topic Re: QVC Hard Sell in Q Talk

QVC Hard Sell

LUV 2 SHOP — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 01:56:29 GMT

Today I was forced to turn off the Q during the Denim & Co show from 3:00 pm to 6:00. Carolyn and Gary sounded pushy trying to sell today’s TSV. I became so annoyed I turned my TV off. They hyped the item at least 3 times during the show. Each presentation became longer with a growing dire sense of urgency before the item sells out.

I purchased the item on its first presentation. Last month I received the “return” letter. I was insulted and appalled at the same time. When I saw today’s over hyped TSV presentation, I almost purchased another color. I didn’t need or want two tops. If I received the two tops in a few days, I would return the unwanted item. Sooner or later I probably would receive another “return” letter.

I realize I’m responsible for my purchases, but the over hyped sales pitch should be toned down by some of your hosts. Some hosts aren’t following the “buy it now or miss out” panic and should be commended.

Re: QVC Hard Sell

september — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 02:07:11 GMT

@LUV 2 SHOP @I’m glad you said you are responsible for your purchases.

The hosts are doing their jobs...they are salespeople.

Re: QVC Hard Sell

GCR18 — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 02:13:09 GMT

Last I watched, 100,000 of the 110,000 brought in sold out. If someone wanted one, they were getting low and colors sold out. Of course, some may still cancel.

Re: QVC Hard Sell

Sunshine Kate — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 02:17:44 GMT

@LUV 2 SHOP wrote:
Today I was forced to turn off the Q during the Denim & Co show from 3:00 pm to 6:00. Carolyn and Gary sounded pushy trying to sell today’s TSV. I became so annoyed I turned my TV off. They hyped the item at least 3 times during the show. Each presentation became longer with a growing dire sense of urgency before the item sells out.

I purchased the item on its first presentation. Last month I received the “return” letter. I was insulted and appalled at the same time. When I saw today’s over hyped TSV presentation, I almost purchased another color. I didn’t need or want two tops. If I received the two tops in a few days, I would return the unwanted item. Sooner or later I probably would receive another “return” letter.

I realize I’m responsible for my purchases, but the over hyped sales pitch should be toned down by some of your hosts. Some hosts aren’t following the “buy it now or miss out” panic and should be commended.

I agree, I don't like a hard sell either. That's why I rarely watch/buy anymore. I don't miss it either.

Re: QVC Hard Sell

fthunt — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 02:42:17 GMT

Funny you used the word.....pushy. TV was on - me in the kitchen firing up my Instant Pot and I hear Gary saying to Carolyn after her long 'speach'..........about getting PUSHY. I giggled. Carolyn snapped back.....I'm not pushy - we're running out of sizes/colors and I want everybody to get..........blah blah

(if anybody didn't get theirs.......they probably didn't want it and change the channel) Boring with a Cap "B".

Re: QVC Hard Sell

fthunt — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 02:53:28 GMT

Most everything still available except yellow was popular. I thought that 4 shaded shirt looked cheap and ugly. Just My Opinion.

Re: QVC Hard Sell

spiderw — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 03:14:25 GMT

As I have stated many times in forums, I never let a host or vendor force/persuade me to buy anything. I am aware of all the tiresome selling points, the constant mention of easy pay, the repetitive expressions, they are flying out the door, there are only two million left!!!!!! And on and on goes the sales pitches. However, as one poster said the hosts are sales people and that is their job to do whatever it takes to sell the product. Therefore as consumers we have to be aware and buy what we like and what we can afford. I can see the items, I know what they cost, it is my decision whether or not to buy, not a host or vendor.

Re: QVC Hard Sell

Equuleus — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 04:15:20 GMT

After reading your post three times, the only thing I came away with is that you are putting the blame on QVC and not yourself, even though you say you are responsible.

Re: QVC Hard Sell

Jaynah — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 04:29:28 GMT

LUV 2 SHOP, the hosts are in the business of selling and are trained well to close the deal.

QVC employs the urgency tactic, they have the number sold and constantly push the number remaining in their broadcasts. Also use words like: today, one day only, clearance, price going up after midnight, etc.

"We sold 1400 and have only 400 left". The viewer watching sitting on the fence

orders quickly, so they don't sell out!

Re: QVC Hard Sell

LexaMom — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 10:40:10 GMT

Does anyone remember when HSN had the toot horns and a timer at the bottom of the screen. The item was only available until the timer ran down. There was no online shopping - just over the phone. I used to think that QVC was so much calmer, never pushed a sale. I got a return letter years ago and ignored it. Returns and cancellations are a side effect of any business and particularly online ones where you cannot touch or try something on. I really resent being told there is a limit. Doesn't matter whether I really want the item or not. Minds will always change, sizes will always be off. If they keep this up, they will lose me as a customer and I suspect, many others.

