topic Re: Prices & Quality in Suggestion Box

Prices & Quality

AZAK — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 17:07:03 GMT

Dear QVC, I scan your website once / twice a day while seriously looking for clothing items to buy. The prices are FAR higher then what I find at my favorite box store and the ratings (quality, fit, etc) are horrible. It's hard to find "customer top rated" items now!

In the past, I mentioned the quality per price was far higher at that box store, and was told that their clothing was "tissue thin." That is completely untrue. I won't go into specifics because you delete my comments when I do, but I will remind you that the same designers you feature are often offered there for a fraction of the cost, are far easier to return or exchange, and are much easier to check for fabric thickness, color, etc. Online, they even post a thickness number.

Your customer quality is in the tank, while the box store is getting rave reviews (online and in person).

Apparently you expect customers to continue buying your clothing, in spite of all these issues and perhaps some (with high incomes) will. But, with today's 20% inflation rate, and higher unemployment numbers, don't count on it. I hope you will consider making the needed changes in order to keep your company afloat.

Re: Prices & Quality

Etoile308 — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 17:18:00 GMT

In this day and age I don't put stock in any reviews...from anywhere.

I buy what I like, wherever I like, at a price point I'm willing to pay. Sometimes it's online from several retailers, sometimes it's in stores. Pluses and minuses with each.

Re: Prices & Quality

Bitzdad — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 17:32:49 GMT

Yes, this!! I logged on to see if anyone was feeling the same way. Prices have gone through the roof, and where I used to feel that the quality was better than other online options or at a store, that is certainly no longer the case. I bought a LOT from QVC for over 25 years, and now I rarely make purchases. I only bought gift bags from Christmas in July, and I used to buy much more. I also felt that you could find things on the Q that you couldn't find elsewhere, and I don't find that to be as true. And the SandH charges! You're right. They are going to have to address some of these issues if they are to stay viable as a business. Just my two cents.

Re: Prices & Quality

millieshops — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 17:32:07 GMT

@AZAK I do not buy any clothes from the 3 largest retailers in the USA.

I don't give a fig how easy/cheap others make returning things, I'm not ordering - I wear a few items from 2 of the 3 but nothing I've found in their stores for over 15 years. What's already in the house from anywhere works better for me than what I see in their B&M stores when I stop into to buy groceries.

QVC's problem is similar to that of many companies - investors are wary, really wary of general retail. Makes life tough for retailers who need investors even more than they need increased sales. That's QVC, JCP, Kohl's, etc.

Re: Prices & Quality

redstar8 — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 17:32:38 GMT

FYI......................

The annual inflation rate in the US slowed to 3% in June of 2023, the lowest since March of 2021 and compared to 4% in May and expectations of 3.1%. The slowdown is partly due to a high base effect from last year when a surge in energy and food prices pushed the headline inflation rate to 1981-highs of 9.1%. Energy cost slumped 16.7% (vs -11.7% in May), with prices falling 36.6% for fuel oil, 26.5% for gasoline, and 18.6% for utility gas service. Electricity prices increased by 5.4%. Also, inflation slowed for food (5.7% vs 6.7% in May) and shelter (7.8% vs 8%). Smaller price increases were also recorded for new vehicles (4.1% vs 4.7%), apparel (3.1% vs 3.5%), and transportation services (8.2% vs 10.2%). The cost of medical services was down 0.8% and prices of used cars and trucks declined 5.2%. The core inflation rate dropped to 4.8%, the lowest since October of 2021

Re: Prices & Quality

MaverDaver — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 18:06:52 GMT

What's your point?

Re: Prices & Quality

Tinkrbl44 — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 18:30:41 GMT

@AZAK wrote:
Dear QVC, I scan your website once / twice a day while seriously looking for clothing items to buy. The prices are FAR higher then what I find at my favorite box store and the ratings (quality, fit, etc) are horrible. It's hard to find "customer top rated" items now!

In the past, I mentioned the quality per price was far higher at that box store, and was told that their clothing was "tissue thin." That is completely untrue. I won't go into specifics because you delete my comments when I do, but I will remind you that the same designers you feature are often offered there for a fraction of the cost, are far easier to return or exchange, and are much easier to check for fabric thickness, color, etc. Online, they even post a thickness number.

