QVC claims

[beekeeper]

... tell me what you think! Last night during a "mother of pearl" show, Jacque was presenting a carved mother of pearl flower pendant that has gemstones in the center of the flower, on a leather cord. Fine, pretty ... all is well. Then she says it is hand carved. Hmmm ... do I really believe this? With the amount of product QVC supplies, I'm guessing thousands ... HAND CARVED ... really?!?

Another one is their STRICT quality assurance department. Many months back, I ordered a blue topaz and diamond ring. The blue topaz was an emerald cut, probably about 2 or 3 carats. When it arrived, the stone was set crooked ... VERY hard to miss. I returned it, wanting to exchange it for the same item because I really loved the ring. I swear to the heavens above, the replacement was crooked as well. Either they sent me the exact same ring the second time, or the stones in many of these rings are set poorly. Where was the STRICT quality assurance they constantly harp about? They sure weren't doing a great job on THAT one!

Any other thoughts or examples of questionable claims?

[paula6956]

I guess thats similair to my latest experience with the Q. I am Polsih by birth and I love Polsih Stoneware. Last week, I ordered the
condiement jar, like a honey jar, it comes with a little spoon. when I opened it this morning, the spoon was broken. Thats the most important part of the set. I am so mad. If I send it back, that item is on waitlist, so I will have to wait. And with that who know sif they will ever get it back in stock. And the problem is that I really love it. I cant even glue it that it would be ok, cause a piece is totally missing of the pattern.

[karolea]

I have noticed lately that the quality of the jewelry does not have the same fine standards as in years' past. Last month, I ordered an Affinity Diamond cross in white gold. When it arrived, and I opened the box, I noticed that the right side of the cross was definitely shorter than the left side (a cross must be symetrical). I sent it back, and asked for a refund, which I received about 10 days later. You must really check everything very carefully, and use a magnifying glass - sometimes small stones are missing!

[beekeeper]

I'm sorry that happened paula6956 ... TOTALLY frustrating!

I've never tried the "wait list" thing. My mother has, and doesn't seem to ever get the item. I've seen them "claim" over on HSN some high percentage number of people actually receiving the item they wait for in the 90 day period.

I have another one, RETAIL PRICE. This was posted on another thread by carlinagrl ... check it out! There is $170 difference in their retail prices!

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"Check out QVC Item j80142 Sculptura Cross and then check out SNBC Item L10674"
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[paula6956]

Yeah I went there this morning. It saw that!!!
My word is AMAZING!

I think that the Q is in trouble. BIG TIME.

There is someone that I work with that sent something back, a little later than the 30 days, and GUESS WHAT? They refused to take it back, and even went as far as sending it back to her. So she sent everything that she had ordered in the past thirty days BACK to them, and cancelled orders she had that hadnt shipped yet. And to top that off, she buys a lot of lot of jewlry. And it s Gem Week, and the 4-5 THOUSAND, she would have spent, SHE ISNT..(By the way, she is a lawyer)

So The Q seem to be losing a LOT of people that had been very loyal, to them.

[beekeeper]

Sheer competition isn't helping either! I swear ... flipping thru channels and I'm guessing there are at least 7 or 8 shopping channels now! SHEESH!

If the customer service isn't there, the buyer will flee! I've never had a problem with customer service at QVC. Haven't done much shopping anywhere else, so don't have anything to compare them to.

[paula6956]

I didnt mean to imply that I had a problem with the customer service. I don't. They have always been extremly pleasant and nice to me. I was a little upset by the broken piece I received, and I know the drill. I will have to send it back, go on waitlist and then hope I do get it again....

Lets count OK?
1) QVC
2) HSN, Americas Store.
3) Shop NBC
4) Shop at Home.

Am I missing any?

[karolea]

A very strange thing happened last week. I ordered a pendant that was on clearance from HSN. I almost never order jewelry from HSN, but I have to admit that their quality is improving tremendously. Anyway, when I went through the bag that it arrived in, there was a QVC guarantee of quality with the HSN pendant. I was totally confused. Could HSN have ordered the pendant from QVC? Or do the new owners of QVC also have ownership of HSN? Has anyone else had a similar situation?

[ladybug]

I would be sure to send the Q an email on products that you are disappointed with, pointing out their "high quality" claim. I recently ordered a jewelry cleaner (sorry, can't remember which one and too lazy to look it up -- I will if anyone's REALLY interested). When I received it, there was a warning on it stating that in California, certain chemical(s) in it were known to cause cancer (or "may cause"). The product smelled really bad (toxic) and the instructions advised to wear rubber gloves when using it!! Wellllll, of course, on TV they made it look super-easy, demonstrating it without gloves.

It just made me mad. The cleaner wasn't even that expensive, so to pay to send it back wasn't smart, but I did anyhow, with a note. Then I sent an email to QVC detailing my concerns and stating my shock that QVC, with its high standards, would sell such a product. I told them it made me skeptical about their other products and I would be very careful about what I ordered in the future. I think it is important for them to know that this affects their reputation -- maybe my little email doesn't mean much, but if MANY of us send them letters, they might get the message.

