I have trouble sometimes distinguishing between what I want and what I need.
I’m the guy who grabs a candy bar or magazine or soda or all three while I stand in line at the store.
A lot of times, I regret buying anything as soon as I hand over my money, but it’s too late. I have tried to limit my impulse purchases and have actually made progress in recent years.
Then I saw the Shamwow advertised on TV and all that work went right our the door.
I need this thing.
In case you haven’t seen the commercials on TV, Shamwow is “like a towel, chamois and sponge all in one except it’s extremely absorbent and can be used over and over.” At least that’s what the website says.
I sat mesmerized by the things the cloth did on the commercial. All sensibility went out of my brain.
It’s a good thing they don’t see Shamwow in stores because I would have at least a dozen now. Having to order via the phone gave me pause, but now I know I can order online, which is pretty dangerous.
I also hesitated because I had put so much work into taking time to know the difference between something I need and something I want. That debate ended when my wife saw the commercial.
“We need that,” she said. And if Maria wants to buy something they advertise on TV, you know they came up with one of the greatest sales pitches known to man.
So I have her on board, but I haven’t quite sold her on my idea of laying Shamwows end to end in the basement. We have gotten rid of a lot of the leaking problems down there, but this would totally solve it.
According to the commercial, we could just pick up each Shamwow, wring it out, and lay it back down. The floor would be perfectly dry even after a heavy rain. I think it’s a genius idea, but we’ll see if I can ever make it happen.
You would think that we would just buy the Shamwow and be done with it. But -as they say on these wonderful commercials – that’s not all.
We also need to buy the Package Shark. This great little tool helps you cut through all that stupid hard plastic that they package so many stinking things in these days. I’ve almost not bought things in the past just because I knew opening it would take all my sanity.
We both looked at each other the first time we saw the Package Shark commercial and agreed we had to have that thing in our house.
I blame the television writers and producers for all of this. If they had agreed to a contract, we wouldn’t be trolling the higher reaches of the digital cable lineup for things to watch. And that’s where these commercials run most frequently.
Even thinking about these kinds of things is unlike us. We never watch the shopping channels unless it’s to make fun of the products and the people selling them. We don’t want infomercials.
But that’s the power of Shamwow and the Package Shark. They are more alluring than a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in the Aisle at the grocery store.
I bet I could open one of those with a Package Shark. And wipe my mouth with a Shamwow. I can’t wait.
washed it and tried to put it back to the stick, (instruction stupid)
plastic immediatly was broken, it is on damn warranty, but you need to send them $8 and your shipping cost $10
Product is bad, warranty is deceptive
Do not buy
where can i find a shamwow in stores?
you should really get more information on the shamwows and more pictures.you guys don’t do a good job explaining stuff on the computer. you guys need help from a journalist.or at least get more information on this stuff. or get help from the person who made it.bye
shamwow does not work…
ShamWow the best most absorbent towel of all many use it flat and not folded, you have to use it folded and wash it as soon as you get it as it says in the instructions… see READ THE INSTRUCTIONS
I love Shamchowder its delicious!!!
I tried the ShamWow because I got suckered in by the infomercial. Got it in Bed Bath and Beyond to boot. Of course it doesn’t work as good as it does on the commercial, but it does work pretty good at absorbing the water. You need to squeeze the water out (quite frequently) and use it again. Unlike towels, which takes FOREVER to dry, the Shams dry pretty fast and still absorb a lot of water even when damp. My friend has two golden retrievers and in the past, giving them a bath and DRYING them was a complete nightmare. The Shams actually had them dried up in no time.
Well, the shamwows are finally at Wal-mart. So, now you can go buy them, and if they don’t work you can return them… Me and my friends made a shamwow parody called THE Scamwow, and ut ti on youtube……Ya’ll should check it out, the vid is posted buy rhstuba, and the title is exaclty THE Scamwow
For everyone waiting for the Shamwow or any product that says “as seen on T.V.” Walgreens carry all these item and there is no shipping!
You can see a video shamwow review to see if it really works.
they sell these at petsmart now. I bought one being a car guy
and after washing my car it did not wick the water away. Little
water beads were left all over the car. It did pull water off the
car, so it my do ok for spills. I would not reccomend this for washing cars though.
N
they sell it at walgreens
Shamwow should be called scamwow. I was always looking for something better to dry the car after hand washing. The scamwow does nothing but smear the water around. I received the 8 pack as a Christmas gift. Only 19.99 at Walgreens Pharmacy.
It’s junk, I’m back to using my old bath towels. I’d just like to find out how to send it back and let them know what I think.
I have seen a few people that made snuggies out of shamwows. Best of both worlds! and easy spill clean up. lol
I can’t believe how many fake comments there on here. Almost every other person is attempting to sell them and referring you somewhere that you can by them. Haha hell there is even a shamwow ad on this page. Don’t some of you feel stupid for buying all this garbage?
