Q Talk

[rinab]

Lower shipping charges are welcome but I don't understand why the charges to return an item are so high. Surely QVC gets significant discounts and could lower the price of returns,if it's $3 to receive an item why should it be $6.95 to return it? I've weighed light items and paid much less when I didn't use the prepaid label.

[best educator]

There was a time, if you ordered two of the same thing and they are shipped in one package, it was one shipping charge only..I recently purchased a buy one get one $4 off shipped in same tiny bag and STILL had two shipping charges of $3 EACH...I didn't realize it until afterwards it's not a GREAT deal!

[KingstonsMom]

---

@rinab wrote:

Lower shipping charges are welcome but I don't understand why the charges to return an item are so high. Surely QVC gets significant discounts and could lower the price of returns,if it's $3 to receive an item why should it be $6.95 to return it? I've weighed light items and paid much less when I didn't use the prepaid label.

---

@rinab

Welcome to the forums!

As to your post, that's why I never, ever use their return label. I can always ship it cheaper w/free tracking & $50 worth of insurance by USPS for less.

Not to mention, using their label takes forever to get credit back. I used it once and learned my lesson.

IMO, if they ship it for $3, it should be $3 to return it.

[AussieLuvr]

I could absolutely be wrong and this is just a guess. I think a lot of people abuse the 30 day return policy and use it to "rent" things. Some items can be resold in 'As Is', but I doubt they can do that with soaps, shampoos, cosmetics or undergarments.

Thus QVC likely loses money when someone "buys" something and wears it or washes it and sends it back. They may be using this to make up some of their "losses" (and I use that term loosely as I'm sure they make a bazillion dollars!).

I would guess that almost everyone who shops the Q returns things under honest conditions. But I know for a fact that some people buy an item knowing fully well they will return it after they wear it once for a special occasion.

Also, I can never understand why some reviews gripe about a product when their issues are clearly outlined in videos and reviews. An example is the TSV today, 4/15/16. The Jockey Skinnies reviews are full of people complaining about their lack of effectiveness as a compression garment. ??? The host, guest and video clearly state over and over that it is NOT a compression garment! I see this frequently, and I shake my head when I think of the number of returns QVC must process because buyers weren't paying attention.

They have to pay staff, overhead costs, maintain a data entry system and absorb the losses on the items they can't resell. I completely agree with everyone here that it is ridiculous to spend $10 to try something on and have to return it. But costs do go up, and I doubt that QVC loves ticking its customers off with return postage. Obviously, there is a re-stocking fee built into the cost of return postage! 

When I watch QVC and see something I want, I will go to eBay first and see if I can find it there for less money and free shipping. 

[AussieLuvr]

I share your frustration! Just for the sake of information, a QVC customer service rep told me on the phone that when you use their return label you are guaranteed a full refund for anything that gets lost in the mail and doesn't show up at their warehouse within so many days. I don't remember how many, but it was fairly short (maybe 10 days). 

Obviously, we can purchase tracking and insurance if we ship it via USPS, FedEx or UPS. But processing a claim with any of them is a lengthy, drawn out process with lots of forms to be filled out. Been there, done that!

Realizing that the chances of something getting lost on its way back to QVC are miniscule, I still opt to ship myself if its a lightweight item.

[MomCat]

Just because QVC offers a discount on initial shipping, why do you think they should pick up the entire cost on returns?  Don't you think they are discouraging returns with this offer?  I do.  My returns are rare with most retailers I shop with.  If you are careful with your shopping you should not be returning unless the product is defective, for which they pick up the tab.  I see an advantage with their shipping.  If I am unsure, I don't order.    

[mdwstgal]

I'm glad I'm not the only one frustrated with QVC's shipping.  We all complained about the high shipping prices and they finally heard us.  But then they ding us on the returns.  It didn't cost them $3 to ship one lipstick and $6.95 to return???  No way.  They try to get their money back on the return shipping.  I quit ordering from them for a long time and just recently started back.  But I'm rethinking it again.  I can find almost everything I need in my area.

[mdwstgal]

QVC is no different than department stores.  Sephora gets hundreds of returns a day.  Nordstroms has free shipping and returns.  Have you seen QVC's financials? They are not hurting.

[sodapop]

I just noticed that the S&H charges have gone up again now to $3.50.

How come QVC doesn't bother to let us know when this is happening?

They made a big fus when they made it a flat rate and now it looks like they are sneaking in the extra .50C and soon it will be another $ and on and on...Very disappointing.