I remember they used to have games where viewers could win something. Sometimes you had to call in but there was also something they did with a huge spinning clear plastic ball that had numbers in it, and one of the models would choose 4 numbers, and if they matched your QVC number you could call in and get a ten dollar credit. Once I actually won when a blonde model named Rinska (sp?) lined up the first 4 of my Q number.
I remember that once around Christmas they used to sell a 'cup of Christmas tea' (had that written on the cup) with a saucer and I think there was a little book to go with it. Kathy Levin once read that right before QVC closed for Christmas. I remember she was the last host and she said something about how she didn't mind it because it was something for a Jewish girl to do, or something like that.
The first item I ever purchased (and still have) was an amber spider pin from the Russian priest who sold items from Russia. Bob Bowersox was the host.
Some qvc employee would pull the numbers. They had a spin the wheel too for various prizes over the years. Those days are gone. No freebies! 