topic How many items are left? in Community Chat

How many items are left?

cds — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 02:03:14 GMT

I've been shopping on QVC for years but don't watch live, I go online when I have time and scroll through the items. Many times I'll stop to look at an item that was presented in the morning, with the host saying "We only have 400 left... ." And yet when I go back hours and hours later, there are plenty of items left! This has happened repeatedly. When the host says "only 400 left" does that mean for that presentation, or is it just a way to amp up sales?

Re: How many items are left?

manny2 — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 02:27:08 GMT

@cds wrote:
I've been shopping on QVC for years but don't watch live, I go online when I have time and scroll through the items. Many times I'll stop to look at an item that was presented in the morning, with the host saying "We only have 400 left... ." And yet when I go back hours and hours later, there are plenty of items left! This has happened repeatedly. When the host says "only 400 left" does that mean for that presentation, or is it just a way to amp up sales?

It’s a sales tactic. @cds If there are any left, it’s not working.

Re: How many items are left?

bonnielu — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 02:38:21 GMT

I agree it is a sales tactic. " You would not want to be left out, would you?" After awhile it just gets old.

Lately I have seen prices rise to a point that if I really wanted something I would look somewhere else.

Re: How many items are left?

Marp — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 03:32:08 GMT

I think in some cases it is a matter of allocation, so many available per presentation. Same with special pricing--so many available at a particular price during a specific time period then the price changes.

Re: How many items are left?

bells4me — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 03:42:35 GMT

I love when they say "It wil sell out by morning" and it's still there the next night. Another sales tactic.

Re: How many items are left?

Imaoldhippie — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 12:04:29 GMT

Just curious why it matters?

Re: How many items are left?

Johnnyeager — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 12:08:29 GMT

How many are "left" is much more valuable information than crowing about how many have already sold.

Context is needed. Maybe you sold 20,000 but you may have brought in 450,000, so big deal.

HSN has frequently used a "countdown" on screen, showing remaining inventory. That, in my view, is an excellent motivator and marketing technique.

Re: How many items are left?

cds — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 02:13:03 GMT

I think it matters because people might be then making buying decisions based on untrue information. Some people feel pressured in those situations to buy when if they had true information they might stop and think twice. I understand that companies have carefully crafted marketing techniques, but they should be fair and based in truth.

Re: How many items are left?

Trailrun23 — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 02:17:52 GMT

I I was looking an an item the other day and a box came up that said "going...going...."
this is annoying, especially when you see the same item a week later with the same phrase next to it. It translates to sales pressure to me....something that has never worked on me.