topic Re: Does QVC ""get"" who their customers are? in Community Chat

Does QVC "get" who their customers are?

Shorty2U — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 07:20:46 GMT

I was listening to QVC in the background tonight and all the sales tactics. I don't think QVC knows who their customers are (for the most part).

Yes I know they may be targeting some people with their tactics, but I have 3 friends, and 4 relatives who shop ( or shopped) on QVC and none of us fit their pitches and I don't think most people do either.

Examples; When you get a last minute party call or someone pops in instead of that bottle of wine bring this (such and such). I don't get a last minute party call and no one "just" pops in here at Christmas and neither do my friends/family members fit that. We all plan ahead and get together with our families (and some with maybe a work party) @ Christmas. But no one pops in and no one just calls and says hey theres a party.lol.

Next; Oh this is so chic (and sometimes they compare things to designer this or that). Who cares? (Do you?) I am simply wanting to look nice in my clothing and shoes and feel comfortable.

Another; This gift can be for the postman, the ups man, the nail tech, the this the that. My family and all of my friends only buy gifts for their families (or co-employees if they might have a work Christmas party or a close friend). PERIOD. They don't buy every person they come in contact with every day or week of their lives a gift! (We would all be broke!)

Lastly- oh these such and such (items) are only 36 dollars. In stores this would be 70 dollars or 100 dollars or whatever. (Uhm think again, I can find things here for 1/2 or 1/3 of Qs prices lately here where I live).

These are just a few "examples" but to me its like QVC thinks all of their customers are high class rich people and I think they are mostly middle class people.

NOT that theres anything wrong with upper class people! I just don't think they get who they are selling to on most days because some of their prices have gotten very high in the past year or two and they talk like they are selling to celebrities (?)

I spoke to some of my friends and family about this (before) and they agreed specifically about the pricing as of lately and find themselves not shopping "as much" on Q (as have I).

Its kind of a let down how QVC has changed and doesn't get it. Because my friends, family and myself always loved QVC and had very few complaints a few years ago about pricing and items we bought. Now its like most of us still might buy something but not near like we used to.

Agree or disagree?

Re: Does QVC ""get"" who their customers are?

Pook — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 11:10:17 GMT

There are some who actually do stuff like that and there are many who live in a dream world where they want to live like that. Me - not so much! I prefer a simple life. The hosts probably do live like that and many in the corporate world and even many who shop here but I would say most are just ordinary people who are not into that type of lifestyle. It doesn't bother me because I can find so many things to buy from QVC either from presentations or online. I don't care how they spin the pitch - if I want/need the item who cares!!???

Re: Does QVC ""get"" who their customers are?

lolakimono — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 13:02:15 GMT

With those pitches, IMO, they are catering to those who are shut in, either due to illness, disability, or lack of transportation. They might have a caregiver or acquaintance "pop" in on them to make sure that they're OK, so how could you ask the person who takes care of you to drive you around while you secretly shop for gifts? They are also catering to the caregivers, who are at home and can't leave for extended periods of time to get out and shop.

Re: Does QVC ""get"" who their customers are?

RedHeadedWench — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 14:29:01 GMT

Like any major retailer, QVC spends a lot if money to find out who their customers really are...trust me, they know. Their customers are not the young hipster crowd...their customers are the older, credit card holding people, and yes, many are shut ins and watch for just the company. Look at their product lines and that will show you who their main customer base really encompasses.

Re: Does QVC ""get"" who their customers are?

151949 — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 14:45:27 GMT

I agree - I am absolutely positive QVC knows exactly who their customer base is. All the gabbing is just the poor hosts struggling to fill time to sell the products, and I bet it works too. I bet they have workshops to teach the hosts the newest and best selling techniques.

Re: Does QVC ""get"" who their customers are?

Say Nay — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 15:15:24 GMT

On 12/9/2014 BonnieBelle said:
The hosts live in fantasyland.

Just like many of the Q's customers.

Re: Does QVC ""get"" who their customers are?

Financialgrl — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 16:33:21 GMT

I've always thought QVC caters more to older women. You can hear it on the testimonial phone calls. I'm 60 and don't fall for most of their spiels (but I'm also not a shut in).