Seems that a lot of people like to post opinions. Here is mine:
The sham wow, camelback super chamois, etc., are all made from rayon. The method of manufacture is known as “viscose”, but some German companies spell it “viskose.” (More information than anyone could possibly want can be found on Wikipedia.)
I have been using products similar to those being advertised today for at least twenty years and have found that they perform as advertised. They do work best when damp, and those described as “heavy weight” are best for drying a car or large wet dog.
Is camelback chamois the same as the sham wow?
I just bought the Shamwow Last Friday from Bed Bath and Beyond. I am a porter.so far, im pretty happy with it…I think it works, you just have to ring it out alot to avoid streaking…However, my co-workers think it sucks…IDK, I use it on my car, I think it works great. You can always return it…
Shamwow sucks big time. It is one of the biggest pieces of crap I’ve ever bought. It wouldn’t dry my car, it wouldn’t soak up a puddle of water. I don’t know how Vince kept a straight face while making that infomercial.
I GOT SHAMWOW! I GOT SHAMWOW! Best present ever.
I bought a couple of “Camelback Super Chamios” from a car show we had in SLC a weekend ago. According to the salesman they own or affiliated with “sham wow”. Anyways, I watched the demonstration Live. Me and my kisd were belly up to the table so I saw the same soda on carpet demonstration and everything. If the same demonstration on tv seemed to change (soda before, change angles and no soda visible after), and he did it on purpose, it was unessary. I was impressed and bought 2 bundles(4 large, 4 small) for about $25. Got them home and the first thing my girl friend did was “accidentally” spill a glass of water on the carpet. The chammy DID NOT WORK! but we tried it dry, and before washing it. I washed them in the washing machine (they had a chemical smell when new) and let them dry natutrally, then we tried the experiment again with a wetted and wrung chammy. It WORKED! in fact, after doing the same thing the guy does on the infomercial, the carped was just a little damp. The best part was that the spot we experimented on was a clean spot on the rug now. I don’t know how that works, but we use a steam cleaner regurlally on the carpets. I may need to steam clean and try the experiment again.
Anyways, I just wanted to give my 2 cents.
Alright I have read every post on here. What I have come up with is that the shamwow’s in stores suck and ordering them off of the tv or off of the site is a terrible idea. I have also learned that apparently the (shamwow’s?) sold in the clear tubes are way better. Where can I get the ones in the tubes? I have seen the ones in boxes at Walmart but I haven’t seen any in tubes. Help?
I sounds like most of these morons did not wet the towel before using it. If you can’t follow the simple instruction then don’t complain.Commonsense people.
Anybody who actually believes that sheisty looking idiot on the Shamwow infomercial is retarted. And if you actually waste even the smallest amount of money on something as useless as the Shamwow then i look forward to marketing a useless product one day and ripping each and every one of you off.
Everyone is sucked in cus of vince and his speech lol
-John
I’m not usually a person to read blogs and chat rooms, but I sure am glad I read these. I will be looking for the chamois in the store – not the ShamWow. (Heck, they don’t even spell chamois right, so…) Thanks everyone for your informative opinions!
I am so glad I finally purchased these. Here is my review of them if anyone is interested:
Shamwow Review
I’ve been scammed by this company. I never recieved their product. I then tried to request a credit to my account. There’s nobody to contact at their company via phone, and they never respond to my emails. These people are scammers.
From knowing it’s made in Germany, I have a feeling this is either the same or a very similar product to Vileda’s window cloth. Vileda is a German firm that makes cleaning products like mops, sponges, etc., and I used to buy their products when I lived abroad. The window cleaning cloth is the same orange color, has a “chamois” type texture, and also absorbs like crazy after it’s been laundered once or twice. It was great for windows because it left no fibers on the surface. I have a sneaking suspicion that this “Shamwow” is the very same product, renamed and repurposed. Some Vileda products are available in the U.S. but I’m not sure about this one. Where I lived, it was on sale in the cleaning products aisle of the supermarket and cost maybe $4 or so. If it is the same product, I would say it’s a good addition to your cleaning arsenal but you have to run it through the wash a couple of times before it starts absorbing properly instead of just pushing the liquid around.
Actually ShamWow isn’t bad at all. But do not order from TV, it’s usually more expensive on TV. You can buy 2 for the price of 1 at http://www.shamwows.info
I haven’t left the house since I saw my first Shamwow infomercial. I have contacted the company and my local law enforcement, but no one has told me what to do if I run into one of those “Beware of Shamwow imitators.” Has anyone been accosted by one? Are they dangerous or what? When my courage is building, along comes another commercial for Shamwow and that awsome warning about the imitators.
@Patty – I thought you were here to enjoy my funny commentary.
