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Avon Books published a spoof catalogue. They sold 8 million copies and had people calling to buy the ridiculous products!
In 1982, Avon Books published a spoof L.L. Bean catalog written by a humorist called Alfred Gingold. "Items from Our Catalog" was filled with ridiculous items for sale. For example: Edible moccasins and nose warmers. It was intended to be a joke.
One problem: They forgot to clarify that the products were a joke. The catalog was a success: It sold over 8 million copies and received a sequel the next year. Hundreds of people didn't realize that the catalog was fake and tried to call Avon to buy the stuff.
Interestingly, Avon did not include any contact information. People were looking up their phone and address to get in touch with them. Some people even mailed them checks with the items they wanted to order!