Your customer quality is in the tank, while the box store is getting rave reviews (online and in person).

Apparently you expect customers to continue buying your clothing, in spite of all these issues and perhaps some (with high incomes) will. But, with today's 20% inflation rate, and higher unemployment numbers, don't count on it. I hope you will consider making the needed changes in order to keep your company afloat.

@AZAK

I've been a QVC customer for many years, although I don't buy as much as I used to.

While I can't disagree with much of what you have said, keep in mind that QVC has NEVER claimed to have the lowest prices ... on anything. Never.

For many who buy from QVC, it's the convenience factor. If someone doesn't have great shopping near them, or lives in a rural area, or has mobility issues, ordering online and having the UPS guy bring those items to their door is a HUGE advantage.

We pay extra for convenience ... whether it's take out food, having a pizza delivered instead of making dinner, or whatever, sometimes it's just worth it to pay the extra charges. Only you can decide what works best for you.

Now, you are entitled to shop online at Macys as well as all the other retailers you favor. We all "shop around". To expect QVC (or any other retailer) to be the be-all source for everything ... well, it's just not going to happen.

Seems to me like when you go online, you should shop around more ... or go to more B&M stores to see what they have.

Re: Prices & Quality

kitcat51 — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 19:27:47 GMT

When I see clothing & other items I want but don't like the price I bookmark it & watch for it to be on sale, clearance, as is, one time only, lunchtime special, blowout...Q offers lots of ways to save $ so I take advantage instead of complaining. I comparison shop too.

Re: Prices & Quality

Steffdoggy10 — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 13:31:36 GMT

Actually, they do claim to have the lowest prices. They are forever saying that you can add a one in front of this item price out there in retail. V is for value, so yes, they do think their prices are better than other options.

Re: Prices & Quality

Caaareful Shopper — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 15:40:35 GMT

@Steffdoggy10 wrote:
Actually, they do claim to have the lowest prices. They are forever saying that you can add a one in front of this item price out there in retail. V is for value, so yes, they do think their prices are better than other options.

@Steffdoggy10 I cannot totally agree with your statement.

Yes, QVC is always hyping that you can add a "1" on front, or add a zero at the end of the price, compared to other retailers.

That is not the same things as saying the QVC has the best or lowest price. That's exactly what they want viewers to interpret from those statements, but it's not what they are saying. Their legal department would never let them get away with saying it's the lowest price out there anywhere.

So the hosts find a way to twist the conversation about pricing. If you look in a luxury department store at a comparable item, yes that store will be a couple of hundred dollars more than QVC's price. But I'm not ever shopping in Harrods of London for a Stella McCartney t-shirt that costs $400, compared to a comparable t-shirt on QVC for $49.

Alberti (I do love him as a host) just said to put a "9" in front of the $99 coat by Candace Cameron Bure (A555528), "if you are shopping in NYC." Of course! Go to Saks 5th Ave for a coat that looks similar to that, and it'll surely cost about a thousand dollars. But if you want a polyester/viscose/spandex coat (it's not even a wool blend), you can shop at lots of other places and forget that "put a 9 in front of the QVC price" hype.

Here's a similar coat, same fabric, at H&M (I only looked at this one retailer for comparison). Coat is $79.

The hosts comparisons are crazy, but they can get away with it because somewhere in retail there are always prices higher than QVC. Not a place I shop, but they feel that's irrelevant to their trained sales pitch, because some folks buy it.

Sorry to get on a soapbox about the hosts' pricing comparisons, but sometimes it does drive me a little crazy.

Re: Prices & Quality

Rockycoast — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 20:51:58 GMT

Always good to use facts when talking about the economy. Thank you for doing so @redstar8 . Oh, also the Unemployment rate fell to 3.5% and Bank of America, JPMorgan,etc. reversed their recession call due to the improvement in the economy.