@Steve – waste, not waist. Sheesh
@I’mnotgonnatryandspellyourlongusername – paragraphs are your friend, dude.
And heck if you insist It’s German made product you want, I just found on Ebay for 9.99 4 large Chamois cloths including shipping! Large defined as 21″ x 27″. I just bought a set, heck for 2.50 a piece, I think that is worth the risk.
Hmmm yeah i see the points about the ScamWow. any commercial that uses deceptive advertising, just like that soda trick, definitely is a good warning to stay away from. Thin? hmmm, I believe it? Hidden S & H? Another thing to definetely watch out for. Made In Germany? Who cares? All countries make something, some good some bad, just because it came out of a country doesn’t mean it’s a good or bad thing. It’s the product itself. Another thing to consider, Anytime you try to buy anything on the phone or online, your information gets sold sold sold, to lots of other advertisers. The Do Not Call LIST? Ha what a joke, how can you beat a prerecorded call about your car warranty expiring? HA I don’t even own a newer car! So if you are to buy something like this? Well Try and auction site or a site like Amazon. And use paypal at every turn you can, to keep as little of your info from going out as possible. I once bought that Nice and Smooth hair removal creme advertised, when I ordered they tried to sell me a vitamin supplement, I said no, several times. I got it in the mail just the same, then later got a bill for 60.00 a month to keep em coming. Boy did I fight, I called and chewed them out, told them I refused the order. Their response? WE have to check the recording of the time you ordered, Takes a week, if we find you were sent this by mistake you just send the product back and you will not be charged the 60 a month. I still ended up paying for that one bottle I told them no in the first place for. So yeah, basically beware, Even in the event you get a live person, and you refuse any additional products, It could still happen to you…
don’t waist your money on the shamwow. If you want the real chamois that the pros use check out the water sprite chamois, google it. They are bad ass I am an aircraft detailer and I use them every day. I will not use anything else. They are the REAL DEAL. They are more expensive but they will last for years. I promise you will not be sorry. Oh and it does take a few uses to break them in.
I agree with Daphney – aren’t we trying to help one another on this site so we don’t get screwed on a purchase? Let’s keep the personal insults out of it – regardless if its a simple observation or not – keep the topic on the product.
Shamwow sucks. The clear tobe shammy is worthwile. I frequently use shammys, and have tried many, and the shamwow is by far the worst. Cheap terry cloths work much better. These are just a thick piece of felt, wet or dry they are not absorbent, and can not draw up water like a paper towel. Do Not buy!!!!
even if the shamwow worked as amazing as the informercial says, i would NEVER buy it because they had to use deceitful advertising to pull it off!
watch the infomercial again. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJEKqI1e714
watch the part where he pours soda on the carpet patch.. it overspills ALL OVER the counter.. cut back to the carpet before he starts to absorb it, the counter is bone dry!!
OMG!
stupid people who actually bought this..
http://www.toolsnow.com/browse.cfm/4,%201510.html
$1. Beat that.
Anyone try the magic jack??? Any comments Thanks. What can I say I’m a sucker for infommercials, I’ll never learn.
This product is useless kitchen floor it just moved the water around and as for drying the dog you would be better off with an old towel. WASTE OF MONEY
Ditto about the chamois in the clear tubes. My wife got one 5yrs ago I believe from walmart. And it still works great! Was thinking about the Shamwows but, I’ll wait till they hit the main stream market (eg. Target, Walmart, etc) before I try them, at least its easier to return than through the mail.
Cheers
If you use them properly , like a chamois is to be used, wet. They work well. But not as well as the ones sold in store that come in the clear tube. They are your best bet $20 and I have had mine for about 8 years.
Kyle – thanks. The traffic generated by this one post is astounding. I think Shamwow owes me some free stuff.
I ordered some Shamwow the other day and I am still waiting for it to arrive. I’m an avid car washer, I keep my car pretty much spotless and the idea of not having to use two huge bath towels to wash my car appealed to me. I think I’ll do what some people have said and wash them before I use them. Also, for the record I was not charged $49.99. I don’t know what this other guy got himself into, but I only paid $19.95 with $7.95 shipping and handling for a total of $27.90. The charge is already on my checking account statement, so I know it’s not any more than that. Perhaps this person also ordered their other items…they have a Shamwow mop and some other items that I declined to order. Anyway, I’m looking forward to it and I’ll let you know how it goes.
P.S. Regular Guy…I found your blog by Googling Shamwow. This blog was hilarious and I’ll have to read your other ones. Keep them coming.
Daphney, Uncle Hulka (and the admin of the site) has a message for you … Lighten up.
Besides, who spells their name Daphney?
To Donna – is there some reason you feel compelled to insult someone who is simply contributing to the discussion. I yet am to figure out what your comment contributed – oh yes, nothing. If I were you, I’d would just stay off this discussion until you feel you can be respectful.
