[INFO]: Get Your Product on Home Shopping Networks

[Patrick W. Cochrane]

While mail order catalog shopping is still the undisputed champion when it comes
to product sales, home shopping networks are certainly a force to be reckoned
with. They boast over 6 million viewers who purchase more than $2.5 billion in
merchandise annually. In 1994, QVC (Quality, Variety and Convenience) alone did
$1.2 billion in sales, as much as the entire infomercial industry. Home shopping
is the mail order catalog of the information age. It’s enjoyable, reliable and
convenient. The sales potential is explosive; a hot product can sell 10,000
units or more in as little as fifteen minutes of air time!

The home shopping networks are interested in a variety of unique, quality
merchandise that can be easily demonstrated on-camera. They also like new
product launches. Since home shopping programming is theme-driven, products are
chosen according to how well they fit in. QVC does not accept personalized
merchandise, children’s wear, furs, guns or service related programs.

The quickest route to the home shopping networks is with a product that has
previous television exposure (short-form commercials and infomercials). However
this isn’t the only way. Each network has its own Vendor Relations department.
Contact them and ask for a Product Information Form. Fill it out and return it,
along with a photo of your product (samples are discouraged). The odds are long,
but definitely worth a shot. Three-quarters of the more than 1,000 product
sheets received every week are rejected. 25 percent receive a second look. As
with catalogs and retailers, the home shopping networks purchase products at a
discount, and resell them directly to their customers. Upon preliminary
approval, a product must pass rigorous Quality Assurance requirements, and be
individually packaged and labeled for shipping in accordance with their
seven-day customer delivery guarantee. In 1993, Stan Herman took his line of
chenille robes to QVC and sold 9,600 units in 12 minutes. By the end of the day,
he had sold 22,300 for a total of $661,000. If you believe your product has home
shopping potential, get a product information form right away. You never know
where it may lead!

The Home Shopping Network QVC
11831 30th Ct. North 1365 Enterprise Drive
St. Petersburg, FL 33716 Westchester, PA 19308
(813) 572-8585 (800) 345-1515

[Moderator's Tidbit: The commemorative bronze medallion of
Clinton/Gore ($39.95) was selling at 270 a minute on QVC. -JG]

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Author of "The Kitchen Table Millionaire"
Leading-Edge Information and Resources
for the Home and Small Business Entrepreneur.
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