topic Re: A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW in Community Chat

A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

Shanus — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 04:44:36 GMT

Reading through the beauty, handbag, fashion & Community Chat forums, the common posts are boredom w/ the selection/variety of goods and products. We beg and plead for the Q to bring new vendors, but the "ears" aren't hearing.

I thought back to a few years ago when I took a big chance and nervously approached a well known gallery to carry my jewelry. After 3 hrs. of explanation of technique, price points, styling on myself and SA, they just weren't interested in buying it for their gallery. Thanks, but no sale.

Could it be that QVC has approached other vendors who didn't want to sell online or w/ a shopping network? A cosmetic company would not want to try to compete w/ endless hrs. of IT and Philosophy. Would a fashion line dare compete online w/ LOGO or SG? A new bag line go against hours of D&B?

It may be impossible for Q for to sign new vendors. It's like adding more lifeboats to a sinking ship.

Re: A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

makeup addict — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 05:00:33 GMT

Social media is changing everything. I read online that New York Fashion Week isn't what it used to be. Some designers are skipping the NYFW and doing stuff in Los Angeles using social media people instead of models. One designer used a social media person and her showed reached over 11 million people and she took 100,000 email orders.

Why do tv/shopping channel when the designer can rely on social media?

Eta: I turn to YouTube to see makeup demos. Thataylaa is pale like me and I can really see how cosmetics would look on someone with my skin tone. She uses highend to drugstore. Most of the time on Qvc, they don't offer the best shad selections.

Re: A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

Kachina624 — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 05:05:45 GMT

Good points, @Shanus. Also consider that many smaller operations don't have the capacity of producing widgets in the huge quantities that are need on the Q. For instance, you, a single silversmith, could never produce enough to satisfy the demand on QVC. Now, you could design silver pieces, find a manufacturer in China and have your designs mass produced like others have done.

Also, there is a risk on the part of the Q whenever they agree to air a new product. Things are kind of iffy in retail anyway and what if the product bombs? The public is so fickle who knows what will sell? They take a big chance when they bring on a new vendor. It's easier and safer to continue with the old stand-bys, which is why we're bored.

It seems as though the face of home shopping is changing right before our eyes. There are not many innovative new products, and the trend seems to be to sell air time to products like Dyson, Serta, Wen, My Pillow, It, etc. etc. QVC is becoming one big infomercial. Look at the time Evine spends on Invicta and Skinn. HSN seems more diversified but spends an inordinate amount of time on electronics.

It's going to be interesting to see how this all evolves.

Re: A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

Gram W — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 05:07:32 GMT

Shawn and the Bare Minerals lady are going to LA for Oscar time. They were talking of the need to find dresses for their shows. Bare Minerals has something new to show there. Shawn said she would be introducing new products. (vendors?). QVC seems to be doing more West Coast this past year. Maybe we will see something new. I am not sure if much of that coast fits my life style but it will be interesting. I am 72 so alot of what I see from celebrities would never work for me but it could for many others.

Re: A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

Shanus — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 05:18:48 GMT

@Kachina624. Why just purchase on one shopping channel when I have access to several? I can also go to any site for beauty, jewelry & fashion or whatever I'm looking for that day. Perhaps the Q is meeting the same fate as the B&M stores. They just can't offer the variety I can find by typing in a few lines on Google. Dinasaurs became extinct for a reason.

Re: A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

Tinkrbl44 — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 05:22:45 GMT

@Shanus

ITA ..... but then QVC isn't the only (retail) game in town .... there are plenty of other online retailers .... with better shipping rates. Shop there.

And .... shocker ..... now and then shop at a brick & mortar store and give your local economy a tiny boost.

If QVC can't be bothered to seek out a variety of new vendors to keep their customers happy, what choice do we have?

Re: A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

Moonchilde — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 05:25:02 GMT

It's also quite possible that a company may be afraid they won't be able to fill thousands of orders in a timely manner, and says no rather than get a bad CS reputation - contrary to some of the "name" companies that over-sell & cause cancellations without a qualm.

Or they don't want to cheapen their product in price, quality of materials or manufacture, as several companies that have been on QVC have done - even "name" companies and designers who haven't really got a clue what's being sold in their name and if they did know couldn't do anything about it.

