topic Re: Anybody toured the QVC headquarters? What surprised you? in Q Talk

Anybody toured the QVC headquarters? What surprised you?

Goldengate8361 — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 15:28:57 GMT

I would love to see their studios! I've always been curious to know if they have overnight accommodations for vendors who are on TV within 8-12 hour periods or so....I would love to go on a tour....but I'm not sure how much you'd get to actually see. Do any of you have stories to share?

Re: Anybody toured the QVC headquarters? What surprised you?

Shelbelle — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 15:31:56 GMT

Big, beautiful bldg. but, not happy that they charge for tours, I feel it should be free to their customers. Also disappointed that visitors are taken high up to an observation deck to see the on air action. so, you just look down at the stage. We also took HSN tour, and were taken right up to the cameras, I was about a foot away from Bobbi Ray Carter while she was on the air. And the HSN tour was FREE!!!

Re: Anybody toured the QVC headquarters? What surprised you?

I am still oxox — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 15:32:50 GMT

We took the tour about 10 years ago, I am not sure they were in studio park yet.

It was fun, we got to see Jill on air at the time, got to see some of the warehouse and to shop in the studio store.

I am sure the tour is different these days

Re: Anybody toured the QVC headquarters? What surprised you?

stevieb — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 15:36:49 GMT

On 4/5/2014 Shelbelle said:
Big, beautiful bldg. but, not happy that they charge for tours, I feel it should be free to their customers. Also disappointed that visitors are taken high up to an observation deck to see the on air action. so, you just look down at the stage. We also took HSN tour, and were taken right up to the cameras, I was about a foot away from Bobbi Ray Carter while she was on the air. And the HSN tour was FREE!!!

Why am I not surprised that QVC would charge for this...?

I've often thought it would be fun to tour Studio Park, but it seems as though unless you're part of some special tour the experience is sort of truncated and not what one might hope it would be. If I ever find myself in the neighborhood though, I might spring for it and hope for the best. At least one can shop in the studio store.

Re: Anybody toured the QVC headquarters? What surprised you?

Nancy Drew — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 15:40:35 GMT

For me the surprise was how out in the boonies it was. Not a slam just an observation. Not a fan of the country with not a lot around. I am a country girl. There was the Mall of Prussia but we have big malls all over and I want more to do than that. Just my opinion and I am sure many disagree with that and I am okay with that. The tour itself was really good. We had a really great guide and I think it was a slow day so we got extra attention. The most interesting thing was they showed us when a host just said one phrase how the phones would light up and when they talked of other stuff the phones would die down. They know how to say exactly to get you. I used that tidbit to not fall for it again at home so by showing me they actually saved me money.

Re: Anybody toured the QVC headquarters? What surprised you?

jackthebear — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 17:11:09 GMT

We enjoyed it, if you are in the area worth seeing, even my husband liked it.

Re: Anybody toured the QVC headquarters? What surprised you?

Nikalette — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 17:44:50 GMT

How expensive was the tour?

Re: Anybody toured the QVC headquarters? What surprised you?

dionline — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 18:04:44 GMT

We went on the tour about 10 yrs ago - and yes, it was at Studio Park. I think it's $10 but if you're a customer you're charged $7.50.

I was enthralled with it. Totally fascinating how they pack the items being shipped out and why, the monitors, the sets, the outdoor sets - everything was great.

I think it would be difficult to have it in any more populated area since they're so spread out!

And yes, they have 3 overnight suites for TSV guests (and those being there frequently throughout the day). They're named room Q, room V, & room C. Very cool, indeed!!!

Re: Anybody toured the QVC headquarters? What surprised you?

ValuSkr — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 18:26:18 GMT

What surprised me most is that they charged for the tour. It was interesting enough, but I'd never go on my own; at the time, I was entertaining out-of-town guests.

Re: Anybody toured the QVC headquarters? What surprised you?

scotnovel — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 18:44:10 GMT

QVC is a BUSINESS. Why people are surprised that they charge for a tour makes no sense to me? Have you ever toured CocaCola in Atlanta - guess what they charge for that tour even if you swear to be a Coke customer. The Mayfield Dairy, not exactly a national business, charges for their tours. Jack Daniels charges for their tours as does NBC studios and most other businesses.

