Ask Punny Money: Frequently Asked Questions About "The Price Is Right"
Author: Nick
Category: Money
Topics: entertainment, mail
An anonymous reader sent in this question about my favorite game show, The Price Is Right.
Any idea what happens to all those prizes that go un-won by contestants? Do they give them to charity or just throw them away? Or maybe the show’s staff gets to take them home sometimes.
Good guesses, but most of the prizes don’t even “belong” to The Price Is Right in the first place. They belong to the prize supplier (usually the manufacturer), so they do whatever they like with prizes that nobody wins. In some cases, the show does purchase prizes on its own, but those are generally the smaller prizes used to help contestants win the bigger prizes. So if the show’s staff gets to take anything home with them, it’s probably nothing bigger than a can of corn.
Other Frequently Asked Questions About The Price Is Right
How do I go from being an ordinary person to a contestant on The Price Is Right?
The process is pretty simple, but you’ll still need a lot of luck to make it to Contestants’ Row.
- Make sure you’re eligible. The primary eligibility requirement for appearing on The Price Is Right is age. You must be at least 18 years old. Other than that, anyone can sit in the audience, even citizens of other countries.
- Get tickets. You can obtain free tickets to sit in The Price Is Right audience either online, by mail, or in person. The game’s CBS website has information on obtaining tickets as well as available air dates.
- Bring along the necessary documentation. Other than your ticket, you’ll also need proof of identification and social security number (for tax purposes). Forget any of these three items and you won’t have a chance of appearing in Contestants’ Row.
- Go to the taping. You’ll have to pay your own way to Hollywood. Arrive very early the day of the taping. You’ll get a name tag and an ID number, and eventually you’ll be pulled for a quick interview with a member of the show’s staff.
- Give it your all. During your interview, it’s important to be excited. But be careful of coming off as “fake.” Generally people who are naturally excited and happy will be the ones that the producers select for Contestants’ Row.
- Enjoy the show. With a bit of luck, you’ll be one of the nine audience members who make it to Contestants’ Row. Don’t hold your breath–the studio holds 325 people who are just as eager as you to spin the big wheel!
I just won a car/jacuzzi/player piano on The Price Is Right. How do I get it home?
The show ships all prizes to your home. They cover the shipping costs. If you live outside the United States, you’ll need to provide a U.S. shipping address such as a customs agent. You are responsible for shipping charges outside the U.S.
Do I have to pay taxes on any money or prizes I win?
You don’t have to, just like the IRS doesn’t have to throw you in jail for not paying your taxes (but they’ll do it anyway). Yes, you must pay taxes on your winnings. If you win cash, the producers will typically deduct local taxes from that amount and give you a check for the difference. If you win a prize, you’ll get a 1099 and either have to pay the taxes yourself or forfeit your prize. Contrary to popular belief, you cannot simply take the cash value of the prize. Car winners also pay their own vehicle tag and registration fees.
How much in cash and prizes has The Price Is Right given away?
Since it began airing in 1972, the show has given away more than $200 million worth of cash and prizes. That’s close to $6 million in prize winnings each year!
I’m planning a trip to Hollywood to sit in The Price Is Right audience. Any tips if I should make it down to Contestants’ Row?
My biggest tip for contestants comes into play during the first 30 seconds of each show. If you are called as one of the four opening contestants, there is no rule dictating which of the four positions you must take. When you watch the show, it seems that contestants generally fill in Contestants’ Row from left to right (or from right to left if you’re viewing the Row from the audience point of view). This is very, very stupid. You should always aim to take the right-most position (the left-most from the audience viewpoint). That is because the person on the far right bids last in the opening round, and bidding last gives a distinct advantage. Bonus tip: If someone beats you to the far-right spot, you can suggest that they move to the “correct” spot further to the left.
I’ve been on The Price Is Right once already. Am I eligible to attend again?
You can be in the audience as many times as you like. You may only appear in Contestants’ Row once in your lifetime.
Where does The Price Is Right get the “actual retail price” used for pricing games?
The prices of items used in the games usually come straight from the manufacturer. It’s quite likely that you’ll find the item at a cheaper price in stores. This may explain why contestants tend to severely underbid on expensive items.
Have another question about The Price Is Right? Ask Punny Money!
Loading ...
59 Responses
1.
LARISSA CRAWFORD
July 10th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Hi folk, read a lot of good info about the Price is Right today.
Always wondered if there were taxes to pay.
Drew you are the best and really enjoy watching you on the show. Perhaps someday I’ll make it to the show. All you folks make my day.
Regards Larissa
2.
Tony
July 15th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Just to let you know, the eligibility rules changed this season. You can now appear more than once in a lifetime, but no more than once every ten years.
3.
az home security
June 1st, 2009 at 5:07 am
Hi folk, read a lot of good info about the Price is Right today.
Always wondered if there were taxes to pay.
Drew you are the best and really enjoy watching you on the show. Perhaps someday I’ll make it to the show. All you folks make my day. Just to let you know, the eligibility rules changed this season. You can now appear more than once in a lifetime, but no more than once every ten years.