In short, selling through QVC could ruin their reputation not because it's a shopping channel, but because of the way QVC insists on "taking over" and leaving the company with no great control of manufacture, price, quality or CS.

Re: A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

Susan in California — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 05:35:21 GMT

@Shanus

From what I understand, selling on a shopping network is a huge

prize for any vendor.

About twenty years ago a friend of my husband knew someone who

sold birdhouses on either QVC or HSN. He and his wife had created

a cottage industry. Once they were able to contract with the network,

they began producing in a larger facility. My husband's friend claimed

they became "millionaires" very quickly.

I imagine there are many vendors who get turned down.

But, like you, I am tired of what the Q sells. I buy far less.

But at times I feel like it is me and the change in my lifestyle. I am trying to buy less.

I have purged closets several times and have donated an incredible amount

of items, mostly clothing, I overpurchased at the Q. It really made me take

a hard look at myself and how much money I waste.

Re: A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

JaneMarple — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 05:49:02 GMT

Remember back when small vendors were given the opportunities to sell on The Q and demonstrate their products from 10-20 and sometimes 30? Many of the vendors had only small amounts to sell and usually sold out of their items. I miss those shows.

Re: A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

HappyDaze — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 06:04:03 GMT

In my experience with my circle of family and friends and reading various things online, shopping channels generally have a negative connotation. Some vendors may not want to be associated with shopping channels due to the stigma they often have. Many people believe, rightly or wrongly, that shopping channels only carry cheap junk. Shopping channels also only appeal to certain groups of people and have never really been able to reach across the aisles to appeal to all age, economic, and lifestyle groups. Plus it seems that shopping channels push their brands to create new stuff all the time and sometimes that hurts the quality of the products and overwhelms the customers with choices, especially of the products are similar to a million other products the brand has.

Some brands thrive on shopping channels but the majority don't stick around very long. There are so many brands that have never been on shopping channels and are very successful. Then there are other companies that have been around for awhile but never really took off until they started to appear on shopping channels and/or informercials. IT cosmetics and Josie Maran are two that come to mind regarding the latter.

Re: A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

itiswhatitis — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 06:04:40 GMT

CNBC has a program that airs regulary where folk who are attempting start up of companies go to them for seed money. It's quite interesting. It's called Shark Tank.

Re: A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

itiswhatitis — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 06:43:57 GMT

@Moonchilde wrote:
It's also quite possible that a company may be afraid they won't be able to fill thousands of orders in a timely manner, and says no rather than get a bad CS reputation - contrary to some of the "name" companies that over-sell & cause cancellations without a qualm.

Or they don't want to cheapen their product in price, quality of materials or manufacture, as several companies that have been on QVC have done - even "name" companies and designers who haven't really got a clue what's being sold in their name and if they did know couldn't do anything about it.

In short, selling through QVC could ruin their reputation not because it's a shopping channel, but because of the way QVC insists on "taking over" and leaving the company with no great control of manufacture, price, quality or CS.

I'm sure companies have remedies if their intellectual property, patents, etc., are being used without their knowledge. For smaller companies, though might be harder to get recourse. It takes $$$ to file lawsuits for infringement.

The same applies to any individual who believes his/her likeness is being used unlawfully (publishing, rights management, etc.) and just your identity can be fixed if need be. It's tedious but it can be done. No entity in the US is without recourse to fix a wrong such as this.

Re: A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

Moonchilde — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 07:02:08 GMT

@itiswhatitis wrote:
@Moonchilde wrote:
It's also quite possible that a company may be afraid they won't be able to fill thousands of orders in a timely manner, and says no rather than get a bad CS reputation - contrary to some of the "name" companies that over-sell & cause cancellations without a qualm.

Or they don't want to cheapen their product in price, quality of materials or manufacture, as several companies that have been on QVC have done - even "name" companies and designers who haven't really got a clue what's being sold in their name and if they did know couldn't do anything about it.

In short, selling through QVC could ruin their reputation not because it's a shopping channel, but because of the way QVC insists on "taking over" and leaving the company with no great control of manufacture, price, quality or CS.

I'm sure companies have remedies if their intellectual property, patents, etc., are being used without their knowledge. For smaller companies, though might be harder to get recourse. It takes $$$ to file lawsuits for infringement.

