Are You Ready for QVC?

    -  Is it topical or timely? 

If you think you’ve got a fit, there are a few ways to approach QVC. Each of them is relatively simple, so it’s definitely worth a try—especially because QVC’s base target sales rate is in the range of $6,000 per minute, well worth the effort if your product is chosen. 

The first way to approach QVC involves visiting the website. There you’ll find information on making an appointment with a QVC buyer to present your product. In addition to hosting appointments at their headquarters in West Chester, Pennsylvania, QVC also hosts regional appointments in various cities around the country for which you can apply (see site for details). If it’s not convenient to attend one of these regional meetings, you can start the process by simply applying online—you’ll be surprised how quick and straightforward the application process is. 

My experience with QVC began when I submitted my first product, the TP Saver, for their review a few years back. When they e-mailed me that they were interested and invited me to present my product, I was elated! Due to my naiveté as a new inventor, I arrived feeling quite special, only to find 2,800 other “special” inventors also waiting in line to present their products! 

Fortunately, QVC is a well-oiled machine, and while I thought the cattle call experience would be frustrating, but the staff members treated each of us as if we were the only one in the room. I presented the TP Saver to a buyer and she liked the product, but it didn’t meet their criteria for price (the preferred minimum unit price for QVC is in the $15 range and the retail price for the TP Saver is just $5.99). Although I wasn’t chosen this first time out, I persisted and have since had multiple appearances on QVC with products that did meet their specific criteria. 

Another inroad to getting on QVC is to approach the category buyer for your product directly. To do this, it’ll help to become familiar with their programming. On thing QVC does is create special program themes like “beauty” or “kitchen essentials.” Watch for special programming in which your product might fit, and use it as leverage when presenting your product.