topic Re: QVC’s Plan to Survive Amazon Might Actually Be Working in Community Chat

QVC’s Plan to Survive Amazon Might Actually Be Working

sunshine45 — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 03:20:24 GMT

QVC’s Plan to Survive Amazon Might Actually Be Working

An audience of mostly middle-aged women has put the shopping channel behind only Amazon and Walmart in online sales.

via bloomberg online

QVC hasn’t been immune to the ongoing struggles in retail and television. It had four straight quarters of sales declines before posting an increase last quarter. Sales in some categories, such as hair care and jewelry, have continued to struggle. Like many other pay-TV networks, QVC’s main channel has lost subscribers as more consumers drop their cable subscriptions.

But QVC isn’t just another channel trying to adapt to the rise of cord-cutting or a retail brand looking for a toehold online. About half of QVC sales already happen online, and two-thirds of those purchases come from mobile devices. In January, after completing a $2.1 billion purchase of its rival, the Home Shopping Network, QVC Group became the third largest e-commerce retailer in North America, according to Internet Retailer. That means the combined cable channels trail only Amazon.com Inc. and Walmart Inc. among companies selling products in multiple categories.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2018-02-06/qvc-s-plan-to-survive-amazon-and-escape-the-cable-tv-death-spiral

Re: QVC’s Plan to Survive Amazon Might Actually Be Working

september — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 03:41:47 GMT

I do my part! But Amazon is still where I do most of my online shopping. Nothing is more attractive to me than free shipping, fast shipping, and overall...the best prices.

Re: QVC’s Plan to Survive Amazon Might Actually Be Working

QVCkitty1 — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 03:46:11 GMT

To me, they are different animals. Amazon is my go to place to order, but I still order some from QVC. I hate waiting a long time for my orders, and I hate paying for shipping.

Re: QVC’s Plan to Survive Amazon Might Actually Be Working

sunshine45 — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 03:55:47 GMT

QVC’s digital strategy has started to pay off. The channel added about 417,000 new customers last quarter, the second-biggest increase for that period in 15 years. Amazon is perpetually lurking, of course. It has started to broaden Twitch Interactive, a video-game streaming site it acquired in 2014, to allow artists, chefs and musicians to sell products to their viewers. And about three-quarters of QVC shoppers are also users of the almost inescapable e-commerce site.

But analysts increasingly see QVC’s future as “the anti-Amazon,” in the words of Barton Crockett at B. Riley FBR Inc. Amazon is about inexhaustible selection, he said, while a 24-hour shopping show is a matter of constant salesmanship.

“QVC is a retail format that appeals to a woman who loves to shop,” Crockett said. “It would appear this woman is born every year.”

Re: QVC’s Plan to Survive Amazon Might Actually Be Working

Daysdee — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 04:09:48 GMT

wrote:
To me, they are different animals. Amazon is my go to place to order, but I still order some from QVC. I hate waiting a long time for my orders, and I hate paying for shipping.

Overall I place more orders to Amazon than QVC now. I love that you can find anything there and also it arrives so quickly and FOR FREE SHIPPING. Returns are easy too, if needed.

Re: QVC’s Plan to Survive Amazon Might Actually Be Working

Mominohio — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 04:20:19 GMT

I'm not a fan of Amazon. I have bought from them, but unless I know the product, I don't trust them to be accurate in descriptions, the photos are usually few and poor and I've had issues with getting refunds and even getting merchandise that they shipped elsewhere.

I don't like QVC's shipping charges and that has curtailed my ordering considerably in the last three months, and will continue to in the future. But let's face it, Amazon's shipping (and anyone else's) is really never free. It is built into the prices of the products.

I've never been a Walmart hater as I find shopping their stores to afford me getting a lot of what I need at a good price (not groceries so much though), in one place. I've ordered onlilne several times for large stocking up of household essentials, and enjoy the two day 'free' shipping. I'd choose them over Amazon if they carry the same items, even if Walmart prices were just a little higher, as I know I can simply go to the store for returns if there are any issues.

Re: QVC’s Plan to Survive Amazon Might Actually Be Working

stevieb — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 04:22:50 GMT

Sounds like a numbers game to me. If you add HSN's customers to those who were already QVC customers and then consider them all QVC customers, then of course their numbers increased.

Re: QVC’s Plan to Survive Amazon Might Actually Be Working

Steeler 20 — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 04:25:22 GMT

People work hard for their money, we have been telling QVC this for some time. Not to mention that many people will NOT buy from some hosts, regardless. And there have been many blogs about that. QVC just ignores and removes the comments. Well listen up, it will get worse.