The same applies to any individual who believes his/her likeness is being used unlawfully (publishing, rights management, etc.) and just your identity can be fixed if need be. It's tedious but it can be done. No entity in the US is without recourse to fix a wrong such as this.

I was speaking of designers, such as IM (others have also been mentioned regarding this on the forums) where QVC manufactures an article of clothing that IM for example designed, but he doesn't oversee the manufacture or see the fabrics or the fine details - hence on-air comments like "this came out nice" (because he'd never seen it between the time he handed in the design and the time he came on set) or "I haven't actually seen this (finished product) before." The designer signs a contract with QVC, so I'm presuming they can't back out of it or turn around and sue, but I doubt they're always thrilled with forum comments about sizes and fit changing, sloppier work or cheaper fabrics the longer they stay on QVC.

Re: A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

Chi-town girl — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 07:23:41 GMT

@Shanus wrote:
Reading through the beauty, handbag, fashion & Community Chat forums, the common posts are boredom w/ the selection/variety of goods and products. We beg and plead for the Q to bring new vendors, but the "ears" aren't hearing.

I thought back to a few years ago when I took a big chance and nervously approached a well known gallery to carry my jewelry. After 3 hrs. of explanation of technique, price points, styling on myself and SA, they just weren't interested in buying it for their gallery. Thanks, but no sale.

Could it be that QVC has approached other vendors who didn't want to sell online or w/ a shopping network? A cosmetic company would not want to try to compete w/ endless hrs. of IT and Philosophy. Would a fashion line dare compete online w/ LOGO or SG? A new bag line go against hours of D&B?

It may be impossible for Q for to sign new vendors. It's like adding more lifeboats to a sinking ship.

I think the 'BOREDOM' posts are truly reflecting the boredom of the posters' lives, especially those that post the same types of 'boredom' or complaining threads/comments practically daily, if not weekly. They just swap out the vendor or host or products seemingly looking for something to complain about or to stir up conflict. Everyday another whiney new thread is active on the main page, ugggh!!!

So many shopping options and even more options to spend your time. It's ridiculous! And now let's add chicken little, the sky is falling on Q,, we must save it.

Re: A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

itiswhatitis — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 07:24:05 GMT

@Moonchilde wrote:
@itiswhatitis wrote:
@Moonchilde wrote:
It's also quite possible that a company may be afraid they won't be able to fill thousands of orders in a timely manner, and says no rather than get a bad CS reputation - contrary to some of the "name" companies that over-sell & cause cancellations without a qualm.

Or they don't want to cheapen their product in price, quality of materials or manufacture, as several companies that have been on QVC have done - even "name" companies and designers who haven't really got a clue what's being sold in their name and if they did know couldn't do anything about it.

In short, selling through QVC could ruin their reputation not because it's a shopping channel, but because of the way QVC insists on "taking over" and leaving the company with no great control of manufacture, price, quality or CS.

I'm sure companies have remedies if their intellectual property, patents, etc., are being used without their knowledge. For smaller companies, though might be harder to get recourse. It takes $$$ to file lawsuits for infringement.

The same applies to any individual who believes his/her likeness is being used unlawfully (publishing, rights management, etc.) and just your identity can be fixed if need be. It's tedious but it can be done. No entity in the US is without recourse to fix a wrong such as this.

I was speaking of designers, such as IM (others have also been mentioned regarding this on the forums) where QVC manufactures an article of clothing that IM for example designed, but he doesn't oversee the manufacture or see the fabrics or the fine details - hence on-air comments like "this came out nice" (because he'd never seen it between the time he handed in the design and the time he came on set) or "I haven't actually seen this (finished product) before." The designer signs a contract with QVC, so I'm presuming they can't back out of it or turn around and sue, but I doubt they're always thrilled with forum comments about sizes and fit changing, sloppier work or cheaper fabrics the longer they stay on QVC.

@Moonchilde, thanks for the clarification! Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Re: A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

Pook — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 09:03:40 GMT

I don't think there is less variety now, just a different way of selling due to the internet having anything a click away. The early days of shopping tv presented items that were not readily available and you had to order during the presentation so it was more exciting.