Sorry so long! :-)

[paula6956]

The most recent press release from the Q

Kim Maguire Joins Electronic Retailer QVC As Executive Vice President And Chief Merchandising Officer.

Mr Maguire

Are you listening????

[beekeeper]

I don't blame you ladybug! I'd be annoyed myself, ESPECIALLY if the hosts weren't wearing gloves as they sold the product!

Paula, maybe I exaggerated the number of shopping channels ... I know there is also ACNtv (all jewelry, all the time) to add to your list as well.

[QVC Queen]

Paula there is ACN a jewlery only channel and another channel (cant remember the name) that sells only art on Fridays I think.

There are others I just can remember them.

[karolea]

I really think for quality jewelry, Ross-Simons catalog is really the best! I know this jewelry is sometimes featured on QVC, but I have been ordering for over 10 years, and I have never been disappointed with the quality and unique styles that are offered. I have diamond, emerald, and gold pieces and they are all beautifully crafted and weighty too!

[beekeeper]

I've seen their catalog ... FABULOUS!!!

[karolea]

Another wonderful site for jewelry is: www.wedbands.com. Besides unique wedding and engagement rings, they have many kinds of rings which you can order in 14K,18K, and platinum. The prices are wholesale. I have ordered a ruby and diamond ballerina ring( the diamonds are white white) as well as wedding bands. Truly beautiful!

[warybuyer]

Recently QVC was selling an under the sink shelf unit, two for about 30 bucks, PLUS s/h. Yesterday, I was flipping through my local shopping cirulars (Burlington?) and saw the exact same shelf for $9.99. I think the really good values on QVC are few and far between.

[puddy]

Don't be too freaked out by the 'California disclaimer'. They have super-strict regulations in California. Even hair spray is regulated, no joke! I'm really sorry about the crappy merch you guys are getting. I still say the Diamonique they sell now IS NOT what Kathy sold years ago. It seems dull and low quality. When they show a close up now, it just looks bad where before, some of the stuff looked really real. I don't like the machine set prongs. They look 'robotic', all angular. It doesn't help the CZ look any more real, if anyone at QVC is reading!!! Hello? Anybody???

[KarynLR]

In keeping with the post on retail value, does anyone have any comments of QVC's Birkenstocks? I recently went to the mall, and the simple, two strap sandals were $80. I bought printed Birkenstocks on the Q for $50...but the store ones seemed a little nicer--more refined, no sole overhang, etc. I wondered if the store Birks are different--or better. Anyone have comparisons?

I have not bought much jewelry from QVC, but these stories are outrageous! I think you just have to be a savvy shopper, and take what you can get. There are some really good deals on the shopping networks that no one can deny. For example, there is no way I can go to any store that sells philosophy and get 5 Amazing Grace items for $88 like I can from QVC. The other stuff (like the under the sink unit) is hit or miss, I think. Some store might have it on sale, the Q might be marking it up. Who knows? I am very shocked and disheartened by the CS comments... I have not had any problems with them yet--and have returned stuff and cancelled orders, but I think the way they act is terrible. They will certainly lost customers and revenue that way.

And also, don't worry about the California thing... I have seen that warning on many, many products (not from QVC). I heard they have extremely strict regulations. I am surprised that the hosts didn't insist on wearing gloves, especially when the directions recommended it.

[beekeeper]

I think you are right on about the "hit and miss" stuff karyn! AND, that there ARE some great deals on QVC and the like. The "C" in QVC is probably the most deserving of the letters ... convenience! Shopping from TV or on-line is simply the only way many people can get their shopping done!

[jatwin2]

I was very surprised to read QVC returned an item b/c it was over the 30 day return period. I have returned items way over 30 days (one item just recently) that I ordered in March, I think, and QVC gave me a credit when I returned it in July. I did call first and said it was a gift and she didn't like it, so I returned it. No problem. Once a long time ago (different QVC owners), I sent back an electronics item never taken out of the box that I had ordered over one year prior. QVC took it back. I know HSN returned an item of mine that I sent back b/c it was over the 30 day limit. Now that stinks.

[paula6956]

Yeah, to be honest, I was to. But this person who told me this, I do believe her. She did write a letter to them. I will be anxious to hear what they tell her. I will let you know.

[puddy]

This is really bothering me because if we did anything that was not 100% customer service, our president would have a fit. I got my boss in trouble two times in two weeks because I went to the SOURCE of the problem - no chain of command BS for me. My boss got in trouble, so to speak, because HIS boss was unaware of the problem. When you go straight to the top, you can get someone's attention. I'd pack the item up, send it to a VP and wait for a response. Most often, if someone can slack off, they will. If a superior doesn't know, (they can't be everywhere at once) they can't fix it.

[ladybug]

Thanks for the info on California regulations -- that does make me feel a little bit better. I still love the Q, but I want them to be responsible retailers!