Re: QVC’s Plan to Survive Amazon Might Actually Be Working

hellodali — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 05:13:52 GMT

I think one thing that does not work in Q's favor is the shipping and returns. I love that Amazon does not charge for shipping if you are a prime member and returns are a "free" breeze.

I can't even begin to imagine QVC is worried about a handful of people who will NOT buy from some hosts. I think some people think if they do not purchasing a product because of a host and then maybe twenty people agree with them, it worries QVC. Please think again. That small amount means nothing to QVC.

Should they fire the host because a handful of people aren't happy? What about the thousands who like the host? You can't please everybody all the time.

And telling them to ". . . listen up, it will get worse". I honestly don't think they care.

Re: QVC’s Plan to Survive Amazon Might Actually Be Working

Danielle46 — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 05:16:21 GMT

I have cut down my spending at QVC by 95%. First of all the shipping is outrageous. If you order a Tee-shirt in 3 colors , you pay shipping prices 3 times, if you order 6 different items from say Isaac you pay shipping on every one of them. We now pay for returns and they have raised prices on everything. I do my apparel shopping at Nordstroms, Kate Spade, Neiman Marcus and Talbots (all regular stores not outlets). Once in a while I will order a top or a pair of Isaacs 24/7 capries from QVC but most of my purchases are It Cosmetics or Josie Maran. I get excellent quality apparel from B&M stores and when they have sales prices are better than QVC with the added benefit of free shipping and returns. Also QVC takes forever to ship.

Re: QVC’s Plan to Survive Amazon Might Actually Be Working

classic — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 06:20:03 GMT

wrote:
I'm not a fan of Amazon. I have bought from them, but unless I know the product, I don't trust them to be accurate in descriptions, the photos are usually few and poor and I've had issues with getting refunds and even getting merchandise that they shipped elsewhere.

I don't like QVC's shipping charges and that has curtailed my ordering considerably in the last three months, and will continue to in the future. But let's face it, Amazon's shipping (and anyone else's) is really never free. It is built into the prices of the products.

I've never been a Walmart hater as I find shopping their stores to afford me getting a lot of what I need at a good price (not groceries so much though), in one place. I've ordered onlilne several times for large stocking up of household essentials, and enjoy the two day 'free' shipping. I'd choose them over Amazon if they carry the same items, even if Walmart prices were just a little higher, as I know I can simply go to the store for returns if there are any issues.

I couldn't agree with you more... I know many, many, many people like shopping at Amazon ( including one of my daughters ); but for me, I'm not a fan at all; NOT AT ALL !!!

I like the fact that when I'm searching for an item ( I.e. Qvc ), many times you have a video demonstration along with more details of the item one is viewing; whereas on Amazon, I find that product description is minimal..

Also, I shop Macy's, & Lord &Taylor on line & in store, & whenever I go to their website I find their product info to be incomplete also.. Maybe it's because I'm so accustomed to shopping QVC giving me more details, demos etc..

I too do not like QVC's shipping charges & I've let corporate know.. Many, many times I've written in their feedback section & believe me, they do read them, they do reply & they even called me..

I like shopping Whole Foods & I'm now concerned with Amazon taking over..

Re: QVC’s Plan to Survive Amazon Might Actually Be Working

hellodali — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 07:13:16 GMT

What I can't quite figure out is why QVC charges for shipping at all. So many stores don't. I know they have a business to run, but so does Amazon, Zappos, Walmart and Target (just to name a few).

I wonder what would happen if QVC charged a membership fee like Amazon and stopped charging their members shipping charges?

I also get a lot of perks with my Prime Membership. QVC could do the same. I will probably always be a member of Amazon. I know I am getting my money's worth. Some of the deals on their Prime Anniversary were absolutely crazy and I definitely spent some money that day!

Re: QVC’s Plan to Survive Amazon Might Actually Be Working

Sweet_Serenity — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 08:08:06 GMT

The 4th Quarter! Amazon "Two Billion Profit" Congratulations!!

Re: QVC’s Plan to Survive Amazon Might Actually Be Working

mousiegirl — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 08:30:23 GMT

wrote:
What I can't quite figure out is why QVC charges for shipping at all. So many stores don't. I know they have a business to run, but so does Amazon, Zappos, Walmart and Target (just to name a few).