But here's what I don't get - if you are going to shop from an online store - do you know how many times I can go to Amazon and find the same things they are hawking on QVC cheaper to begin with and cheaper or free shipping. If you are a shut in - - does it really matter which online store you choose since it's gonna arrive at your front door anyway?

Re: Does QVC ""get"" who their customers are?

Marienkaefer2 — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 16:36:49 GMT

QVC sells a fantasy. "Madison Ave, 5th Ave, Hamptons, moneyed look, ladies who.lunch," etc. It's all designed to sell their products so the ordinary middle class person will buy into that fantasy. You really shouldn't take it so seriously.

Re: Does QVC ""get"" who their customers are?

millieshops — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 16:39:28 GMT

So --- when is QVC going out of business?

Re: Does QVC ""get"" who their customers are?

traveler — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 16:50:37 GMT

When an item is on air QVC tracks sales by the second so it can tell which pitch works and the length of time. I am sure they have demographics of every sort. At times it does seem they are trying to position itself as the higher scale, younger, trendier choice.

Re: Does QVC ""get"" who their customers are?

croemer — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 16:56:44 GMT

On 12/9/2014 Financialgrl said:
I've always thought QVC caters more to older women. You can hear it on the testimonial phone calls. I'm 60 and don't fall for most of their spiels (but I'm also not a shut in).

But here's what I don't get - if you are going to shop from an online store - do you know how many times I can go to Amazon and find the same things they are hawking on QVC cheaper to begin with and cheaper or free shipping. If you are a shut in - - does it really matter which online store you choose since it's gonna arrive at your front door anyway?

Great point Financialgrl. I always check even TSV's on Amazon and yes if I wanted something Amazon would have it as well...many times at a better price. We are becoming a more savvy shopper and check multiple sites first now-a-days. I guess that spiel is to some how make us feel more special if we buy the item.

But they are here to sell and must have a sale tactic...to up the sells...that is life. It is up to us to check pricing, be able to decide what we can afford to spend and not fall for the statics.

Re: Does QVC ""get"" who their customers are?

Lipstickdiva — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 16:57:18 GMT

I haven't read any of the responses so this might be a repeat.

IMO QVC hosts aren't just selling a product, they are selling a lifestyle. They are always talking about wearing certain outfits to various parties or activities that simply don't fit a lot of peoples' lives. I don't go to the pumpkin patch. I pick my pumpkin out of a brown box at Aldi.

I don't have people pop into my home for whom I would need a gift and I don't get invited to parties unexpectedly and need to take a gift.

I don't entertain in my home at Christmas or any other time other than a few relatives over on x-mas eve. I don't attend holiday parties either.

I don't have children who are all out of school on a snow day and out sledding with their friends who then all come piling into my home so I can offer them hot cider or hot chocolate from my Keurig.

I think the hosts tell these stories making it seem like if you buy these items, you are going to also buy this lifestyle.

Re: Does QVC ""get"" who their customers are?

croemer — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 17:01:42 GMT

Exactly Lipstick.

Re: Does QVC ""get"" who their customers are?

Cranberries — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 17:05:14 GMT

LipstickDiva, I agree with everything you said.

Re: Does QVC ""get"" who their customers are?

Say Nay — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 17:12:07 GMT

On 12/9/2014 Marienkaefer2 said: QVC sells a fantasy. "Madison Ave, 5th Ave, Hamptons, moneyed look, ladies who.lunch," etc. It's all designed to sell their products so the ordinary middle class person will buy into that fantasy. You really shouldn't take it so seriously.

I agree. And include youth in that.

I saw an elderly woman wearing the Legacy mini skirt with the leggings. I was, well… speechless. But it worked for her and that's all that mattered.

Re: Does QVC ""get"" who their customers are?

reiki604 — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 17:21:21 GMT

The Q knows exactly who their customers are and how to get them to buy. The fact that you watch the shows and order proves that.

Re: Does QVC ""get"" who their customers are?

dmod nj — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 17:36:41 GMT

On 12/9/2014 LipstickDiva said:
I haven't read any of the responses so this might be a repeat.

IMO QVC hosts aren't just selling a product, they are selling a lifestyle. They are always talking about wearing certain outfits to various parties or activities that simply don't fit a lot of peoples' lives. I don't go to the pumpkin patch. I pick my pumpkin out of a brown box at Aldi.