Who spills this much water?
To Patricia…if you need a shamwow to help you not spill water all over the floor when you dry dishes or wipe water from the counter without flinging it all over the place then maybe you should just stay out of the kitchen!
It sounds like it works like a chamois that it has to be wet before it becomes more absorbent. I am not tempted to try the SHAMWOW. I will however wait until they show up at Walgreen’s with all the informercial things. Sometimes when I’m lucky they show up at Bed Bath & Beyond, and even Walmart.
That Mighty Putty stuff is awesome!
I bought one of the SHAMWOW packages of of a TV ad. WARNING! The shipping price is NOT LISTED. It was advertised for 8 large and 8 wash rag size for $18.95 PLUS SHIPPING. We were billed for $49.99! THE REMAINDER MUST BE FOR SHIPPING AND HANDLING WHICH IS NEVER DISCLOSED IN THE AD. When I dialed the toll free number I reached a nonhuman voice recognition machine that took the order and I had no way to ask for the shipping! When the package arrived there was NO INVOICE, OR EXPLANATION OF THE OUTRAGEOUS S&H CHARGE, and NO WAY TO CONTACT THEM! Even if the Shamwows were perfect, they are’nt worth the deception!
Ya know, I wish I had the lack-of-integrity required to sell crap like this, sure looks like there’s a LOT of suckers to get rich on with it!
How unamerican of me to remain poor, like integrity matters..sheesh I’m dumb.
I found your website informative and I too will wait to see if ShamWow is sold in stores. I am sure if they are really that good that they will be sold in stores and then if they do not preform as stated there is some place to return them.
Thanks for help in making an informed decision.
I am thinking about buying Shamwow, but I keep finding mixed reviews on every site I come across. I guess I will just wait and see if they will be sold in stores so it’ll save money on shipping.
I agree with Tamara, the green bags DO work!
I am also glad I decided to do a bit of research before spending my hard earned money, Its great to have sites where we can find this real life info and not another info-mercial! Thanks.
I was researching the Shamwow before I dropped some of my hard earned Lincoln’s in the mail, and unless the infomercial guy wants to send me one to try for free- no shipping, no handling- no way am I buying one. Looks like the concensus is felt made in Germany….Thanks for saving me $19.95 plus shipping and handling!
Definitely a sham. I got ripped off too. Piece of felt? you bet, and nothing more. except for the ‘made in germany’ stamp. which it probably isn’t, that really wouldn’t make sense. do – not – buy!
totally SUCK! These things are like a sheet of felt… very light weight so picking up several times its own weight doesn’t say much. also, after they pick up the main amount of liquid they WILL NOT pick up the last bit! Get a completely dry shamwow and rub it on a barely moistened countertop and it will just spread the liquid around a little more. like i said before… it’s just a glorified sheet of felt.
don’t get bent over like i did.
I have been thinking about getting those Shamwows too, so I did a web search to find reviews and it brought me here LOL I don’t wanna throw my money away on something that doesn’t work.
BTW, those Debbie Meyer Green Bags DO WORK!
I bought some shamwows….I love them, I bought 8 of them. So, I have a lifetime supply…I love them. I use them to dry my dishes on and water does not spill all over the floor…They wipe up the counter without the water flinging all over the place….I washed mine before using…maybe that is why they soak up the first time instead of moving the water around…I suggest you give them another chance. I was unsure after I ordered. I was like, oh no, what did I do…But after getting them, I can’t live without them.
i get hypnotized about those steam cleaners
look as this whipes through sticky soda
watch as the mud on the floor goes away with the magic of steam!! and its yours for a price of 100 dollars
i had to tell my brain u know..hot water makes steam and u get it for free out of the faucet
If you watch the video you’ll notice the soda spill has leaked out in front of the rug then when he’s about to clean it up … its gone.. even before he started!
He’s the one selling them on Ebay!
I just received my Shamwow a week ago, it sucks. I used it to dry my car, all it did was spread the water around, I finally got tried of using it and went and got a towel out. The towel works 100% better. I even used it to dry off my dog and his a short hair dog, didnt absobed very little water, dog was still wet, got a towel. Dont waste your money, rip off.
We definitely have to get one now.
And, by the way, thanks to everyone who has made this the most viewed post ever on my site.
The Shamwow’s are great. We bought a set and loved them so much we just bought 5 more sets off of ebay!! Someone is selling them on there for $19.95 and FREE SHIPPING!! How can you beat that??????????
Does the shamwow work as advertised?
DUDE! That’s awesome. Only my overwhelming laziness has kept me from buying Shamwow so far.
Isn’t it funny how some of those infomercials suck you right in. I bet you could use the Shamwow to clean out your George Foreman Grill, and then hang it up on a Hercules Hook until you need it again.