Hang tags on small appliances

[fan-of-fans]

Something I like about old small appliances is those little cardboard or paper info tags that hung from them on a string. Some of them had a little spot where the price could be written. What was the purpose of these? I could see maybe for appliances on display in a store, to provide info, but otherwise I'm not sure why these were included with ever unit.

Some of my old GE fans have these and my Sunbeam Mixmaster does too.

Maybe back in the day before things started having to have so many safety instructions and manuals stating what seems obvious, these were basically all the paperwork you got with an item. I noticed that some of my earlier GE fans seem to have a few instructions on their hang tag, but no owners manual, while GE fans from the 70s have both a hang tag stating only features as well as a Use and Care Book with warnings about not sticking things in the blades or using on wet surfaces, etc. IE, obvious but preventing liability issues.

I rarely see new appliances with them, but I did buy a new Vornado retro fan that has one on it. But oddly, another Vornado I got doesn't have one.

I just like having these little tags for old stuff, it makes a nice display.

 

[turquoisedude]

They were likely included to remind the buyer that they made the 'right' choice but I'll bet they were also used by owners to outline the features of an appliance to friends, neighbours, etc.
Or perhaps someone had visited the future and realized 'These things are going to be sought-after collectibles in 50 years'... LOL

 

[jamiel]

If you think back when there were independent appliance/hardware/homegoods retailers on Main Street of Anytown, USA those tags would have been useful when displays were created in the front windows, to show Milady the wonders of the small appliance she saved the egg money for. I noticed in Germany 15 years or so ago there was still a heritage of Main Street shopping and display...although big-boxing is there, it is significantly later than it hit the USA.