Re: Birkenstocks. I think the Q's prices are good. You can find them on sale at some of the other sites, if you watch, and I even bought a pair at Sam's Club this year! What you might not realize is that the Q does sell quite a few Birks that are made with a man-made product, I think they call it Birko-flor, whereas the ones you saw in the store may have been real leather or suede. (I have several of the Birko-flor models and like them.) Q does sell real leather and suede Birks, too, and those ones are generally the higher priced shoes.

[puddy]

Thanks, ladybug. I wondered why the prices varied by $20 - $30 sometimes.

[paula6956]

Puddy, I like your style, as I know what you mean about great customer service. Did you see my post to Kim Magurie earlier today. Hope he see's it and takes note!

[puddy]

Your post is what made me post! I know they read this board. Don't they get it? The new management is really playing with fire, if you ask me. If the bottom line is ALL they care about, they will care soon enough if this keeps up. I would not want to be a show host right now, selling sub-par merch. Yuk!

[paula6956]

I would loveeeeeee to work for the Q. I dont know as what or where exactly, but I would like to bring a lot of things to their attention, from the "little ol people", like us... Its like other things in life, we, "those" people see things differently, but maybe better and more perceptively.

[KarynLR]

Ladybug, that must be the difference. They also have a new item called soft floor or something like that--it's a little more cushy than the regular floor, but I didn't try them on. I went to the mall, and asked to get fitted in Birkis, but since I was still in a fracture boot from foot surgery, I didn't want to buy any yet. (I'd already bought a few sizes from the Q but didn't know which fit right, especially since I'm not walking much yet and especially since my right foot is super swollen.) I'm guessing the salesgirl knew I had no intention of buying them from her store, because she said, "well, why don't you come back when you plan to buy them?" (That really pissed me off, especially since I was standing in store with crutches and a fracture boot, but I digress...) BUT, now my physical therapist thinks the deep heel cup and arch will bother my incision (I had surgery to remove a significantly damaged nerve near the arch of my foot), so that's why I want to try the soft floor. I was going to e-mail the Birki lady, Sally, and ask if she would be selling any on QVC before I purchase an expensive pair from the mall!

I'm off to check the Q website to see what they offer now :)

[shopping]

The only other comment that I would make about Birks is that I saw clogs on QVC for about $80, and the exact same clogs (same material, etc) were being sold at a bargain price on Birkenstock Express. The bargain price was about half too! It is like any discount store...you have to compare prices and look around and not just assume that you are getting the best deal, even though the hosts tell you a billion times!!!

[lorip]

Karyn--
If you check out Birkenstock Central. com or Birkenstock Express.com, you will see that they always have "bargain" sections with steep discounts. Usually, except for special offers, if you spend $100 or more, you get free shipping, which never happens at the Q. I recently bought a pair of Eden's from Birk.Central for $114. They are normally $150. I have never had a problem with either of these companies, and if I email with a question, I get an answer. Sorry to hear about your surgery. I hope you are on the mend.
And, as has been said before, some Birk's are birko-flor, which is manmade, hence cheaper. The leather or nubucks are more expensive because they are real leather. Also, these sites will direct you to repair services. Buy a pair of Birks, have them forever. Good luck.

[Yep2]

As I've stated many times before, QVC's only advantage is that you dont have to leave your home to shop. They RARELY have TV bargains. My local mall has better quality and prices than QVC ever will. Saks and Bloomindales has better deals in their clearance sections that QVC. LOL!!

[beekeeper]

Yep2, I will agree that a LOT of it, maybe even most of it isn't that great of a deal once you include shipping, but there really are some great buys on QVC.

I really doubt that you could find 300+ threadcount sheets anywhere for under $70.

I bought my kitchen aid mixer and my kitchen aid blender QVC for MUCH less ($75/$20 respectively) than the sales at major dept stores.

I think that a lot of their silver jewelry is really well priced compared to the dept stores. Same for the gold ... PLUS, their selection is MUCH greater than any dept store.

There is a lot of junk, but there are some deals too! Easy pay can help a lot of people as well ...

[puddy]

I think the markdowns on clothing are stupid. They don't even amount to the shipping & handling most times. I'm looking for 20, 30, or more per cent off - now that's a bargain. Not 4 or 5 dollars.

[Yep2]

I can buy 4-500 Egyptian (the best) cotton sheets for under $50 on a regular basis in my city. Discount stores carry them all the time, and so does many outlets. Heck, even K-mart's Martha Stewart brand 300TC beats QVC's prices. ShopNBC has them on sale sometimes also at a cheap price. I just received another 800TC Joseph Abboud set for my birthday, and it was well under $100 from a discount store. Even Ross and Marshall's have 400TC sets by Ralph Lauren and other top designers for $50 or less on a daily basis. You just have to know where the bargains are by getting out of the house and looking. QVC wants you to think you cant find them. I'm a shopper and I love expensive things; but if I dont have to pay a huge price for big ticket items, I wont. Why should I?