QVC Buyer Offers Q-Insight

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Yesterday, The Q Factor had the opportunity to interview a QVC buyer. Although she wishes to remain anonymous because of the power of Q execs, she offered great knowledge of all things Q.

QueenofQ: Why are QVC shoppers so loyal to the company?

QBuyer: Because we offer great quality at great prices. They trust the hosts and find them credible on many subjects. And the hosts are actually very credible, they're trained. For example, Lisa Robertson [sells jewelry] goes to Italy and tours the gold manufacturers place of business.

QueenofQ: Why is shopping at QVC kept secret? Why does it seem taboo to say, "I Q"?

QBuyer: People have a negative perception - they think our shopper is a woman who sits around all day and shops at home, an old woman. But really our shopper shops so much, she even shops at home. She knows a good value when she sees it because she knows the market. The QVC shopper is more affluent and educated than people think. She's a soccer mom.

QueenofQ: What is the mindset behind the iQdoU? campaign?

QBuyer: In the 21 years QVC has been around, we turn 21 on Friday, the company has never done an ad campaign. The reasoning behind that was that we're already in 90 million homes. But out of that 90 million, QVC is only reaching 30 million people. I hope the campaign changes people's perceptions of what we are, and what we're about. I hope it can also bring in new names [vendors].

QueenofQ: I've noticed QVC ads in magazines like US Weekly and Vogue. Is QVC trying to reach a younger audience?

QBuyer: I think that, sure, they want to attract a younger audience. But QVC would never rely on a younger audience to comprise the customer base. A younger person would never say she shops on QVC.

QueenofQ: How do you think QVC could improve?

QBuyer: I would first like to state that QVC is an incredible force in "home shopping." QVC is bigger than all competitors combined. With that being said, I think they could definitely try to bring in more brand names. For example HSN had Scoop NYC and Sephora on this year. We have big names, but we'd like to get more. And we're making progress, this year we featured Bobbi Brown, Paula Deen and Tacori.

QueenofQ: What percentage of the business do online sales constitute?

QBuyer: 30% of general business comes from online sales. QVC just updated the website. This was to generate sales, but also to keep up with the times, the website was looking a little old!

The Q Factor extends thanks to our anonymous Q Buyer. And remember, even though it's Thanksgiving and the stores are closed...Q is still on!

Q Character of the Day: Laura Gellar

Keeping in tune with Monday's blog about make up on the Q, our Q character of the day is make up artist Laura Gellar. I'll admit that I had never heard of Gellar until I watched her sell thousands of products last night with Lisa Robertson. Her products are innovative in the materials she uses to manufacture them, and how she produces them. Gellar uses tomato extract in her crease less concealer, which helps to hide lines and wrinkles. She also bakes blushes, bronzers and eye shadows. QVC flashed to her factories and it looked more like a bakery - women in white(hats and clothing) sizing what could have been cookie dough, but was actually make up, and placing them on baking trays. Last night, Gellar introduced a brow marker that she claimed her company has been working on for 3 years.

Gellar sold out of most of her products quickly. This, of course, resulted in excitement on her part. She was clapping, smacking the table and was so jittery when holding the products Lisa had to hold her hand still. Her wave goodbye to on-air testimonials is almost worse than Lisa's wave. Move your hand in an up and down fashion (instead of Lisa's finger wave) very fast and you have mastered the Gellar wave. Despite these mannerisms, the woman can sell. I was even tempted to pick up the phone, and I barely noticed an hour had passed. Rock on Laura.

Functionally Fabulous

Confession: I have a slight addiction to accessories. More particularly, an addiction to earrings and necklaces. After years and years of acquiring the goods, I had nowhere to keep them. I just left earrings sitting on my vanity until I forgot about them, then one earring would disappear and I would have to mourn the loss of yet another pair. This happened over and over again, until I found the perfect solution – the QVC jewelry organizers.

Ok, let’s be honest – I didn’t find the solution, a very wise woman gave the organizer to me as a present and I fell in love. The jewelry bag has 5 different sleeves – some sleeves have larger pockets for necklaces, other pockets are smaller for earrings. The sleeves can be removed from the bag. This is great for traveling – just pack everything you want to bring in one sleeve and take it out of the bag. It’s incredible how organized this product will keep you, trust me. As I’ve previously mentioned, when the Q does something right – they do it all the way. A jewelry bag like this is about $30. I consider it a bargain when I think about all the earrings I’ve lost over the years.

