10 Ways to Chop an Onion – Why Branding is Essential for Direct Response Advertising

As someone who loves onions, but hates getting the smell on my hands when I cut them, I was recently in the market for one of the great Direct Response Advertising products of all time –the Onion Chopper. 

A Google search turned up over 75 products, and numerous mechanisms for cutting the onion.  What was even more interesting is how well developed the product lifecycle is for this product.  I found everything from a refined German branded-chopper for $25.00, to the classic Slap Chop, priced at $27.90 (including shipping and handling for two units).   Several made-in-China and India manufacturers are now making non-branded products due to the popularity of incumbent brands. 

The key takeaway seems to be that if you have a successful product, you won’t be alone at the party for long, in fact the room is likely to get crowded quickly.  Having a strong brand from the start can help maintain price levels, and customer acquisition even when competition becomes stiff. 

I hope you’ll enjoy the rather eclectic selection of products below that help consumers chop onions in just about every conceivable way: 

1. SLAP CHOP “Dice Chop and Mince Food In Seconds”

Slap Chop Onion Cutter
Price:
Two for $19.95 + $7.95 Shipping & Handling

 

2. LEIFHEIT “Comfort Chopper”

LEIFHEIT Food Chopper
Price:
$25.00 + Shipping & Handling 
Description:
Established in 1996 to bring the quality and luxury of European housewares into American homes, Leifheit International USA, Inc. is today enjoying a level of popularity that’s making its esteemed German parent, Leifheit AG*, quite proud. 

 

3. OXO FOOD CHOPPER “Tools You Hold Onto”

OXO Food Chopper
Price:
$21.00 + Shipping & Handling 
Description:
OXO is dedicated to providing innovative consumer products that make everyday living easier.

 

4. RONCO “Veg-a-Matic Vegetable Chopper”

RONCO Veg-a-Matic
Price:
$21.99 + Shipping & Handling 
Description:
Ron “Ronco” Popeil is one of America’s unique inventors. Over the past 40 years, his products have pulled in more than $2 billion in sales. Ron was voted by Self Magazine readers as one of the 25 people who have changed the way we eat, drink and think about food. And, he’s still going strong.

 

5. NEMCO “Easy Flowering Onion Cutter”

NEMCO Easy Flowering Onion Cutter
Price:
$307.00 + Shipping & Handling 
Description:
For the authentic cut that lets you serve today’s most profitable, great-tasting appetizers—for a return of 700 percent or more! The Easy Flowering Onion Cutter produces these high profit specialties fast and oh, so easy. Just one stroke turns a colossal onion into a colossal, flowering favorite. Then batter, bread and deep fry. Adapter base lets you use smaller onions as well. Sturdy, all-metal construction for long life.

 

6. VIDALLIA “Chop Wizard”

VIDALLIA Chop Wizard
Price:
$19.95 + $7.95 Shipping & Handling 
Description:
The Vidalia Chop Wizard is a better way to chop vegetables, fruit, cheese and more. With the Vidalia Chip Wizard, you will chop your kitchen prep time in half giving you more time to enjoy your delicious dishes. Make fresh tomato salsa, perfect stir-fry, juicy fruit salads, and more, quickly and easily.

 

7. DUALETTO “Steam Powered Chopper”

DUALETTO Steam Powered Chopper
Price:
Two for $26.99 + Shipping & Handling

 

8. WESTON “Multi-Food Chopper”

WESTON Multi-Food Chopper
Price:
$32.99 + Shipping & Handling 
Description:
Meat and game processing. Pasta, wine and sauce making. Fresh, homemade foods just got simpler. Weston has what you need to create delicious foods at home.

 

9. SKY PRODUCTS “Chilly Onion Slicer”

SKY PRODUCTS Chilly Onion Slicer
Price:
$14.99 + Shipping & Handling 
Description:
Incorporated in the year 2006, Sky Products is swiftly flourishing and blooming in its respective domain. Leading the industry as the most prominent manufacturer and exporter of a tremendous range of kitchen accessories we offer a very distinguished range of eminent products to our clients all over the world. Our dedicated and magnificent efforts have helped us to carve out a niche of our own in the industry.

 

10. PROGRESSIVE “Onion Cutter”

PROGRESSIVE Onion Cutter
Price:
$39.95 + Shipping & Handling 
Description:
Make delicious vegetable platters at home with the Progressive Vegetable Cutter. Great for slicing carrots, celery, peppers and zucchini. The Vegetable cutter is also excellent for slicing potatoes into homemade French fries.