Merchandise

The Red Passion consumer guide

Up for the cups

Well, as I promised last time, I’ve been working hard checking out the products in the WFC Merchandise magazine. For this first "consumer test" I decided to go for the easy-to-test products, something that we all use everyday, drinking utensils (or to give them their proper name, mugs and cups). All the products can be found on page 6 of the brochure.

I plumped first for the coffee mugs, priced at a very reasonable £3.00 each – you can’t buy better in my opinion. There are two types of mug on offer, one featuring the fixture list and the other showing the WFC badge (my choice in this instance). Well, what can I say about the coffee mug? They are good value for money, they do what they are supposed to do, and it helped brighten up my boring office during breaktime!!

My second choice was the pint mug sporting the WFC badge. The only negative thing I have to say about this was the weight of the thing. If you are like me, and a feeble seven-stone weakling, you may find the mug a bit heavy when full. This will be no problem to any of you pint swilling, macho types, but something to think about if buying for someone as pathetic as me (I know there’s not many of us about though). I decided to give the silver tankard a miss this time, mainly due to the expense, but it does look good, but in a more "ornamental" way rather than an everyday kind of thing. The hot and cold beaker was a bit of novelty, but I wonder whether anyone really needs something that keeps a drink hot or cold, unless of course you are an exceptionally slow drinker!

I also sampled the plastic pint pots which are on sale in the shop – OK strictly speaking they are not part of the merchandise catalogue but a drinking utensil is a drinking utensil when all is said and done! I bought two of these and they again proved to be worth their weight in gold – at only £1.00 each I highly recommend these!! One problem I did find with these though was that they have a kind of "lip" around the rim which can make it difficult from. If you are taking dainty sips then you are fine, but if you’re really thirsty then there is a tendency to dribble, so be careful!! But for that price, what do you want?

I must confess I did purchase the children’s breakfast set too for my little cousin’s birthday (he is five and already is a devoted fan of the Robins), but I can give it my highest recommendation. I know it doesn’t strictly qualify as a drinking utensil, but it is on the same page!! This set is sooooo cute and ideal for the younger fans!

So, generally I have been very impressed with the products on page 6. I can’t really fault anything so far, it is all good value for money and, in my opinion, worth buying (obviously not everything, but you know what I mean).

Who knows what I will look at next time. I really am spoilt for choice – the red and white wig on page 5 looks interesting...See you next time shoppers!!

Jackie Beedle