Hello Beautiful

I’ve already talked about ordering food from QVC, but another category QVC markets is beauty. QVC sells high-end beauty products at cheaper prices. Here are the top 5 beauty brands QVC sells, and a description of what makes them so great:

Bobbi Brown: Makeup artist to the stars, Brown launched her own cosmetic line in 1993. It started with just 10 lipsticks and now has expanded to include all the beauty world has to offer. Bobbi's vision is for "women want to look and feel like themselves, only prettier and more confident.”

Philosophy: This brand offers beauty product in scents that smell so good, you may try to eat the product. I’m not kidding. They also have catchy names like “Saving Grace” and “Hope in a Tube.” Their products include shower gel, lip gloss, anti aging products and other makeup.

Bare Escentuals: Their foundation is different from other brands in that it is made with crushed minerals from the earth. This means it’s free of preservatives, talc, oil, waxes, fragrances, and other chemicals that can cause breakouts. It looks like a powder but feels like a cream. Though its a very light foundation, it still provides the same coverage cakey, heavy makeup does. This brand is a great natural answer to wearing makeup.

smashbox: This brand offers an array of makeup - beautiful eye shadows, glimmering lip glosses and any foundation or cream you can imagine. My favorite product from smashbox is their eye brightener. It’s an under-eye concealer for those days when you’re running on less than 5 hours of sleep.

L’Occitane: These fragrances and lotions are simply the best. L’Occitane combines essential oils and natural ingredients from the Mediterranean with rich shea butter. The smell, the feel and experience of using their products is unbeatable.

The Business of Being QVC

Reuters reported that QVC’s quarterly revenue rose 2 percent to $1.69 billion, but operating cash flow fell 1 percent. Not the best news for the Q.

"On an operating basis, clearly we're disappointed with the continued softness in QVC," Chief Executive Gregory Maffei said. The Reuters article also stated that Liberty Media Corp (QVC’s owner) is trying to purchase a division of IAC/InterActiveCorp that includes the Home Shopping Network (HSN).

Two shopping channels owned by the same company – sounds intriguing. As Queen of Q, I am versed in shopping, not business. I can’t offer much knowledge on what a merge would mean or do for QVC, so please friends read on here.

QVC Character of the Day: President and CEO, Mike George

George was named CEO and President of QVC in April 2006, though he had been working as President and CEO-elect since 2005. Prior to QVC, George worked as the chief marketing officer and general manager of Dell’s US Consumer Business.

Though he may resemble your high school history teacher or principal, George seems to have brought a lot to QVC. In an interview with BusinessWeek in May 2006, George discussed his wishes to build the QVC brand. He stated that once you shop QVC, you become a customer for life. He elaborated that the QVC brand is synonymous with trust, information, community and inspiration. After watching this interview, I think it’s safe to presume George (along with many others, I’m sure) is in charge of the whole iQdoU? campaign. His marketing background must have helped enormously in coming up with a different way to market the Q. Who doesn’t love a cute, intelligent nerd? Today, we honor “Mr. QVC,” Mike George for bringing a new vision to the Q.

A Girl's Best Friend

If you’ve never heard of Diamonique, you are not a true Q aficionado. The term Diamonique is QVC’s version of faux diamonds, along the lines of cubic zirconium. QVC deems Diamonique the “finest simulated gemstone made by man.” A one-caret Diamonique stone is supposedly identical in size to a one-carat diamond. Every Diamonique stone is “precision-cut by hand and machine for consistency and brilliance.” These stones rate 8.5 on the Moh’s Hardness Scale (diamonds rate 10).

Both of my sisters sport ostentatious Diamonique studs. They always get compliments on them, and people consistently think they’re the real deal. And apparently, they are not the only ones to experience this response from Diamonique – on Brides.com, one woman writes of a similar tale:

My future mother in-law swears by QVC Diamonique. She has a lot of the real thing. But when she travels she takes her Diamonique with her. She says she gets just as many compliments on the Diamonique as she does with her real. There have been times that she has opened up her jewelry box and I could not tell the difference between the real thing and the Diamonique. So I would say go for it.

To read more of their comments on Diamonique click here. If you can’t afford the real thing, Diamonique is probably the next best option. Like my sisters, you don’t have to tell people that they’re not real diamonds. Just smile, say thank you and think of what the Q has done for you.

