\_Dunlop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fuzzy_Dunlop)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2009, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammacher-schlemmer-more-money-than-sense/518458/21 "2009-11-23T19:30:19Z")
The thing about Hammacher Schlemmer is that in my experience they’re only looking for price of about 50% what they sell it for, which is very typical. I don’t believe the vendors are earning abnormally high margin so I have to believe most of those items are actually expensive to make. Probably because there’s not a lot of volume potential for a touch screen Rubik’s cube. ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2009, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammacher-schlemmer-more-money-than-sense/518458/22 "2009-11-23T20:43:25Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > It’s not all overpriced and useless. > [The Comprehensive National Geographic Magazine Collection.](http://www.hammacher.com/Product/77970?promo=Home&catid=0) Ten bucks cheaper direct from the National Geographic site. 😃 (I’m considering this as a Yule present.) ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2009, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammacher-schlemmer-more-money-than-sense/518458/23 "2009-11-23T22:27:59Z")
> [@](#): > > And what the hell is with $200 “nail extensions?” Unless they’re made of adamantium and can be retracted at will, I can’t even begin to comprehend what the point of this is. WANT. I’d be willing to pay considerably more than $200 for retractable adamantium fingernails/claws. CONSIDERABLY more. ---
**Author:** ![LeeshaJoy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8e8cbc/32.png) [@LeeshaJoy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LeeshaJoy)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2009, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammacher-schlemmer-more-money-than-sense/518458/24 "2009-11-23T22:39:58Z")
> [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](#): > > Speaking butler alarm clock (Gives Jeeves style wake-up calls). - - No alarm is good in the morning, and Jeeves is no exception. $99.95 What’s the exchange rate for Canadian to American dollars like these days? Because [ThinkGeek has that very item for thirty dollars cheaper.](http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/lights/aef3/) ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2009, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammacher-schlemmer-more-money-than-sense/518458/25 "2009-11-23T22:47:31Z")
> [@LeeshaJoy](#): > > What’s the exchange rate for Canadian to American dollars like these days? Because [ThinkGeek has that very item for thirty dollars cheaper.](http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/lights/aef3/) Canadian dollar is at $0.946 American. But ThinkGeek has steep shipping charges. ---
**Author:** ![Kolga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e56c9b/32.png) [@Kolga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolga)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2009, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammacher-schlemmer-more-money-than-sense/518458/26 "2009-11-23T22:49:19Z")
> [@aruvqan](#): > > I suppose the [stealth kitchen](http://www.yestertec.com/details.asp?cat=Individual_Workstations&id=19) would work… You know, I have a beautiful kitchen, really large and spacious, one wall of glass windows and a half of the roof is glass (like a greenhouse, almost), lots of counter space, it’s fabulous. And yet - I WANT ONE OF THOSE. So…badly… “Stealth Kitchen.” Heh. ---
**Author:** ![picunurse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@picunurse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picunurse)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2009, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammacher-schlemmer-more-money-than-sense/518458/27 "2009-11-23T22:57:23Z")
> [@Roland\_Orzabal](#): > > Ah, but without SkyMall, I would never have discovered that [LaserComb](http://www.hairmax.com/landing_regrowth.aspx) has _nine lasers_. Perfect for all those times you’re combing your hair, and suddenly find out you only have eight lasers, or worse, no lasers at all. The peace of mind alone is well worth the $500. Is this for getting that perfect comb-over? 😃 Here’s a tip, it still looks BAD. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2009, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammacher-schlemmer-more-money-than-sense/518458/28 "2009-11-24T03:02:21Z")
> [@robardin](#): > > But frying chips in oil is just that… You get any ol’ deep fryer, or just a stock pot filled partway with peanut or canola or whatever else kind of oil you like, and a wire basket to lower the potato strips. > > If this gizmo included auto-chipping, well, there’s always this kind of spiral thingy: > > [http://www.cookingtoys.com/spirooli-world-cuisine-vegetable-slicer.html](http://www.cookingtoys.com/spirooli-world-cuisine-vegetable-slicer.html) > > that makes it very easy too. > > I haven’t made chips myself this way but I saw it done at a farmstand selling fresh fried chips of various kinds (potato, sweet potato, squash and carrot) using this type of device and a vat of oil, it seemed pretty straightforward (and came out great). but that is the beauty of the thing … you puts taters in and chips/crisps come out … you dont have to sit there and babysit a deep frier. You can set it up by the tv =) add a beer dispenser fridge and you are all set! ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2009, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammacher-schlemmer-more-money-than-sense/518458/29 "2009-11-24T03:09:23Z")
