Quality, Value, Convenience, and still going strong. (QVC)

Member Name: LemonSqueezy81

Product:	QVC
Date:	16/04/09 (96 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Ease of use, great product range, TSV's

Disadvantages: High p&p charges, addictive shopping!

I am 27 now, but remember first seeing QVC on TV when I was about 14. Julia Roberts (not the film star) is one of the longstanding presenters of this home shopping channel, and her hair certainly looks a lot better than the mop of an overdone perm she had all those years ago, but she is still arguably one of the best presenters and has probably aided the channel's longevity.

QVC is available to watch on freeview, cable and satellite TV and is based on the American version. It's the same company but obviously a different channel, as ours has all british presenters, and their call centre is based in Liverpool.

Personally, I love QVC, but the concept itself is very hit and miss, some people view it as rather 'sad' and that only losers would enjoy shopping from a TV channel. But, the fact is, there are many people out there who find it more convenient to shop from home for whatever reason, whether they are out in the sticks with no shops nearby, disabled and therefore perhaps housebound, or they just find it more enjoyable and easy than the hustle and bustle of the high street.

QVC sells a vast array of products, which are demonstrated quite sufficiently on their shows. They sell hair and beauty products, jewellery, crafting items, technology such as tv's, music systems, computers, cookery items and kitchen utensils, fashion (clothes, bags & shoes), gardening items, food and drinks such as yogurt makers, pies and cakes, and all sorts of household cleaning appliances and items.

The main concept is, if you see a product which you like the look of, they tell you the cost and the price for postage and packaging, and which colours or versions are availlable. You call a free phone number and are put through to a live operator. Once you are a member (you receive your card with membership number after first purchase), you can call the Qcut number to order, which is an automated service, therefore quicker if you are worried something might sell out before you place your order. You can also browse products and order online from their website.

Often they have offers on certain products, such as free p&p, one time only's (where the product is sold at lowest price ever), or easy pays. Easy pay is where the price of the item is payable with no interest, over 2, 3 or 4 months. The cost divided so you pay an equal amount each month, it's automatically debited from your account. They also offer a 30 day money back guarantee, where you can USE the product and see if you like it. If not, send it back. Also at 12am (midnight) each day, a certain product is presented as the 'today's special value' which is always an item with a reduced price.

The presenters are good, in the most part. Some get a little over-enthusiastic in their 'selling techniques' which can make them seem a bit fake. My favourite presenters are Julia Roberts and Pipa Vanderburg, as they seem the most relaxed and genuine on air. Various shows also have guests, usually the creators of the range being sold. My favourite jewellery range is South Western Silver, and the designer Carolyn Pollack is also a great presenter to watch.

They often ask for people to call in, or text, to express their views on the products, and QVC's service. You do sometimes wonder about the mental stability of their customers, last night there was someone texting to say they own 50+ pairs of birkenstock sandals and had just purchased another 2 pairs, but each to their own! One evening my boyfriend was bored, being subjected to another jewellery show I was watching, and decided to text in to Pipa as a joke. He said something along the lines of 'great show ladies, i'm loving looking at your rings, from Tony.' Anyone as immature and of similar lewd mind to us will see the joke in that... and she actually read it out. Needless to say it gave us a laugh.

Summary: Fun and convenient for lots of people with all different tastes.