4.
linda frank
October 6th, 2009 at 11:39 am
The prizes you win on the Price is Right can you turn them in for the cash value or do you have to take the prizes??
5.
chanel outlet
August 31st, 2010 at 8:29 pm
While I’m going to college, I still have rent, utilities, and other bills to pay.
6.
alomda
November 1st, 2010 at 4:55 am
I enjoyed with your great effort
جوال
7.
Sohbetci
November 17th, 2010 at 5:08 am
thanks for admin.nice sharing.very nice.
8.
منتديات بنات
November 28th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
thanks for admin.nice sharing.very nice
9.
دلع
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:59 am
Thank you for the article useful view the article and I hope you write again
10.
ブライトリング 偽物
December 4th, 2010 at 5:46 am
Thank you for the article useful view the article and I hope you write again
11.
potenciador sexual
December 20th, 2010 at 10:00 am
to let you know, the eligibility rules changed this season. You can now appear more than once in a lifetime. to let you know, the eligibility rules changed this season. You can now appear more than once in a lifetime. maxidus
12.
zara
March 25th, 2011 at 9:24 pm
http://www.vibramfivefingershoes2011.com/
13.
دردشة عراقية
March 26th, 2011 at 5:18 pm
thanks for admin.nice
14.
دردشة العراق
March 26th, 2011 at 5:20 pm
Hi folk, read a lot of good
15.
Chas.A
March 31st, 2011 at 10:50 am
Although one person here indicated that a winner cannot take a cash equivalent for a prize, I was informed that there WAS an alternative to accept – i.e. a “non-negotiable” cash amount instead. I always assumed this to be, say, what you might find in a discount store in Shelbyville, Indiana, versus the quoted amount, likely the highest list price in New York or L.A. Can anyone clarify?
16.
haiying
April 12th, 2011 at 2:46 am
http://www.mylouisvuittonoutlet-sale.com/
17.
xx
April 27th, 2011 at 2:02 am
http://www.coachpursestores.com/
18.
Office Templates
May 11th, 2011 at 2:27 am
I would like to add something in price strategy since the available tools are not enough. According to my point of view, a customer must check the source of product and then reliability.
19.
zara
May 14th, 2011 at 2:52 am
http://www.burberrybags-store.com/
20.
دردشة اميرة قلبي
June 16th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
wlkuom tnky
21.
elaine cutshaw
July 20th, 2011 at 11:34 am
For the punch game that would allow a contestant to win up to $25,000.00 the chances of doing that is very slim or next to 0. The game of Plinko a contestant has the opportunity to win up to $50,000.00 if they can garner 5 plino chips. Why not allow the person who has a chance to win four punches be allowed to win all of the punch money that they accumulate. That way when a contestant is allowed the opportunity to win punches they could possibility of winning the $25,000.00 plus the 2 $10,000.00 prizes and then a one time $5,000.00 making the total accumulation prize of $45,000.00. Just think of the added suspense of being able to win four punches and then accumulate up to $45,000.00 in prize money. Winning the punches would then be akin to winning the plinko chips and winning a total of $50,000.00. This way, which would happen very often, a contestant does have a chance to win more than $50.00 which does happen from time to time as does the Plinko game where a contestant only wins nothing or $100.00. Anyway, just thought I would offer the suggestion to spice up the punch game. Both my husband and I watch the Price is Right either as it is viewed or from our taped version.
22.
burberry outlet
July 28th, 2011 at 3:39 am
It is a very informative and useful post thanks it is good material to read this post increases my knowledge
23.
شات صوتي
August 2nd, 2011 at 6:24 pm
qe http://www.q8motor.com/
24.
Property Marbella
August 17th, 2011 at 5:41 am
The show ships all prizes to your home. They cover the shipping costs. If you live outside the United States, you’ll need to provide a U.S. shipping address such as a customs agent. Property Marbella
25.
دردشه
September 14th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
mcryh mcryh mcryh
26.
casino journal topics
October 13th, 2011 at 12:22 am
I am very happy for visiting the nice info in this blog that to utilize the great technology in this blog. I am searching for some info that to using the great services in this website. This is really very happy for the unique info in this blog and wonderful info is display in this blog
27.
casino rules 212
October 13th, 2011 at 12:23 am
Thank you very much for providing the great technology in this blog. I was really happy for visiting the nice info
28.
online poker casino info
October 13th, 2011 at 12:23 am
I am very much interesting info in this blog that to great technology is visible in this blog. This website is providing the nice technology that to helpful info in this blog. I had really like it very much for the interesting info in this blog
29.
CASINO CLUB SITE
October 13th, 2011 at 12:24 am
Thank you very much for providing the nice info in this blog and using the great technology in this blog.
30.
DODGE CITY CASINO
October 13th, 2011 at 12:24 am
This is very much happy for the great info is visible in this blog that to sharing the great technology in this blog. I am very much enjoyed the great technology in this blog that to sharing the great technology in this website
31.