Re: QVC Hard Sell

MrSour — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 12:19:12 GMT

I agree. that's a channel changer. I will never forget the day Carolyn was selling happy dance's cookbook. She was allover the place spewing her sales pitch

Re: QVC Hard Sell

Patriot3 — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 12:36:26 GMT

@fthunt wrote:
Funny you used the word.....pushy. TV was on - me in the kitchen firing up my Instant Pot and I hear Gary saying to Carolyn after her long 'speach'..........about getting PUSHY. I giggled. Carolyn snapped back.....I'm not pushy - we're running out of sizes/colors and I want everybody to get..........blah blah
(if anybody didn't get theirs.......they probably didn't want it and change the channel) Boring with a Cap "B".

@fthunt Exactly why I can't watch Carolyn. She always has that bossy, pushy tone in her voice like we must do as she says and agree w/her...or else!

Re: QVC Hard Sell

Imaoldhippie — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 13:06:38 GMT

Its only a hard sell if you allow it to be.

Re: QVC Hard Sell

Foxxee — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 13:07:01 GMT

Human behavior has been studied for eons. All the sales pitches (tricks) are applied to get even the most resistant consumer to buy. Wouldn't be used if they didn't work. Kudos goes to the salesperson who's able to use those tactics without customers knowing they are being manipulated.

From start to finish, a presentation consists of using different sales tactics even though some aren't obvious.

A few hosts use these high pressure tactics all the time. It seems, I don't know, just speculating, they might get a commission on how much they sell, rewarded with better shows and time slots, or higher raises. I'm sure they compete among themselves.

I watched Carolyn and yes, she was using high pressure tactics, but I think it was that voice in her ear from her producer who was telling her to do so. Probably, because QVC, at 110,000 in stock, didn't want a lot of inventory left over.

Re: QVC Hard Sell

tervuren — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 13:40:16 GMT

My comment has to do with the returns and receiving the return letter. We see clothing items that we really like and purchase. When going to a brick and mortar store the item can be tried on and you are able to observe how the item looks on your body. When you purchase a clothing item from QVC or HSN you hope that it looks good on you. Our bodies are not all the same so even seeing it on a models does not mean it will look great when we receive it. I have purchased a ton of clothes from QVC but lately I seem to be returning quite a bit. I was able to buy the same size in most designer clothes, but lately the sizes have become so inconsistent causing returns. I have spent a small fortune on returns as items purchased just did not fit right or did not look good on my body type.

Re: QVC Hard Sell

MandyG06 — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 13:59:26 GMT

@LUV 2 SHOP this is a shopping channel, the hosts are doing their job. No one makes you purchase anything, you make the decision to purchase. Also, the techniques Carolyn was using is something that all hosts say when they are close to selling out of items.

Re: QVC Hard Sell

mimomof4 — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 14:07:06 GMT

While I understand that a hard sell can be annoying. We experience that everywhere we go, I have learned to simply walk by and say no.

I personally have no problem with the QVC hosts using these tactics, it is their job after all. Its up to me to decide whether or not I really want to purchase. I was joking with DH yesterday that Jane suggested buying 2 of the waterford bowls she was presenting because you never knew when you would want to give one as a gift. They are all trained to say things to entice us to purchase. I don't understand why so many people who watch the channel complain about people actually doing their job. Of course I feel like that people complain because they watch these hosts so often that they feel like they know them (which again is something that QVC uses for sales).

Re: QVC Hard Sell

qbetzforreal — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 14:07:29 GMT

The endgame for the Q is to sell, sell, sell.

Re: QVC Hard Sell

Carmie — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 14:19:22 GMT

I don't understand how anyone can " hard sell" you through a TV.

It is your TV...you turned it on and tuned into a program that you knew ahead of time would be selling something.

You alone are responsible for your actions. If you can't control yourself, don't blame a host on TV.

It's the same as walking into your favorite restaurant while you are trying to lose weight, Then blaming the chef for tempting you with calorie laden items on the menu.

Re: QVC Hard Sell

spiderw — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 15:40:13 GMT

Ricki Lynn

I do remember when HSN had the horn tooting! I also remember when you could only purchase an item on the Q during the time it was on air!!! That was a challenge because you couldn't watch 24/7 of course so you did miss a lot of items you may have purchased . Actually I saved money, what I didn't see I couldn't buy!