HD for QVC

Last week, QVC announced it will be launching a “high definition simulcast of its domestic broadcast in the first quarter of 2008.” Lisa Robertson might need to hit the Botox – HD technology will bring a crisper, more saturated and detailed picture to viewers.

"HD is the next logical step in bringing our viewers enhanced programming," said QVC Senior Vice President of Broadcasting and TV Sales Angie Simmons. "The simulcast will provide stunning clarity, enabling us to bring our products to life." Why QVC didn’t jump on the HD bandwagon sooner, I don’t understand. The HD development will certainly add to the look and success of QVC.

Read more about the HD development here.

Q Competitor?: Honeyshed

Honeyshed is described as a revolutionary entertainment/advertising website and deemed “MTV meets QVC.” The way I understand it, Honeyshed will be a site where you can go to watch skits or make purchases. You will determine what you watch. The major launch for the site will occur in December, but it’s up and running now if you want to check it out.

Barbara Lippert reviews the website for ADWEEK here.

I watched a twenty-something man market the film The Big Lebowski by saying, “In college, I didn’t have cable. And it didn’t matter – this movie was all I needed.” Though an interesting idea, I’m a wary of how successful Honeyshed will be. Can a website sell products as effectively as the Q? I think not.

QVC Studio Park Tour: The Mecca of the Q

For Q fanatics a trip to QVC Studio Park located in West Chester, PA is comparable to the Hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca every Muslim must complete.) QVC Studio Park is, essentially, the Mecca of all things Q and every Q fan should complete the tour at least once. I would try to explain the tour, but I think QVC describes it quite accurately:

The QVC Studio Tour is a one-of-a-kind guided walking tour through the fantastic world of electronic retailing. At this state-of-the-art broadcasting facility, guests will see and experience how QVC products are sourced, tested, brought to life on air, and delivered to millions of QVC customers.

During the tour, the guide will actually take you to the Observation Deck and you may get to see a program in progress (how exciting!), or see your favorite host (Lisa please!). The tours are available every hour, on the hour, 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $7.50 per adult, and $5 for children, 6-12 years old. I know you’re wondering…Yes, I have done the QVC tour. It’s pretty fun, and you learn a great deal about what actually goes into a broadcast. Be forewarned, if you choose to do the Q tour – you will be surrounded by the Q crazies. When I was there a little-known host was walking out the entrance and was immediately surrounded by 4 or 5 women.

A Candle Without a Flame

Perusing the QVC website, I came across a very unusual product: flameless candles. The description says “Enjoy the ambience and beauty of candlelight, without the worry.” Supposedly the candles feel authentic and are actually made of wax. They use a patented, random flickering technology to mimic the movement of a flame. This product won a Home Safety Council Product Innovation Award. The candles require batteries, which are not included with the purchase.

I wonder what the wickersnapper blog would think about this! It’s definitely a good idea, but I wonder if people actually buy it. I’m always nervous that I’ll forget to blow out a candle, so I never buy/use them. This may just be the perfect solution.

Q Competitor: Jewelry Television

Jewelry Television started in 1993, and is filmed in Greeneville, Tenn. Jewelry Television claims to be the largest retailer of loose gemstones in the world. In terms of competition for QVC – I don’t think JT is much of a rival.

Since JT broadcasts from Tenn., a large portion of their hosts have thick Southern accents. Sometimes the accents are so heavy it’s difficult to understand what they’re saying. Then, there are the issues with the way they present the merchandise. The camera stays on one, unchanging picture as the host bellows descriptions, or "ONLY 20 left!" in the background. The hosts are not as articulate as Q hosts, the hostI just watched urged viewers to purchase the item by saying, “I’m gonna say do it!” Right. The merchandise isn’t so great either; JT was just selling ghetto-fabulous initial necklaces. But they only had 12 letters, bummer. The music played either sounds as if it’s coming out of a children’s music box, or is heavy orchestra-like sounding. Either way, the music doesn’t really coincide with the vision the channel is trying to accomplish. Watch a clip and see for yourself. I don’t think the Q has much to worry about regarding JT.

Q Character of the Day: Bob Bowersox

Host Bob Bowersox has been with QVC since their first broadcast in 1986. He was a former aspiring musician, chef, actor and journalist who found his niche with QVC. Bowersox hosts a variety of programs on the Q, but his most popular is In The Kitchen With Bob which is filmed with a live studio audience. The series has been running for over 11 years, and has led to Bowersox’s eight cookbooks.