Re: A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

Sweet_Serenity — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 15:31:25 GMT

Last night IM and Shawn presented his true denim jeans. IM himself highlighted the fact, He listened to the Qvc customer, changed certain things fit placement of pockets and so on. Pleased hearing from the designer himself. He is the only one! Who uses 1% spandex in his true denim.. Love the fabric! No knit wanna be jeans.

PM style RLM & Shawn spoke of items coming. March sterling silver. RLM made the comment he isn't able to bring silver due to the price points. Grateful for my RLM collection years ago. If you weren't with Qvc in the beginning you'll never know what you missed. Learning what works for me came from ordering and trying. Have my favorites sure you have yours. Qvc base large and diverse. To think one size fits all isn't realistic. Middle class along with very weathy shop Qvc. Shawn will be in Hollywood enjoy live shows reminds me of living there. Last night ordered bisque before selling out. Incredible price, Qvc at its best. Why keep watching or shopping with Qvc if you have issues? Makes no sense.

Re: A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

SahmIam — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 13:18:00 GMT

@Moonchilde wrote:
It's also quite possible that a company may be afraid they won't be able to fill thousands of orders in a timely manner, and says no rather than get a bad CS reputation - contrary to some of the "name" companies that over-sell & cause cancellations without a qualm.

Or they don't want to cheapen their product in price, quality of materials or manufacture, as several companies that have been on QVC have done - even "name" companies and designers who haven't really got a clue what's being sold in their name and if they did know couldn't do anything about it.

In short, selling through QVC could ruin their reputation not because it's a shopping channel, but because of the way QVC insists on "taking over" and leaving the company with no great control of manufacture, price, quality or CS.

Excellent points.

This was the reason Connie Stevens left HSN; she was their #1 product and then suddenly she was gone. I remember a few times on air customers would say "never leave HSN because your products are the best!" and she would smile and say "Not going anyway UNLESS something happens" and she would look off to the side.

And then, she was gone. NO ONE knew what happened. HSN forums were exploding with questions, rumors, etc but no info was being given.She had her own site and was selling from there so the theory was she could make more money and dumped HSN.

Years later, I was speaking with one of her CS reps (my mom LOVED her stuff and I still use some of her items) and asked THE QUESTION: Why did CS leave HSN? The rep said that since it had been so many years.... CS left because HSN was making demands that she did not agree with: More new products, cheaper products. She was not willing to change the ingredient deck to make the item cheaper to produce. She did not feel comfortable in being able to bring out new products every 3 months due to the quality would suffer. Overall, HSN wanted to cheapen down the line considerably and that ended her contract.

I noticed this with Marilyn Miglan; new scents, new this and that and kinda tacky stuff. When she first arrived to HSN, it was her makeup and skincare line (still sold in her boutique) and her pure perfume. Now? It's all junky stuff and watered down scent. Shame.

I guess some vendors truly do believe in the old saying: "Be careful what you wish for". They've seen the other side of the coin and don't want to give up their control of their product so... they stay away from QVC and others.

Re: A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

cherry — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 14:46:32 GMT

@Sweet_Serenity wrote:
Last night IM and Shawn presented his true denim jeans. IM himself highlighted the fact, He listened to the Qvc customer, changed certain things fit placement of pockets and so on. Pleased hearing from the designer himself. He is the only one! Who uses 1% spandex in his true denim.. Love the fabric! No knit wanna be jeans.

PM style RLM & Shawn spoke of items coming. March sterling silver. RLM made the comment he isn't able to bring silver due to the price points. Grateful for my RLM collection years ago. If you weren't with Qvc in the beginning you'll never know what you missed. Learning what works for me came from ordering and trying. Have my favorites sure you have yours. Qvc base large and diverse. To think one size fits all isn't realistic. Middle class along with very weathy shop Qvc. Shawn will be in Hollywood. Enjoy live shows reminds me of when I lived there, Rep from BE will be there. Last night ordered bisque before selling out. Incredible price, Qvc at its best.

Love IM jeans. After reading your post, I ordered another pair. I hate knit jeans

Re: A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

Sooner — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 14:58:14 GMT

QVC replaced national brands with their house brands to get a bigger piece of the pie. That's easy to see. They sell knockoffs. Period. Knockoffs and cheaper stuff like their house brand pots and pans and electronics. Their electronics are old models they package with some stuff and charge an arm and a leg for.