> [@Kolga](#): > > You know, I have a beautiful kitchen, really large and spacious, one wall of glass windows and a half of the roof is glass (like a greenhouse, almost), lots of counter space, it’s fabulous. > > And yet - I WANT ONE OF THOSE. So…badly… > > “Stealth Kitchen.” Heh. what is so freaking neat is the drawer on the left side is a _dish washer_ … if for some reason mrAru died, I would actually consider moving into a gimp modified version of [this](http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/houses/z-glass/) with the kitchen abbreviated down to the stealth kitchen just so it would be easy for me to maintain. I am already converting the whole library to ebooks, and all my music is either ripped or downloaded, and I have a few ideas on how I would build it for maximum ecological efficiency since we have started to incorporate them into our current house. I ran across the house looking for a cottage plan online for a friend and thought it was just the absolute cutest place for a single person. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2009, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammacher-schlemmer-more-money-than-sense/518458/30 "2009-11-24T03:16:18Z")
I have the [Hideaway Elliptical Trainer](http://http://www.hammacher.com/Product/77158?promo=Sports-Leisure-Exercise&catid=230)–but I didn’t get it from HS, and it cost more like $80. It does provide “…the same _ **lower leg motion** _ as full-sized elliptical trainers…” but that isn’t enough for a decent workout. I found it hard to work up much of a sweat without using some supplemental hand weights. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2009, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammacher-schlemmer-more-money-than-sense/518458/31 "2009-12-16T16:56:05Z")
[http://computer-choppers.com/](http://computer-choppers.com/) Gold-plated Blackberrys, iPhones, PS3s, and Macbooks! Platinum-plated iMacs! Coming soon: jewel-encrusted PS3s! ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2009, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammacher-schlemmer-more-money-than-sense/518458/32 "2009-12-16T17:18:52Z")
> [@Kolga](#): > > “Stealth Kitchen.” Heh. Be warned, if you leave it out in the rain, the coatings will peel off and the kitchen can be detected on radar. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2009, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammacher-schlemmer-more-money-than-sense/518458/33 "2009-12-16T17:19:44Z")
I wish the people with too much money would just give it to me. But nooooo, they want a gold Blackberry instead. ---
**Author:** ![iamthewalrus\_3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/258eb7/32.png) [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2009, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammacher-schlemmer-more-money-than-sense/518458/34 "2009-12-16T22:42:22Z")
> [@aruvqan](#): > > My current [not actually an] obsession is tracking down an appliance … a home potato chip maker, you fill the vat with oil, and wash potatoes and put them in one end, and potato chips come out the other. But where do [the potatoes go?](http://thebreakfastclubclan.org/graphics/cartoons/cartoons_calvin_and_hobbes_mystery_bread(1000x324x256).gif) ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2009, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammacher-schlemmer-more-money-than-sense/518458/35 "2009-12-17T05:14:10Z")
The dawn simulator light has been the best alarm clock I’ve ever had. $50 well spent (amortized over 5 years). ---
**Author:** ![hellpaso](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ecae2f/32.png) [@hellpaso](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hellpaso)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2009, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammacher-schlemmer-more-money-than-sense/518458/36 "2009-12-17T17:52:24Z")
I have ordered from them occasionally. You just have to know what you are buying (like the National Geo noted above). Their “best” panini press is the Cuisineart Griddler–it’s just branded Hammacher Schlemmer. I did notice that their price is the same I paid for the Griddler at Chef’s Catalog. BTW–it really is the best! ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2009, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammacher-schlemmer-more-money-than-sense/518458/37 "2009-12-18T14:07:14Z")
I have been tempted to get one of those high-tech nose hair trimmers from the SkyMall catalog for my brother for Xmas. But I wouldn’t want him to take it the wrong way. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![vivalostwages](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d07c76/32.png) [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2010, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammacher-schlemmer-more-money-than-sense/518458/38 "2010-11-16T02:54:06Z")
> [@jjimm](#): > > That’s the Stephen Fry version, and therefore worth every penny. Darn right. I’ve got one and it was about 10 or 20 dollars less than that. A chunk, yes, but it’s Stephen Fry and he has a great voice! There are hundreds of different things he says, as well as a soothing routine he does with more voice acting and effects to help you get to sleep. Then you awaken to little birds chirping and Jeeves’ voice. Totally worth it. This flying car, however, is a bit out of my range: [http://www.hammacher.com/Product/11812?promo=homepage\_hero](http://www.hammacher.com/Product/11812?promo=homepage_hero) ---
**Author:** ![Markxxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5daacb/32.png) [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2010, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammacher-schlemmer-more-money-than-sense/518458/39 "2010-11-16T03:59:40Z")
People wonder why Charlie Sheen (who makes two million and episode) is wasting his money on hookers 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2010, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammacher-schlemmer-more-money-than-sense/518458/40 "2010-11-16T04:26:39Z")
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