Thanks for Nothing – Winter 2025

A few times a year we spotlight offers from companies that are real head-scratchers, are actually less generous than they appear, are just plain outrageous, or may simply elicit a chuckle. Here’s the new crop.

California Olive Oil

Rosemarie L. sent us this picture of two 100% extra virgin olive oil bottles from her local Shaw’s supermarket.

The one on the right, California Olive Ranch, was a dollar cheaper so she thought she would buy that one. That is until she read the bottom of the label.

*MOUSE PRINT:

Unlike the Signature store brand which is 100% from California, this one is only 10% from there. Thanks for nothing, California Olive Ranch.

American Blueberries

Tim C. wrote to us about this package of blueberries saying “it certainly leads you to believe you’re buying American-grown produce at first glance.

*MOUSE PRINT:

We agree. Thanks for nothing, American Blueberries, Inc.

Macy’s Black Friday Sale

Back in August, we complained about Wayfair’s problematic search engine that returned over 9,000 results when looking for a blood pressure monitor when in fact they only had 10 real listings.

Well, what Macy’s did last month during their Black Friday sale makes Wayfair’s tech people look like geniuses.

*MOUSE PRINT:

Even the most ardent bargain hunter will not go through over 150,000 sale items in search of a great deal. Thanks for nothing, Macy’s.

Get $5 Off Any P&G Product?

MrConsumer was very excited to get this email from Procter & Gamble seemingly promising $5 off on any item. That is what the email subject said, and that is what the big print said in the body of the email.

Only in smaller print in the email did P&G reveal the true nature of the offer. They weren’t offering a $5 off coupon, but rather…

*MOUSE PRINT:

Thanks for nothing, P&G.

OmegaXL – Satisfaction Guaranteed?

Many mail order products come with a free trial or a satisfaction or your money back guarantee to help consumers feel better about trying something new. This joint supplement called OmegaXL has a most unusual policy, however.

*MOUSE PRINT:

If you tried it and you were not satisfied, you can’t return it because their policy requires that the package must be unopened and unused.

Thanks for nothing, OmegaXL.

If you find a product policy, offer, or advertisement suitable for this section, please send it along to Edgar (at symbol) MousePrint.org . Thanks.