So his last name is a little unusual, don’t hold it against him. Bowersox’s endearing (though slight) Southern accent comes from growing up in West Virginia and Maryland. It adds to his appeal as a kitchen connoisseur. His on-air demeanor is inviting, and makes me want to start cooking. He is on now, and every Sunday at 12 p.m.

Go to the Matresses

Buying a mattress requires seeing, feeling and testing the bed. Yet QVC discounts the importance of these actions, and instead convinces viewers to buy their mattresses via Q testimonials. One of the main brands QVC sells is Select Comfort, Sleep Number Bed. The Sleep Number Bed allows you to control the desired firmness with a digital remote. You can also get beds where half can be at one level, and the other side of the bed at another; perfect for couples who can’t decide on a mattress. These beds are pricey, starting at around $2,500.

The New York Times published an article about the Select Comfort Company. After reading it, I'm still not sure about this concept. I just don’t know how comfortable I would feel buying a bed I had never actually felt… Thoughts?

Getting on the Q

Having a product on QVC is equitable to making a significant amount of money, and QVC receives millions of product proposals. Yet, the process to actual getting on the channel is not as easy as it seems. If QVC likes the product proposal, the next step is the Quality Assurance test. This is a rigorous look at the product to make sure nothing is wrong with it. If the product passes this, the buyer will work with the vendor to come up with a sales strategy. In order to market a product, QVC suggests it addresses all of these questions:

Demonstrate well?

Solve a common problem or make life easier?

Appeal to a broad audience?

Have unique features and benefits?

Is it topical or timely?

But if it doesn’t sell, you don’t make any money. I found this article on Slate by a woman who tried to get her product, Hairmuffs, on QVC. Check it out.

Santa Qs

As I mentioned in an earlier post, the iQdoU? is QVC’s new slogan. Along with the new slogan came new ads. This particular ad features Santa, and it’s rather creepy. Although humorous to allude that Santa “Qs,” I’m not sure this was the best way to execute the idea. The huge picture of his face makes you stop on the page, but not in a good way. Also, this ad appeared in an October magazine and uses Christmas colors. Jumping the gun much? Don’t get me started… Do you like this ad? Think it works?

Krazy for Klum

Though I may qualify as a Q expert, I seldom experience the urge to pick up the phone and order. I also don’t have a Q- card. Yet, these earrings are one of my very favorite pairs – and I got them from QVC. Shocker. They’re from the Heidi Klum Jewelry Collection. Klum is one of the more recent celebrities to sell products on QVC. Her line debuted in September 2006 to eager viewers. The collection sold out 14 of the 16 styles in the first 36 minutes. Klum stated that the inspiration for her collection comes from the Duomo in Milan combined with a four leaf clover.

I always get compliments when I wear the earrings, and I always say QVC baby. The best is when someone actually knows what they are, and says, “Are those Heidi Klum?” I then know I have come across a true Q fan.

Q Character of the Day: Dennis Basso

This dapper gentleman designs lavish outerwear for QVC. Basso has a couture collection, but his Q designs are very different. Because of QVC’s relationship with PETA his designs utilize faux fur, suede, and leather. Basso’s deep voice is soothing on air, and he is so friendly and likeable you may try to hug the TV. His designs for QVC are actually pretty fashionable. Unlike Jeanne Bice and The Quacker Factory, he brings an experienced take on fashion to QVC outerwear. Although personally, I prefer the real thing…sorry PETA supporters, nothing feels as nice as a leather or fur coat.

Q-Licious

Ordering food via mail always seemed like a sketchy concept to me. The food could get lost in the mail and go bad, or just be bad from the beginning and show up on your doorstep covered in mold. So why not just go to the grocery store? For people who are not physically able to, and others who wish to try different things – just reach for that Q card. QVC will satisfy any craving with the food they offer. They sell brands like Chesapeake Bay Gourmet, Kansas City Steak, Stuffin Gourmet, Sabatino’s, Chef Williams, Nathan’s Famous, Trump Steaks, and many others.

Yet, the most appetizing to me (or to my inner fat kid) is Junior’s Cheesecakes. Junior’s is well-known as New York’s best cheesecake. For good reason, the cakes are phenomenal. Unfortunately, their restaurants are located only in New York City. But for those of us not residing in the New York City area, QVC will help to satisfy our sweet teeth. Thinking about cheesecake reminds me of that Friends episode. Like, Rachel and Chandler, if a Junior’s cheesecake ended up on my doorstep, I would definitely eat the whole thing.