Providing tours isn't free for the company. They pay people to give those tours and most businesses must pay special liability insurance premiums related to allowing the public into their facilities (and that isn't just for manufacturing type plants). Often they have to reconfigure/remodel in order to allow for safe space during the tour and waiting areas, etc. A very large local bakery near me used to give tours (with an admissions fee) but they no longer do it because the insurance premiums were so high that they were losing money.

Re: Anybody toured the QVC headquarters? What surprised you?

Krissie62 — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 20:13:02 GMT

On 4/5/2014 Nancy Drew said:
For me the surprise was how out in the boonies it was. Not a slam just an observation. Not a fan of the country with not a lot around. I am a country girl. There was the Mall of Prussia but we have big malls all over and I want more to do than that. Just my opinion and I am sure many disagree with that and I am okay with that. The tour itself was really good. We had a really great guide and I think it was a slow day so we got extra attention. The most interesting thing was they showed us when a host just said one phrase how the phones would light up and when they talked of other stuff the phones would die down. They know how to say exactly to get you. I used that tidbit to not fall for it again at home so by showing me they actually saved me money.

Nancy, do you remember any of the specific phrases that lit up the phones lines? There are things I hear so much from so many of the hosts, almost like Stepford hosts - lol - and I'm curious as to which ones are the ones that push our buttons.

Re: Anybody toured the QVC headquarters? What surprised you?

Suhse — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 20:14:20 GMT

On 4/5/2014 Scotnovel said:
QVC is a BUSINESS. Why people are surprised that they charge for a tour makes no sense to me? Have you ever toured CocaCola in Atlanta - guess what they charge for that tour even if you swear to be a Coke customer. The Mayfield Dairy, not exactly a national business, charges for their tours. Jack Daniels charges for their tours as does NBC studios and most other businesses.

Providing tours isn't free for the company. They pay people to give those tours and most businesses must pay special liability insurance premiums related to allowing the public into their facilities (and that isn't just for manufacturing type plants). Often they have to reconfigure/remodel in order to allow for safe space during the tour and waiting areas, etc. A very large local bakery near me used to give tours (with an admissions fee) but they no longer do it because the insurance premiums were so high that they were losing money.

You make really good points, plus, the reality is that free tours can sometimes, not always, attract, less that the best behaved groups. The idea is that if the tour participants have paid, they're likely to want to get their money's worth, and not be disruptive.

Re: Anybody toured the QVC headquarters? What surprised you?

Nancy Drew — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 20:20:27 GMT

On 4/5/2014 Krissie62 said:
On 4/5/2014 Nancy Drew said:
For me the surprise was how out in the boonies it was. Not a slam just an observation. Not a fan of the country with not a lot around. I am a country girl. There was the Mall of Prussia but we have big malls all over and I want more to do than that. Just my opinion and I am sure many disagree with that and I am okay with that. The tour itself was really good. We had a really great guide and I think it was a slow day so we got extra attention. The most interesting thing was they showed us when a host just said one phrase how the phones would light up and when they talked of other stuff the phones would die down. They know how to say exactly to get you. I used that tidbit to not fall for it again at home so by showing me they actually saved me money.

Nancy, do you remember any of the specific phrases that lit up the phones lines? There are things I hear so much from so many of the hosts, almost like Stepford hosts - lol - and I'm curious as to which ones are the ones that push our buttons.

At the time Jill was selling a brand name quilt and she said she uses it as tablecloth for country chic, I kid you not the phone lines lit up like crazy. Simple but quite effective!

Re: Anybody toured the QVC headquarters? What surprised you?

Peggs — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 01:27:38 GMT

On 4/5/2014 Nancy Drew said:
On 4/5/2014 Krissie62 said:
On 4/5/2014 Nancy Drew said:
For me the surprise was how out in the boonies it was. Not a slam just an observation. Not a fan of the country with not a lot around. I am a country girl. There was the Mall of Prussia but we have big malls all over and I want more to do than that. Just my opinion and I am sure many disagree with that and I am okay with that. The tour itself was really good. We had a really great guide and I think it was a slow day so we got extra attention. The most interesting thing was they showed us when a host just said one phrase how the phones would light up and when they talked of other stuff the phones would die down. They know how to say exactly to get you. I used that tidbit to not fall for it again at home so by showing me they actually saved me money.

