topic Re: What changed? in Q Talk

What changed?

deew58 — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 06:57:23 GMT

I used to watch QVC years ago, and it was funny, had great hosts, and tons of products. Now, the hosts are just a different sort. They aren't as personable and just seem like they are going through the motions, and every one of them uses the same language when describing a product, like it's all scripted. And the product line is overpriced, boring, and WHEN in the world are they going to get on the free shipping bandwagon. The shipping costs stop me from purchasing products time and time again. If something is $19, I don't want to spend another $7 to have it shipped. And then what if I don't like it? Another $7 to ship it back. It's ridiculous. And I swear, it might just be me, but every time I turn it on now, it's either an old laptop computer, or HP printer that is an old version (look them up), or a pair of Clarks shoes that I've been looking at for over 3 years. It's just the same old, same old, day in and day out. Their product line and vendors have shrunk. That being said, I started watching the other shopping channels and they are a lot of fun, with different products, free shipping a lot of the time, and better prices. QVC is just different and not very enjoyable to watch anymore. Just saying.

Re: What changed?

stevieb — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 06:59:21 GMT

Completely agree. Somewhere along the line, QVC lost sight of the reality that for most of us shopping is supposed to be fun.

Re: What changed?

QMaven — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 07:00:06 GMT

I agree. I avoid buying electronics, Bose, etc from QVC because so often the item they are selling is a discontinued or older model. I learned this the hard way.

Re: What changed?

circles — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 13:05:46 GMT

unfortunately nothing will change....because despite the high cost of shipping...the q still sells thousands and thousands of dollars of their products....so they won't feel the need to offer free shipping as long as they still have so many customers buying....

Re: What changed?

CalminHeart — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 13:26:24 GMT

On 11/21/2014 QMaven said: I agree. I avoid buying electronics, Bose, etc from QVC because so often the item they are selling is a discontinued or older model. I learned this the hard way.

Agreed, I'd never buy electronics from Q either.

Re: What changed?

Danielle46 — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 13:35:49 GMT

The majority of the viewers are either not educated "shoppers" or they shop at qvc because of "easy pay" etc. I do 98% of my shopping in high end department stores and designer speciality stores. I get better deals for higher end apparel then what QVC charges for lower quality. In addition QVC's shipping is outrageous. They are making huge profits from shipping. I used to supplement my more expensive apparel with some less expensive pieces from QVC i.e. say I found a great "real" suede skirt on QVC and would wear it with a beautiful cashmere sweater from Lord & Taylors and boots & bag from Kate Spade etc. Before I buy anything I google like crazy to find the best price with free shipping etc. QVC does nothing for the customer i.e. no special deals during Christmas, no free shipping if you spend over a certain amount - absolutely nothing.

Re: What changed?

Pook — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 13:36:40 GMT

I would think that electronics are bringing in more profits. I have noticed QVC is offering more free shipping than before though. It would be nice if ordering items coming from the same warehouse that there could be a one shipping for all that day on anything purchased. The other shopping channels are basically the same but for a person just starting to watch, it seems different but they are all the same product wise. One shows watches, watches, watches, a lot of SKINN products, the same jewelry items for days and days and the same clothing items repeatedly. The other has electronics all the time and seems like more bedding etc. Nothing is going to please everyone. I prefer to go online to check out what I want to purchase rather than waiting/hoping to see something of interest on tv and only watch the shows I am interested in.

Re: What changed?

ValuSkr — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 13:46:54 GMT

I agree with you. Shipping charges are more often than not a deal breaker. Product offerings are diminished. And hosts, if they're not amped up for the hard sell, are just going through the motions.

Re: What changed?

mariadomenica — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 16:24:38 GMT

QVC losing it FAST!!!

Re: What changed?

Alter Ego — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 16:34:27 GMT

I'm repeating myself, but I have to wonder who is left to buy when QVC sells the same thing over and over again?! How many vacuums and Sleep Member beds does one really need? At some point, everyone who wants one will have already bought one!

In the past, QVC didn't have the internet competition that it has now. The only positive QVC has is that they can show people (and show and show over and over and over again) how an item works. I'll bet electronics get returned less and have a higher profit margin. Even in stores like Walmart, I find electronics to usually be busier than elsewhere in the store.

Re: What changed?

Perkup — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 16:45:04 GMT

So I suggest what I did - give yourself a break from QVC. I've been doing this for weeks now and It is very "freeing". No more concern about product variety, S&H charges and hosts that drive you up a wall. Loving it.

