Martha McGee, Come on Down!

What does it take to get the coveted “COME ON DOWN!” invitation on The Price is Right? 

Heck if I know.  OK, I realize that wasn’t the insightful answer you were hoping for, but contestant selection criterion is a closely guarded secret. One woman attended more than 60 tapings before she was called.

A Long Day
This was a celebratory girls’ trip to LA for a 50th birthday and we felt very festive in our bright tees with matching pink banner.  Pre-ordered tickets carry no guarantee of admittance, so we arrived outside the studio at 4:30 a.m., and fell in behind more than 50 earlier arrivals.
Once inside, no cameras or cell phones were allowed.  We were lined up, given forms to fill out, and a number/nametag.  Staffers checked IDs before sending us to the photo-op station. After all, we wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to purchase an 8” x 10” glossy.  We were paraded past merchandise with the logo and Drew’s Picture for another wonderful purchasing opportunity, and sent for a quick ID-verification picture which ensured no one switched tags once inside. 
There’s nothing random about the selection process.  Groups of ten were interviewed by ‘The Decider’.  Some people acted wild and crazy, others crafted clever answers to the questions, but no one had any idea who might be destined for fame and possible fortune.
The studio was much smaller than anticipated.   The magic of ‘lights and camera’ adds a certain glamour that is seriously lacking in the real thing.  We were not the only ones with Today-Is-My-Birthday shirts, so Drew Carey thrilled several celebrants with special recognition during commercial breaks. 
Acoustics were terrible!  One dedicated staffer kept the audience clapping, shouting, and cheering constantly.  Stagehands held up the names of the folks being called to “Come On Down!”  Without visual cues, there might well have been no one jumping up and racing to the front. 
Martha McGee, Come on Down!
No one calls me Martha.  My name is Marty….but they were verifying against legal documents.  After all, this is a show for the advertisers, not the contestants.  As marketing people, we should all appreciate that.
Though I listened carefully, on contestant’s row I couldn’t hear as the pots and pans were being described. I did manage to catch part of the name, but it wasn’t one I recognized.  I took my best guess (mindful NOT to overbid.)  My $425 for the Ameriware Cookware was way too low. With a guess of $810, another contestant was propelled up the stairs and onto the stage where he eventually bid for the fabulous showcase prize.  (Darn, I sure would like to know what makes Ameriware worth $1200, or more than twice the price of Calphalon!)
Prize Surprise

• California income taxes are charged on larger prizes and must be paid in advance of prize shipment.
• Winners may not advertise their prize for sale as Price is Right merchandise. 
• Trip-winners have 12 months to travel and may not sell or give away their trips. 
• Car winners work with a local dealer and apply the value of the prize to their choice of car.

I am eagerly awaiting shipment of my consolation prizes, an MP3 package and a Game package.  While I’m not sure exactly what either of these ‘packages’ contain, I decided to welcome the gifts, pay the taxes, and enjoy the great memories of a long day in LA.

Watch the show
(note, my one minute of fame came at minute 24)