I am having the exact same issue. I purchased two items in the first Christmas in July sale (last days of June). I realized I bought the wrong design so wanted to return it only I too received the same message that it's not returnable.
I called Customer Service and believe it or not the agent told me that "only things bought September 20 or later are eligible for returns". I KNOW that's not true because it's on QVC's own website that items purchased from those CIJ shows are eligible. She finally said oh I can return it but they can't print a label for me, I have to ship it back myself. It's frustrating when their own employees don't know the policies.