Nancy, do you remember any of the specific phrases that lit up the phones lines? There are things I hear so much from so many of the hosts, almost like Stepford hosts - lol - and I'm curious as to which ones are the ones that push our buttons.

At the time Jill was selling a brand name quilt and she said she uses it as tablecloth for country chic, I kid you not the phone lines lit up like crazy. Simple but quite effective!

Too funny! Years ago I bought a quilt from the Q that was also suggested to be used as a table cloth. I've had it on my table for years . Been looking for another one as this one is reaching the end if it's economical life . The quilt is red and white with a big rooster embroidered in the center.

Re: Anybody toured the QVC headquarters? What surprised you?

Nancy Drew — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 01:48:18 GMT

On 4/5/2014 Peggs said:
On 4/5/2014 Nancy Drew said:
On 4/5/2014 Krissie62 said:
On 4/5/2014 Nancy Drew said:
For me the surprise was how out in the boonies it was. Not a slam just an observation. Not a fan of the country with not a lot around. I am a country girl. There was the Mall of Prussia but we have big malls all over and I want more to do than that. Just my opinion and I am sure many disagree with that and I am okay with that. The tour itself was really good. We had a really great guide and I think it was a slow day so we got extra attention. The most interesting thing was they showed us when a host just said one phrase how the phones would light up and when they talked of other stuff the phones would die down. They know how to say exactly to get you. I used that tidbit to not fall for it again at home so by showing me they actually saved me money.

Nancy, do you remember any of the specific phrases that lit up the phones lines? There are things I hear so much from so many of the hosts, almost like Stepford hosts - lol - and I'm curious as to which ones are the ones that push our buttons.

At the time Jill was selling a brand name quilt and she said she uses it as tablecloth for country chic, I kid you not the phone lines lit up like crazy. Simple but quite effective!

Too funny! Years ago I bought a quilt from the Q that was also suggested to be used as a table cloth. I've had it on my table for years . Been looking for another one as this one is reaching the end if it's economical life . The quilt is red and white with a big rooster embroidered in the center.

It is funny! Did Jill sell it to you?

Re: Anybody toured the QVC headquarters? What surprised you?

Krissie62 — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 02:23:48 GMT

On 4/5/2014 Peggs said:
On 4/5/2014 Nancy Drew said:
On 4/5/2014 Krissie62 said:
On 4/5/2014 Nancy Drew said:
For me the surprise was how out in the boonies it was. Not a slam just an observation. Not a fan of the country with not a lot around. I am a country girl. There was the Mall of Prussia but we have big malls all over and I want more to do than that. Just my opinion and I am sure many disagree with that and I am okay with that. The tour itself was really good. We had a really great guide and I think it was a slow day so we got extra attention. The most interesting thing was they showed us when a host just said one phrase how the phones would light up and when they talked of other stuff the phones would die down. They know how to say exactly to get you. I used that tidbit to not fall for it again at home so by showing me they actually saved me money.

Nancy, do you remember any of the specific phrases that lit up the phones lines? There are things I hear so much from so many of the hosts, almost like Stepford hosts - lol - and I'm curious as to which ones are the ones that push our buttons.

At the time Jill was selling a brand name quilt and she said she uses it as tablecloth for country chic, I kid you not the phone lines lit up like crazy. Simple but quite effective!

Too funny! Years ago I bought a quilt from the Q that was also suggested to be used as a table cloth. I've had it on my table for years . Been looking for another one as this one is reaching the end if it's economical life . The quilt is red and white with a big rooster embroidered in the center.

Too funny!

Re: Anybody toured the QVC headquarters? What surprised you?

ritasNo1Fan — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 02:36:58 GMT

I was surprised at how much was happening all around the host while she was presenting and the location of the monitors that the sellers can see while they are in front of the cameras. I wish Lisa or Rick would have been presenting while I was there, no such luck. Well worth the price of admission. Going back!