ماليزيا
October 25th, 2011 at 3:47 am
thank you a lot’s bro
32.
دردشة عراقية
November 6th, 2011 at 8:13 am
ehkrer34f
33.
دردشة عراقية
November 6th, 2011 at 8:13 am
thank you a lot’s bro
34.
معهد
November 15th, 2011 at 5:06 pm
thank you a lot’s bro for information! , you know we want more
35.
منتديات العراق
November 18th, 2011 at 11:26 am
thank you
thank you
thank you
thank you
36.
nsldendo
November 29th, 2011 at 9:50 pm
While I’m going to college, I still have rent, utilities, and other bills to pay.
37.
Live Cams for Mobile
December 6th, 2011 at 2:53 am
Take a look at mobile webcam chat rooms and all the hot girls being there. Again, it seems like a dream come true for most,
38.
Tcciapto
December 13th, 2011 at 11:50 am
They just had a contestant on that won 40 years ago so you can be ob more than once in your lifetime.
39.
دردشة عراق الرومانسية
December 23rd, 2011 at 11:01 am
thank you a lot’s bro
40.
replica jewelry
January 25th, 2012 at 11:57 pm
Nice hosting! It’s my first time to read like this article.itydfik
41.
دردشة العراق
February 14th, 2012 at 1:49 pm
I think this is one of the most significant info for me. And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The website style is perfect, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers
42.
camille
February 14th, 2012 at 8:22 pm
I just want to ask the question…..only people with a social security number are allowed to play, so if I am a tourist in USA from another country that means I am not allowed in the contestant’s row, or I can only participate as a spectator? Just want to know.
43.
Marbella apartments
April 24th, 2012 at 5:59 am
Funny post, I am very much enjoyed the great technology in this blog that to sharing the great technology in this website
44.
Marbella apartments
May 11th, 2012 at 6:55 am
Is not about if the price is right, is about do I need it. Save your money to something you really need.
45.
see what you look like with different hair
May 24th, 2012 at 8:17 am
I love that show!
46.
اخبار الاهلى
May 29th, 2012 at 10:14 pm
Þakka þér fyrir þessa fallegu færslu Jeddah hamingju
47.
دردشة حبيبتي
June 27th, 2012 at 1:25 pm
hamingju
48.
francesjordan
July 9th, 2012 at 6:05 am
This site is providing the wonderful technology is visible in this bog that to new things are adding in this blog. Thanks a lot for using the nice approach is visible in this interview questions blog and thanks a lot for using the nice info.
49.
Pete Thomsson
July 16th, 2012 at 9:53 am
This looks really fantastic good! Do you guarantee a success?
50.
Pete Thomsson
July 16th, 2012 at 10:31 am
Will i be able to achieve as much as you guys?
51.
vicki novak
August 18th, 2012 at 11:41 pm
I was so not ready for what we needed to say so i did my best other than that i can say i love the price is right and i’m so glad to be a part of the contestant challegend to be a cast on show
52.
دردشة عراقية
September 11th, 2012 at 4:46 pm
I didn’t mean to imply that Punny Money readers are more likely to save a refund. In fact,
53.
Property Marbella
September 16th, 2012 at 3:25 am
That is because the person on the far right bids last in the opening round, and bidding last gives a distinct advantage.
54.
katy kate
September 18th, 2012 at 4:41 am
hallo friend,
i realy like your post .
thanks
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
Trackbacks & Pingbacks
[...] Following our recent analysis of the greatest game show ever, I thought it’d be interesting to see which game show each of you would like to play… [...]
Pingback by Punny Poll #3: Your Game Show of Choice? | Punny Money — May 20, 2006 @ 3:56 pm
[...] The Carnival of the Vanities #192 sliced up fresh by Blog d’Elisson. My ode to The Price is Right ranked at Flank Steak on the butcher-o-meter. [...]
Pingback by Carnival Round-Up: Week of May 22, 2006 | Punny Money — May 23, 2006 @ 6:07 pm
[...] yes, taxes. Take a look at The Price Is Right and all the prizes being won. Again, it seems like a dream come true for most, except for the fact [...]
Pingback by What Happens To Those New Home Winners When The Cameras Shut Off? Well, They Slowly Go Broke And Lose Those New Houses! | The Arizona Housing Bubble | Watching The Arizona Real Estate, Credit, Lending, And Mortgage Crisis From A Consumer's Point Of View — August 14, 2007 @ 1:13 pm
[...] Until next week, have your spouse spayed or neutered! (Maybe this is why I’m not the new host of The Price is Right.) [...]
Pingback by Stuff Worth Reading, Because It’s Friday And You’re Probably Just As Bored As I Am | Punny Money — August 17, 2007 @ 3:14 pm
What happens to the prizes people don’t win on the Price is Right?…
Like all game shows, it depends on the prize: * Cash is simply kept by the prize supplier* * Non-tangibles, like plane tickets, hotel rooms and other experiences, are simply not awarded by the prize supplier. Plane tickets are reserved ahead of time f…
Trackback by Quora — October 14, 2010 @ 10:50 pm