@redstar8 wrote:
FYI......................
The annual inflation rate in the US slowed to 3% in June of 2023, the lowest since March of 2021 and compared to 4% in May and expectations of 3.1%. The slowdown is partly due to a high base effect from last year when a surge in energy and food prices pushed the headline inflation rate to 1981-highs of 9.1%. Energy cost slumped 16.7% (vs -11.7% in May), with prices falling 36.6% for fuel oil, 26.5% for gasoline, and 18.6% for utility gas service.
Electricity prices increased by 5.4%. Also, inflation slowed for food (5.7% vs 6.7% in May) and shelter (7.8% vs 8%). Smaller price increases were also recorded for new vehicles (4.1% vs 4.7%), apparel (3.1% vs 3.5%), and transportation services (8.2% vs 10.2%). The cost of medical services was down 0.8% and prices of used cars and trucks declined 5.2%. The core inflation rate dropped to 4.8%, the lowest since October of 2021

Re: Prices & Quality

chacha96 — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 21:24:28 GMT

Yes...I hear those or similar words everything I watch. They also mention lower prices than in catalogues

Re: Prices & Quality

chacha96 — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 21:26:12 GMT

I meant every time I watch!

Re: Prices & Quality

CalminHeart — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 11:21:07 GMT

@AZAK wrote:

I don't know what others do but I never buy from Q without price shopping. As I've said many times, I've been able to find everything I want elsewhere for less money.

Re: Prices & Quality

Estellee — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 13:07:50 GMT

I like some of the D & C printed perfect jersey tops. Have been buying them for years. That brand used to be one of the more affordable ones, I believe. Last few years the prices have really shot up! Truthfully, I like the product so I will continue to buy them

Re: Prices & Quality

Hmmmmm24 — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 13:14:10 GMT

@redstar8 wrote:
FYI......................
The annual inflation rate in the US slowed to 3% in June of 2023, the lowest since March of 2021 and compared to 4% in May and expectations of 3.1%. The slowdown is partly due to a high base effect from last year when a surge in energy and food prices pushed the headline inflation rate to 1981-highs of 9.1%. Energy cost slumped 16.7% (vs -11.7% in May), with prices falling 36.6% for fuel oil, 26.5% for gasoline, and 18.6% for utility gas service. Electricity prices increased by 5.4%. Also, inflation slowed for food (5.7% vs 6.7% in May) and shelter (7.8% vs 8%). Smaller price increases were also recorded for new vehicles (4.1% vs 4.7%), apparel (3.1% vs 3.5%), and transportation services (8.2% vs 10.2%). The cost of medical services was down 0.8% and prices of used cars and trucks declined 5.2%. The core inflation rate dropped to 4.8%, the lowest since October of 2021

Right.

Re: Prices & Quality

Group 5 minus 1 — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 13:14:40 GMT

Curious..what is quality?

Re: Prices & Quality

Blackeyedsusan — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 15:48:46 GMT

Your post here could have been written word for word by me.The quality has been going downhill for years now. And the prices!!! Denim & Co was my go to pant for YEARS. I say was because pants that I used to pay anywhere from $20 to $25 or $29 for are now in the $50 to $60 range. For jeans or capris? C'mon Q, I will not pay that much for something that is no longer in my price range and of such less quality. Christmas in July, I used to love and purchase quite a few items then. I bought 1 thing this year - for myself - but not a single gift. Prices on so many things have doubled and I know all about inflation but DOUBLE? I never watch live and rarely go online. Too many great products from the past are no more and I miss them. Lost this customer because there is no more "Q"uality or "V"alue and the "C"onvenience is waning also.

Re: Prices & Quality

nono4 — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 16:41:37 GMT

I agree the prices have gone way up D&C and quaker factory which I have always bought in the past. I know clothes have gone up in stores as well but after you add taxes and shipping and return shipping QVC is getting much harder to buy more then one item at a time.

Re: Prices & Quality

Effie54 — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 16:52:19 GMT

@nono4 wrote:
I agree the prices have gone way up D&C and quaker factory which I have always bought in the past. I know clothes have gone up in stores as well but after you add taxes and shipping and return shipping QVC is getting much harder to buy more then one item at a time.

Agreed, but the most ridiculous pricing is LOGO!