Re: Anybody toured the QVC headquarters? What surprised you?

Jaspersmom — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 02:56:56 GMT

One of the most interesting trips my friends and I took was the QVC tour. We are from LI and at the time, we were avid QVC shoppers. We were quite impressed with the size and layout of Studio Park. Yes, it is in a more rural area, but the area is popular for some other attractions.

I don't know what we paid for admission, but it wasn't that much considering the tour was quite extensive. We saw how shows are put together, quality control, on air hosts, the control room, the set where they hold their live shows just to name a few things. At the time, Leah Williams was doing a presentation and she waved to us as we watched her from above. Although I have always thought Leah is a very pretty woman, I was shocked how absolutely beautiful she is in person. Her eyes sparkle and her skin is flawless.

We took the tour years ago when Murphy the Dog was still alive and actually got to meet him. I am a dog lover, so that was the highlight of the trip for me - LOL.

At the end of the tour, we did some shopping in the gift shop/store and then headed to a local QVC outlet. That wasn't really worth our time.

We did have lunch in a local restaurant and the waitress told us QVC hosts eat there all the time. We didn't see anyone, but it was fun hearing about them.

The tour is definitely worth it if you are in the area.

Re: Anybody toured the QVC headquarters? What surprised you?

Daysdee — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 03:01:37 GMT

On 4/5/2014 Krissie62 said:
On 4/5/2014 Peggs said:
On 4/5/2014 Nancy Drew said:
On 4/5/2014 Krissie62 said:
On 4/5/2014 Nancy Drew said:
For me the surprise was how out in the boonies it was. Not a slam just an observation. Not a fan of the country with not a lot around. I am a country girl. There was the Mall of Prussia but we have big malls all over and I want more to do than that. Just my opinion and I am sure many disagree with that and I am okay with that. The tour itself was really good. We had a really great guide and I think it was a slow day so we got extra attention. The most interesting thing was they showed us when a host just said one phrase how the phones would light up and when they talked of other stuff the phones would die down. They know how to say exactly to get you. I used that tidbit to not fall for it again at home so by showing me they actually saved me money.

Nancy, do you remember any of the specific phrases that lit up the phones lines? There are things I hear so much from so many of the hosts, almost like Stepford hosts - lol - and I'm curious as to which ones are the ones that push our buttons.

At the time Jill was selling a brand name quilt and she said she uses it as tablecloth for country chic, I kid you not the phone lines lit up like crazy. Simple but quite effective!

Too funny! Years ago I bought a quilt from the Q that was also suggested to be used as a table cloth. I've had it on my table for years . Been looking for another one as this one is reaching the end if it's economical life . The quilt is red and white with a big rooster embroidered in the center.

Too funny!

I think I read if Kathy Levine mentioned her mother liked something the phones would light up. She spoke of her Mom often and her Mom was even on QVC with Kathy a few times. I wonder what some of the other phrases are?

Re: Anybody toured the QVC headquarters? What surprised you?

nw614 — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 03:05:50 GMT

We went on the tour a year ago and there were 2 kinds of tours. One was $7.50 and the other was $75. We chose the extensive behind the scenes $75 tour that we booked in advance. We were taken on a set, through the entire HQ and the warehouse that stores all their on-air samples. All merchandise is shipped from outside warehouses. We saw all the cameras remotely controlled and the monitors that showed the hosts if they were gaining or losing customers. We saw most of the sets, the vendor lounge and saw two hosts who were in the lounge. One, Dan Wheeler, approached us and was very friendly and available for questions. The other, Carolyn, ignored us. We also were taken into the vendor suites and met several vendors waiting to go on he air. Our tour also included lunch in their cafeteria. They have a small QVC store in their building that usually houses the TSV and probably a couple hundred items you can buy there. We will go again and take the $75 tour again! It was well worth it!! Our guide was excellent and gave us so much info I can't even relay it. If you are taking a vacation in the area ....take the tour and enjoy the best one. Things just aren't free anymore. It was certainly money well spent. Enjoy!