Re: What changed?

Chrystaltree2 — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 17:28:04 GMT

What changed? Time moved on and QVC moved right along with it.

Re: What changed?

stevieb — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 18:42:51 GMT

Oh, I've given myself a break from QVC, all right. I simply can't watch their 'gift' shows. Moreover, as a customer, I don't care why they're doing what they're doing, I don't enjoy it. It might well be 'working for them' but it isn't working for me, again, as a customer... To say all the TV-based home shopping options have their sticking points really isn't the answer. Because all of them are bad, it's all right for QVC to be bad too? At one time, QVC was the go-to network. Anymore, they might well be the most boring of the big three. Certainly, their repetitive holiday wares grew beyond stone cold several years ago, which was when they started showing many of them. And agreed, they need to hop on the customer incentive bandwagon with something other than Easy Pay.

Re: What changed?

beckyb1012 — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 18:48:04 GMT

On 12/9/2014 Perkup said:
So I suggest what I did - give yourself a break from QVC. I've been doing this for weeks now and It is very "freeing". No more concern about product variety, S&H charges and hosts that drive you up a wall. Loving it.

My last purchase was March 2012 which I returned since it was broken.

Re: What changed?

ChynnaBlue — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 18:52:15 GMT

On 11/21/2014 QMaven said: I agree. I avoid buying electronics, Bose, etc from QVC because so often the item they are selling is a discontinued or older model. I learned this the hard way.

That's true, but it doesn't mean I avoid them, I just do my research first. I wouldn't buy last year's model for a gaming computer or a phone, but there a lot of things where you don't need to worry about the fastest processor or the newest features and can get a great value. It's about being an educated consumer and knowing the difference between a good value and a lower price.

Re: What changed?

poshmini — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 19:46:58 GMT

Seems every time I tune in to the Q they are selling Vionic shoes or Dooney , Susan Graver Judith Ripka, Bronzo or electronics. They have become very redundant and boring. And a lot of the hosts seem to be just going through the motions and same old yack fest about those products. I usually look on line to see what they have which hasn't been very exciting lately and then move on to check out Shop Q or HSN or JTV. And if all fails, just turn it off and do something productive.

Re: What changed?

sashamatthews — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 19:52:05 GMT

I posted this on another thread, but I believe what you are seeing now are products selected under the previous management team. I can only think the new management team is reading these forums, reading Facebook, watching HSN - totally looking for a new selling style to keep QVC current. The 20-somethings aren't buying here, but we mature women sure are if the price is right. I agree - get on the free shipping bandwagon, have a $9.95 shipping charge day (for instance, you could buy 10 beauty items and they ship for a total of $9.95 if purchased on the same day), shake things up to match other online retailers' policies.

Re: What changed?

PhatCat — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 19:58:27 GMT

Once upon a time I had the TV tuned to QVC all day long. As i plugged along in my day the hosts kept me company, made me laugh and the products made me stop and take pause. I loved that they sold things you couldn't find anywhere else, and, at a great price.

Now the hosts give me anxiety, I haven't watched since I got an email about the Ninja 4-1 that I tuned in to see what it was about. The TV went on and after the presentation, the channel was changed and has not returned since.

I miss that QVC.

Re: What changed?

Mominohio — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 19:59:58 GMT

There certainly did seem to be a more festive atmosphere when I first started watching. They'd take some time out to celebrate a host anniversary with some old clips or there'd be more casual conversation between host as one went off and another began. Things just seemed more friendly and casual, not so scripted and hard sell.

It doesn't feel the same as it used to, and part of that is the product line up as well. So many old favorites are gone, and nothing similar to replace them. Hope the powers that be are taking a good look at these sites and taking notes.

Re: What changed?

Puppy Lips — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 20:13:38 GMT

On 12/9/2014 Perkup said:
So I suggest what I did - give yourself a break from QVC. I've been doing this for weeks now and It is very "freeing". No more concern about product variety, S&H charges and hosts that drive you up a wall. Loving it.

That is what I am doing -- taking a break. I have only ordered one thing in the last month. I am looking forward to getting a credit card statement with no QVC on it once all the easy pays are done with. Whenever I am out of town and not watching QVC, then go home to watch it, I wonder why I ever got sucked into it in the first place, because it just seems so phony and boring. Then slowly I start watching more and more. But I think this time I am done for good. I have to keep telling myself that I have much better things to do than to watch someone sell me something (that I don't need) on TV.