Sign of the Times

CheriNJ · ‎11-12-2010

In my time, I went from catalog shopping to mall shopping to home shopping. Over the years I was getting access to items I might not otherwise know about at prices that were decent from companies who seemed to appreciate the trust and confidence I placed in them. Fast forward to now, where you can buy anything from anyone online, at the best prices, with promotional offers and have it delivered/returned for free. So it's no surprise that the TV home shopping industry is on a downward spiral, it's past it's prime, it's no longer relevant. Unfortunately part of the Q's solution to shrinking profits is to implement ageism. Not the first time they've fired a host because of age or health issues, but I'm wondering if they realize in doing that it says to many customers, you're no longer relevant either. Maybe what they are failing to customers of a certain age have the disposible income to spend on unnecessary products. I moved my business elsewhere a while ago, but felt compelled to offer some advice to the younger hosts, who seem like genuine people, - please please have your back-up plan in place before the end of the year and keep an eye on who's coming up behind you. The Q should be a stepping stone, not your long term plan.

amyb · ‎04-05-2010

"part of Q's solution to shrinking profits" may also be the recent hiring of the former CFO that helped with JC Penny's filing Chapter 11. To me that says something.

I'll always remember the QVC heyday, laughing at first at my mom when she excitedly turned me onto it in 2000, then getting hooked and having fun shopping with her on it. Fun items, as you said @CheriNJ being exposed to and informed about products I'd never have gone and shopped for. Easy Christmas shopping without leaving my home, while I got my home chores done instead, and no fighting crowds at the mall! Loved most of all I got, useful items, homegoods, jewelry gifts from mom I still have, those lobster tails (outrageously priced now) and Junior's mini cheesecakes we all looked forward to at Christmas.

If you had a problem, the friendly and professional voice on the other end of the phone took care of it immediately, "no questions asked." Shipping costs were fair, sometimes you could combine items. I raved about what an interesting and great company QVC was. The model seemed genius...like the "shop around the corner" with their folksy sales people, but right into your living room. Yes, an outdated model now. And definitely not for young Tik-Tockers. (No matter how hard certain hosts dance around with fake wine in their hands!) But...on the other hand, maybe they just evolved all wrong with the wrong people at the helm.

As someone said to me today talking about it...sounds like they've completely forgotten who their prime demographic is...I said yes but we're a dying breed. But, they said...everyday others are becoming 60+ and in that age group who would be likely to shop that way too.

Funny...it always had a stigma, home shopping. Rightly so, I realize the model is hokey in some ways. But many people would compliment something I had on, or a piece of jewelry or something in my home...but then if you said QVC...always the "snicker" followed. They liked what they saw, but couldn't get over that stigma.

Anyway...times change, business models too. So many factors at hand I'm not aware of. And pricing-wise...I always compare at Amazon now, and often buy there or elsewhere...QVC can no longer rely on their old model of the "loyal customer" that will only shop there because they're glued to the tv. Maybe some older folks who won't buy online only.

I hate what they did to Carolyn and Dan. I don't care it happens everyday. Still sucks. And for the other 398 people too.

mspemberley · ‎05-07-2015

@amyb wrote:
"part of Q's solution to shrinking profits" may also be the recent hiring of the former CFO that helped with JC Penny's filing Chapter 11. To me that says something.

I'll always remember the QVC heyday, laughing at first at my mom when she excitedly turned me onto it in 2000, then getting hooked and having fun shopping with her on it. Fun items, as you said @CheriNJ being exposed to and informed about products I'd never have gone and shopped for. Easy Christmas shopping without leaving my home, while I got my home chores done instead, and no fighting crowds at the mall! Loved most of all I got, useful items, homegoods, jewelry gifts from mom I still have, those lobster tails (outrageously priced now) and Junior's mini cheesecakes we all looked forward to at Christmas.

If you had a problem, the friendly and professional voice on the other end of the phone took care of it immediately, "no questions asked." Shipping costs were fair, sometimes you could combine items. I raved about what an interesting and great company QVC was. The model seemed genius...like the "shop around the corner" with their folksy sales people, but right into your living room. Yes, an outdated model now. And definitely not for young Tik-Tockers. (No matter how hard certain hosts dance around with fake wine in their hands!) But...on the other hand, maybe they just evolved all wrong with the wrong people at the helm.

As someone said to me today talking about it...sounds like they've completely forgotten who their prime demographic is...I said yes but we're a dying breed. But, they said...everyday others are becoming 60+ and in that age group who would be likely to shop that way too.

Funny...it always had a stigma, home shopping. Rightly so, I realize the model is hokey in some ways. But many people would compliment something I had on, or a piece of jewelry or something in my home...but then if you said QVC...always the "snicker" followed. They liked what they saw, but couldn't get over that stigma.

Anyway...times change, business models too. So many factors at hand I'm not aware of. And pricing-wise...I always compare at Amazon now, and often buy there or elsewhere...QVC can no longer rely on their old model of the "loyal customer" that will only shop there because they're glued to the tv. Maybe some older folks who won't buy online only.

I hate what they did to Carolyn and Dan. I don't care it happens everyday. Still sucks. And for the other 398 people too.