I wonder what would happen if QVC charged a membership fee like Amazon and stopped charging their members shipping charges?

I also get a lot of perks with my Prime Membership. QVC could do the same. I will probably always be a member of Amazon. I know I am getting my money's worth. Some of the deals on their Prime Anniversary were absolutely crazy and I definitely spent some money that day!

@hellodali You don't have to be a Prime member to get free shipping, I get free amazon shipping every time I shop, which is frequently.

Re: QVC’s Plan to Survive Amazon Might Actually Be Working

Pook — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 10:25:34 GMT

While I buy a lot from QVC as well as HSN and Evine, you can't beat Amazon Prime with free 2 day shipping for every day things you find you need. For me they each have their place in my life for purchases. Usually what I buy from Amazon is not sold on the shopping channels. I can't be bothered to price compare to find things a little bit cheaper elsewhere so I'm good with where I shop.

Re: QVC’s Plan to Survive Amazon Might Actually Be Working

Nataliesgramma — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 10:29:44 GMT

I stil buy one or two items a month from QVC, but Amazon gets more of my business....

QVC needs to improve the time it takes for someone to receive a refund on a return....

Re: QVC’s Plan to Survive Amazon Might Actually Be Working

gidgetgh — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 13:54:35 GMT

I don't see QVC as competition for Amazon. Totally different "thing" in my mind.

First, QVC may say that they have gazillions of products but seriously, they only seem to show the same 20. It's why I stopped watching.

I'm not in the market for My Pillow or a new bed by any manufacturer. Don't want an air fryer, $400 blender, a Dooney & Bourke purse or IT Cosmetics. The Flashpad at Christmas. Oh, don't let me forget this- a Dyson anything.

And I seriously can't watch an hour of any product. I don't have the attention span for it. It's like watching an informercial over and over again. If I tune in and I see it's an hour of something, I change the channel immediately. Done. Off to somethiing else.

I've posted this over and over. I'm like a broken record. If they'd like to up the variety they show on the air, I'd be happy to try watching again.

If they'd like to offer some sort of loyalty (reward) program along the lines of Amazon's prime or Talbots reward program, I'd try it.

Get a customer focus group and actually listen to the suggestions and feedback, including the negative.

I thought it was interesting in the first post, that they said that jewelry sales are down. Well, I'm sure they are. They hardly ever show any!

Bring back Silver Style on Sunday mornings. Both the 1 hour and 4 hour versions. I used to love to watch that.

Re: QVC’s Plan to Survive Amazon Might Actually Be Working

Caaareful Shopper — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 11:30:36 GMT

QVC and Amazon are two different animals. QVC prides itself on being an entertainment shopping channel. I think that’s its Achilles heel — it leaves them open to all the criticism of host style, looks, personality, and monotonous programming of the same products. So many people forget that what they see on TV is probably 10% of what QVC sells. If you search on their website, there are items and brands I never even dreamed QVC offered.

As a prime member, I do all my competitive price shopping on Amazon, and rely much more on their review section than I ever would QVC’s. Whenever I need or want any item, I go to Amazon first, always. I do not wait until a TV shopping channel may have it on TV. I can check it out on Amazon, then decide to buy from them or search another site, or buy in person somewhere else.

The whole watching on TV and calling in by phone has become archaic. I want to shop when I want to shop, not when it’s up to programming or a call center — I cannot even imagine that.

For me, QVC TV is nice, but not how I primarily shop. Yes, I’m one of those middle-aged women QVC is now primarily marketing to heavily (on my tablet and phone), according to that article.

Re: QVC’s Plan to Survive Amazon Might Actually Be Working

insomniac2 — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 11:27:43 GMT

Steeler 20, I'm surprised by your comment that some people will not order from certain hosts. That just seems so stupid to me. (But then again, a few days ago a poster would not order from Dennis Basso because he was wearing jeans.)

Thanks for the observation!

Re: QVC’s Plan to Survive Amazon Might Actually Be Working

CalminHeart — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 11:57:13 GMT

I rarely shop at Q anymore. I don't like paying shipping. I don't like the length of time it takes to get an order. I don't like waiting a long time for returns to be processed. Most of all, I don't like paying more than other retailers charge for an item.

Amazon and a number of retailers offer better prices, fast shipping, free shipping, and fast returns.

In fact, Amazon processes returns before they receive the item back! When UPS or USPS scans the barcode on their return label (which is free), Amazon is notified and the return is processed.