Every time publicists pitch me their client's product and then demand that it be returned after the segment is taped, I always decline to show their product. And I even hear this request from publicists representing $5 items. 

A producer friend of mine has a few choice words when people tell her she has to return product and while I can't repeat what she says here; I personally always politely tell them it benefits their client to leave the product sample in my sample closet.  Why?  Because I'm often called last minute to tape a television segment or do a live segment (Still can't believe I was up when I was called at 2AM to do a last minute segment!) 

The producer sometimes has an idea of what they would like me to show. Other times, they just want me to bring products I have and create a segment with a timely theme. And that is why it is my belief that smart companies finish first.  

Here are the companies that were included in tomorrow's 5 o'clock CBS News segment here in Manhattan. They all have founders or reps who were smart enough to never ever question that leaving product with me in case an opportunity arose was the right thing to do.  It allowed me to tape the segment this morning without making frantic calls asking for product to be messengered to me if the company was in Manhattan. And if they weren't located in Manhattan, they would have totally just missed out.

MD Moms Baby Silk SPF sunscreen wipes 
<a href="http://www.mdmoms.com ">http://www.mdmoms.com </a>

Protect-a-Bub Sun Protective Swim Wear 
<a href="http://www.protectabub.com ">http://www.protectabub.com </a>

Tilley Kids Top Notch Toppers 
<a href="http://www.tilley.com ">http://www.tilley.com </a>

Who's Shoes child ID kit 
<a href="http://www.whosshoesid.com ">http://www.whosshoesid.com </a>

Wander Wear easy to spot t-shirt and 2 1/2" clip on tag 
<a href="http://www.wander-wear.com  ">http://www.wander-wear.com  </a>

Parents of Invention Sidekick diaper bag with built in child carrier 
<a href="http://www.parentsofinvention.com">www.parentsofinvention.com</a>