This is so beautifully written and speaks for many of us. I think this should go straight to the top and be shared with all Q management!

Othereeeen · ‎03-13-2010

@mspemberley @amyb

Yes it is well written and brings back memories of MY mom, who also introduced me to QVC same way...first I laughed at her, then, I was ordering more and more and grew to LIKE sitting on the couch, dialing to order, and not having to waste my prescious off time from work, shoppingf or stuff. Just pick up the phone when I saw something I liked, and voila...a few days later, Mr Brown placed it on my doormat!!

So cool!!!

Times have changed SO rapidly, and QVC is ( not WAS) unable to keep up with the times, through no fault of thier own.

It's not what people want today, or, the media on which they shop.

And they also buy so differently today...not wrong, just different.

Today it seems to be more minimalistic in furnishings, decorations, knickknackery, no one wants dolls, stuffed animals, vases and glass ( remember Fenton?) or thousands of dishes and pots and pans. Who needs it when they order and eat out?

The young don't want it, and people my age ( 67) are actively and diligently getting RID of stuff. No one wants "stuff" any more.

O well. It does make me feel bad because it's another door closing on our youth. I sometimes think now how I used to make fun of my Mom ( died at 95 in 2015) when she was wistful for her old days and youth. And think how hyper fast things change today.

Wait til this new fangled AI ( artificial intelligence) and "the metaverse" gain traction.

We won't need physical anything. We'll all live in a make believe world .

I wanna go back!!!

mspatmac · ‎06-10-2015

@CheriNJ

This may fit in with what you wrote. I read an article about Lands End and what they did when sale started slipping. They went after younger hipper customers. It didn't work. Management realized that wasn't the answer. They were more of a niche market that people aged INTO! They are now more successful because they know their customer and cater to them.

They offer limited products on many platforms including Amazon and QVC. They have a great site and Quality products at fair prices.

cosmic1 · ‎03-10-2010

@amyb. Your post brought back the good memories I have of first discovering the Q. I loved it! My main reason to avoid shopping was the hassle of going to the mall, fighting crowds and waiting to try things on. In addition, the selection here just wasn’t that great. The Q filled a need for me and the quality was great. It did live up to its name and everyone seemed proud to work there.

HisElk1 · ‎09-29-2015

@amyb, your post brought back some good memories for me. I first came upon QVC when my dear father was very ill. He was staying at my house and he had problems sleeping, so we would stay up and watch. Many times, if I remarked about something I liked, he'd say, go ahead and get it and I'll pay for it; however, I didn't take advantage of that.

I recall many items that were once sold and miss those days. Things such as Peterboro baskets, some apparel lines such as Cedar Canyon, Jessica Holbrook, the older version (now the newer one now) of Sport Savvy, Koos of Course, and many more. I still have some of the Citi Knits from back then. The prices were very reasonable as well. Of course, I expect prices will go up from 20 years ago; however, the prices they are now asking is too high for me. I am retired, so there's not a need for high fashion clothes anymore.

I also recall not having to wait very long to receive the item and if it had to be returned, there was not a long wait to receive the credit. Even back then, we could get the S&H returned.

Speaking for myself, it is no longer a good place for me to purchase things. I have purchased 2 items in the last year, but none of them were apparel or shoes. I don't want to take the chance and pay the high return costs and have to wait a long time for the return money.

Sorry for the long rant; however, thanks for a trip down memory lane.

AngelPuppy1 · ‎03-13-2010

This reminds me of an old song which I love and part of a line in it says --- "change gonna come." I always say --- things are always changing and usually I don't like the changes, and I am not referring specifically to just here, but everywhere, and as I always say when people say -- that's life, things change, get used to it. Well, yes, change happens but that doesn't mean it's always for the better --- and usually it isn't!

In my lifetime, it was stores in your local town. Then, malls came into being and the local stores were having a hard time and most of them closed. Then, the malls started having a hard time and closing down because of various reasons, economy, etc, and shopping on-line. Then, on-line shopping is suffering, too. So, where do we go from here?

"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." - Steve Martin

Spurt · ‎03-20-2010

David Bowie sang a song called "CHANGES" yes things need to change with the times, but based on their recent financial reports, QVC hasnt made the RIGHT

CHANGES!!!

With the advent of social media, in particular texting, Scientists have discovered that technology is impacting brain waves and concentration and attention span.

Now live demos can be effective (even Amazon is experimenting with this) BUT remember QVC keep the presentations SHORT AND SWEET!!!

And here's another point, dont waste time on "entertainment" just get to the chase!!!!" And please, 2 or 3 hosts arent necessary on the same show, less interrupting one another and more focus on the product PLEASE!

Phony and insincere gimmicks arent effective and can be spotted a mile away......

Dont present the same stuff you can find everywhere and anywhere stick with products that are a bit unique and different.

Clothing brands should NOT all look alike---VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE!!! Consistent sizing is essential within the same brand. Quality is important too!

The hosts are NOT the viewers BFFs, fans and lonely hearts may impact the activity on a host's QVC Facebook Page but may not translate into actual merchandise sales!...............

Animals are reliable, full of love, true in their affections, grateful. Difficult standards for people to live up to.”