I don't have people pop into my home for whom I would need a gift and I don't get invited to parties unexpectedly and need to take a gift.

I don't entertain in my home at Christmas or any other time other than a few relatives over on x-mas eve. I don't attend holiday parties either.

I don't have children who are all out of school on a snow day and out sledding with their friends who then all come piling into my home so I can offer them hot cider or hot chocolate from my Keurig.

I think the hosts tell these stories making it seem like if you buy these items, you are going to also buy this lifestyle.

Lipstick, I do agree about them selling a lifestyle. But.......for all those who relate to your post and lifestyle, there are many who DO those things the Q talks about.

I do go/have gone pumpkin picking even though my child is an adult. We adults got together for a fall fun day and picked pumpkins and apples for ourselves.

I do entertain in my home and go to get-togethers/parties at other people's homes. Sometimes it is to watch a movie/game/tv event. It doesn't have to be a big deal. Just a way for us to be with our friends. Sometimes I bring a little something/gift, other times I don't.

When my son was in high school, and even now when he comes home from college, my house is the get-together house. My son has entertained here before heading out for the night with friends.

I also think some watch/go online for ideas. With all the social media sites the Q is on, you can get ideas and make them your own.

I don't watch or purchase from the Q for myself. When I have made a few purchases over the years, it has been for others. I have also bought gift cards for those who enjoy shopping from the Q.

Most anything I see on line or hear about can be purchased on other sites for less.

I think they appeal to a larger variety of people than mentioned on this thread.

jmo, of course.

Re: Does QVC ""get"" who their customers are?

Pook — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 17:40:00 GMT

At one time QVC or all shopping channels were considered for old women back when they had the dolls, froo froo home deco stuff, crafts and lots of jewelry. Many younger now are finding all the beauty items here and have started shopping here - not for clothes of course but beauty.

I don't understand how other rave about finding cheaper prices than here on Amazon as I have rarely found Amazon to have anything I wanted to purchase here at a lower price - even with Prime and free shipping. I wanted a Dyson Animal DC 39 and here it is $349.98 with free shipping. The cheapest on Amazon was $369 plus $16.29 shipping and handling. The price for one with prime was $399 and neither had 5 attachments!! I don't even bother to check anymore and waste my time! I don't usually shop many other online places if I can get it here because of the return policy and the great CS I have always encountered.

Re: Does QVC ""get"" who their customers are?

Chrystaltree2 — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 17:41:20 GMT

I totally disagree. I find myself shopping at QVC more now than I ever did before because the prices are so incredibly reasonable. And I've become addicted to having items delivered right to my door in 5 or 6 days. I've been a QVC customer almost from the very beginning but now almost everything I buy comes from either QVC or Amazon. My sisters, my friends, several co workers; we are all QVC shoppers. It's an amazing experience. I love it and I love the prices. Having said that, I have to say that I have never been a Target, Walmart type of shopper. That matters because a $40 tee shirt is reasonable to me but it probably isn't to someone who shops at Sears or Target. Value is always relative. What is expensive to one person is inexpensive to someone else. I believe that QVC's target customer is the woman in her 40's to 60's who has the money to buy what she wants and likes the convenience of shopping from home or from her computer or tablet. We've done the "mall" thing and it no longer meets our needs. We want fashions and jewelry and makeup and skincare that are intended for middle aged women. Don't forget the programming is a SALES PITCH, just like the ads in the glossy women's magazines. The programming is meant to draw us in, it's meant to catch our attention. You aren't supposed to actually believe every word that comes out of show hosts mouth...lol That's just silly.

Re: Does QVC ""get"" who their customers are?

VioletEyes — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 17:52:28 GMT

I don't know many retailers who aren't about selling fantasy. Perhaps Walmart? But I don't aspire to wear their clothing even though I may pick something up there from time to time... like a couple of flashlights.

I like aspirational shopping and QVC rarely ever has anything aspirational. Years ago when they had some better products from vendors I liked from brick and mortar stores but now not so much. I think selling your wares on a home shopping channel is almost like the kiss of death to your clientele who do buy from high end stores. The name recognition from having sold on home shopping channels kind of destroys the exclusivity.

So, no, I don't take any offense at the sales spiel that QVC hosts so desperately use to sell, sell, sell. It's just what retail is usually about.