Televised Shopping

Like many women, I like to shop. So with the arrival or cable television and all the new varieties of programs came televised shopping. My shopping channel of choice is QVC, which stands for Quality Value Convenience. Any time of the day or night I can turn on the TV and get my shopping fix satisfied. QVC has been on the air for over 20 years. They broadcast live 24 hours a day, 364 days a year. They do go off the air on Christmas Eve and start up again on December 26th. They sell everything form clothes, cosmetics, household goods and especially jewelry. Jewelry has always been viewed as an impulse item and there is no better way to sell it than with a five-minute airing to get impulsive shoppers to pick up the phone. They also sell products to attract male shoppers too. QVC sells a lot of electronics, sports memorabilia and tools. QVC is located in West Chester, Pennsylvania where they broadcast from a huge building. They use many different sets based upon what they are selling. For example, the set used for selling fashions looks like a studio where the host stand in the middle with the product and the models can walk back and forth across the set giving the viewer a good look of the clothes from many angles. They also have a kitchen set where they demonstrate cookware just like a cooking show on Food Network. In addition they have a living room, bedroom and a set that looks like an exclusive jewelry store where you are given a one-on-one showing of jewelry.
The format of QVC programming is set up as hour-long programs (or in some cases several hours) dedicated to a particular theme like gold jewelry or cooking ideas. They have program hosts who describe the items for sale and given demonstrations on how it works. During jewelry and fashion programs they have professional models model the items. This gives the viewers a better idea of the item looks like and how it might look on them. The hosts are very knowledgeable about the products they sell but they also have product experts as guests. Jewelry and clothing designers make frequent visits as well as company reps for electronic and other items. They are available to answer caller’s questions live on the air. QVC has had many sports figures as guests too.
When you finally decide to place your first order with QVC the process is very easy. The operator will take down your personal information and payment method and in seven to ten day, you will have your package. They typically do not sell merchandise that is not in inventory. Occasionally something sells out, then they will take advance orders but they tell you that before you place your order. They take almost every major credit card including their own Q Card. They also accept personal checks but they do not ship the item until the check has cleared the bank. Plus on some items they offer an Easy Pay plan. With Easy Pay, your purchase is divided into equal installments and charged to your credit card each month. There are no financing fees associated with this plan. If you are lucky the operator will ask you if you want to speak to the host on the air. These are legitimate calls and not staged. I have spoken on the air several time and they have never prompted me on what to say. Many times I have heard callers say they are shut-ins who can not get out and shop. They depend on QVC not only as a shopping source but also as a source on connection with the outside world.
QVC comes across as a company with a high level on integrity. They do not sell or give away customer names so you won’t be burdened with telemarketers or unwanted junk mail. They also promote buying responsibly. The hosts do not pressure the viewers into buying. There is no time limit where the price goes up if not purchased within a certain timeframe. As long as you have the item number you can order the product anytime. If you do not have the item number, a customer service rep can help you find it. You can also order anytime by using their website QVC.com. http://www.qvc.com/
QVC has a lot of buying power. They claim they could be in 80 million homes between cable and satellite TV subscribers. This allows them the opportunity to get exclusive products or products first being introduced into the market.
Of course there are disadvantages of televised shopping too. First there are the shipping charges. Most items are shipped UPS or USPS and you pay the shipping and handling charges. If you do not like what you bought from QVC you have 30 days to return it for any reason but you get stuck paying the shipping on the return unless the product is defective. Then QVC will reimburse you the shipping charges. Second, viewers need to exercise self-control when shopping on QVC. It is too easy to pick up the phone and order. Soon you could max-out your credit card.
Another point to keep in mind is QVC is really competing against high-end department stores. Many on the types of products available on QVC can be purchased at discount stores for less money. QVC raves about their Quality Assurance Department, so you would like to think your are purchasing a higher quality product from QVC than you would purchase from a discount retailer.
I have shopped on QVC for many years and have found them to be a very reputable company. They offer a valuable service to people who can not get around or who just do not like crowded malls. One only needs to exercise financial discipline and QVC can be an enjoyable shopping experience.