OK I know you were probably expecting an in depth opinion on a set of knives, or an ‘outstanding value’ piece of jewellery, but what can I say?. You probably all know what QVC is, so why spend time talking about it?.
Instead why not read on with a cup of tea at hand.
QVC is perhaps the most recognised name for interactive shopping. QVC was founded in 1986 by Joseph Segel, a 63 year old who was interested in developing a new form of direct marketing business. He decided to start QVC after watching the Home Shopping Network for a few minutes in Florida. He saw the need for a new kind of retail service built on technology, but guided by three customer-focused principles: Quality, Value and Convenience.
By watching the Home Shopping Network, Segal identified improvements that could be made in everything from the items
offered for sale, to the ‘hard sell manner’ of the presenters.
In 1986 Segal raised over $20 million to start QVC. Initially Segal lined up 7.6 million TV homes for the November 24th launch, by offering cable companies stocks for as little as 20c a share. Publicly offered at $10, QVC stock closed its first trading day at $20 per share.
QVC began on November 24th 1986 from 7.30pm to 12.00 midnight. The first broadcast was carried by 58 cable systems in 20 states. To lend credibility to the new company, QVC made a two-year deal to sell sears products.
Segal demanded that the Presenters sell by informing not pressuring the viewers about the product (Is this still maintained? Hmm I wonder lol) This meant that Presenters would have to study each product, explain the many benefits of the product, and know the products sales history in order to make the sell more informative and entertaining. All this in order to sell the QVC way.
There would be no hard sell and unlike the Home Shopping Network, customers could purchase any time, there would be no last minute price cuts, and no high-pressure tactics.
Barry Diller was the next to put QVC in the limelight. Again he came with dreams of turning the retail concept into something bigger. Diller pushed for two experimental channels, two Foreign channels, an entry into the computer information services market, and research into new technology and it's retail implications that included interactive sales and many other innovations. Diller wanted to reach those viewers, (92%) who had watched QVC but had not yet purchased. His actions meant that QVC was reaching a much larger audience and would no longer just be available in America.
A press release found on an Internet site, stated the number of homes QVC was reaching when an attempt was made to make ‘electronic retailing history’.
0ctober 29th 1992 (1.00 – 3.00pm ET) “QVC US will be broadcasting live from the shuttle launch at Veteran’s Memorial Park’s space walk of fame. QVC, shopping in the UK and QVC Deutschland in Germany will be simultaneously broadcasting with QVC US to make electronic retailing history by reaching 90 million households on two continents”
Over the years QVC has provided a whole new meaning to interactive shopping. Starting small and working up to a name that in this day and age everyone is aware of. QVC is still developing, for example taking advantage of the Internet (www.qvcuk.com).
You bored yet?
Ok so you now know how QVC rose to the heights it is at today. But what does it have to offer its viewers?
QVC advertises its products in separate categories. For example half hour and hour slots which are focused around toys, electrical goods, jewellery etc. As the information above shows, presenters sell the items, normally in a small studio which I assume is intended to make the show more ‘personal’ as if on a ‘one to one’ basis.
Each item on the show has a catalogue number, which you give when you order the item.
So how do you order??
Simple. Call the number on the screen (Don’t worry you wont be able to miss it as it is shown ALL THE TIME!). Give them the catalogue number, name, address and payment details. And that’s it! The item will be delivered to your doorstep
If you don’t want to sit through hours of television try their website www.qvcuk.com.
QVC is quite good as some items you cant find in shops. It is simple to order and the prices are fairly reasonable.
I would recommend QVC to anyone who hasn’t had the pleasure to view it. However, as good as it may be, I personally still prefer the old method of going to the shops, looking at my items, checking that it is OK, and buying it.
A great opinion, on a pretty hard to find subject!
I like the ability to be able to order from the interactive section on Sky Digital now, even though I havn't got a credit card.. its still fun to play with!
The only point you failed to mention was 'Q-Cut' - if you have ordered before (and therefore have a membership number) you can place your order entirely by use of your telephone keypad. This enables you to miss the queues that build with the operators at busy times. Paul.
by (4%):
09.10.2001 03:43
A great opinion, on a pretty hard to find subject! I like the ability to be able to order from the interactive section on Sky Digital now, even though I havn't got a credit card.. its still fun to play with!
19.09.2001 16:51
The only point you failed to mention was 'Q-Cut' - if you have ordered before (and therefore have a membership number) you can place your order entirely by use of your telephone keypad. This enables you to miss the queues that build with the operators at busy times. Paul.
05.08.2001 20:16
Nice op. Sorry the site won't let me rate now. I'll do it later. Thanks.