Q Character of the Day: Jeanne Bice (quack)

Jeanne Bice is the creator and owner of The Quacker Factory. If you have no clue what I’m talking about, consider yourself lucky. The Quacker Factory manufactures arguably the ugliest clothing in America. Picture the worst holiday sweater you have ever seen (Jesus, Santa, snowmen, reindeer, glitter, fur, etc.); that was probably produced by The Quacker Factory. QVC sells these sweaters to millions of adoring fans.

Bice’s personality fights with the sweaters for the audience’s attention. Sounds impossible right – how do you steal the show from a knitted talking snowman? Well, maybe it’s the Bret Michaels-esque headpiece that she sports. Or maybe it’s her “you can do anything” positive attitude combined with the ugly apparel. I lack the expertise to pinpoint what has brought her such success. Although, on her website, Jeanne seems to know what did it:

I put a sign on the wall that said- "QVC - YES" and sat back and waited for God to do his job.

If only everything were that simple. Well, because QVC loves us, Jeanne Bice will be on tomorrow. Yes! For three hours. Hallelujah! She’ll be quacking at 8 a.m., and from 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. Just don’t get your hopes up about that Hanukkah sweater, they didn’t sell that well last year – Jeanne will tell you why.

Q-Tube

Broadcasting live 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 364 days a year, mistakes are bound to occur. Thanks to YouTube, these bloopers are now captured for all of us to enjoy. An on air testimonial turns into a bash Dell session, a man falls off a ladder, and QVC sells one weird product. The last one comes (most likely) from Saturday Night Live or Mad TV, and spoofs QVC. Here are the best Q YouTube clips:

Man falls off ladder
Faux on-air testimonial
Facial Flex
QVC Spoof

Currency Challenged?

If you somehow missed 3rd grade, this product is for you. Zelco’s Money- X-Changer converts foreign currency into US dollars. Unfortunately, it only converts coins. You put the coin in, and a small screen displays the equivalent in dollars.

This product seems ridiculous. Most people have calculators on their cell phones, isn’t that enough assistance? If changing currencies is mentally challenging, I’m not sure leaving the country was a great idea. I am curious to know who would actually buy this product. Maybe young children? Enlighten me if you have an idea as to who would purchase and find use in the Money-X-Changer.

Q Character of the Day: Lisa Robertson

Hostess with the Mostest

Arguably one of the Q’s most popular hosts is the former Miss Tennessee Lisa Robertson. Men think she’s hot, and for some reason older women find her appealing as well. Frankly, I can’t stand her. Her tone seems condescending and the little fake wave she does when saying bye to an on-air testimonial makes her look like she belongs in an insane asylum. She also seems to have missed the memo that lip liner is meant for only prostitutes and clowns. Oh, and Christina Aguilera. Anyway, I guess the woman deserves (a little) credit – she can talk about useless products for longer than I thought imaginable. Seriously, check her out…

iQdoU?

Does the title of this post look foreign to you? QVC hopes not. The company has reportedly spent $5.2 million on an advertising campaign to brand the letter Q. The campaign started in June 2006, and billboards (pictured, from Philadelphia), print and web ads are appearing with the mysterious five letters. If you still don’t understand what it means, let me clarify – Q is meant to be a verb. “I Q do U?” means “I spend my hard earned cash on QVC, do you?”

''We'd really like to own the 17th letter of the alphabet,'' said Jeff Charney, the chief marketing officer for QVC in a New York Times article. Well, Jeff, I’d like to own Neiman Marcus, but we can’t always get want we want. Or can we? Think the advertising campaign will work?

Stuck on Sequins

The QVC website features forums where people can discuss how much they hate or love the Q. The QVC zealots rarely hold back their feelings, and I found one particularly humorous post. Baseball_kim writes:

Just thinking back about QVC and came up with some things I'd forgotten. Add onto the list if you can remember anything else.

1-Does anyone remember the all-sequined fashion hours? Not sequined like Quacker Factory-I mean sequined like for a White House dinner party? They had the cocktail dresses, but mostly sequined tops and palazzo pants or long skirts…Wonder why they don't have these shows anymore?

Well, Baseballkim, maybe it’s because sequined numbers left with the ‘80s. But that’s just my opinion. Check out the forums page and let Kim know your stance on sequins.

Q Terminology

When watching QVC, the Q jargon gets heavy. For first-time watchers, the network can be overwhelming. The hosts drop terms like TSV, OTO and easy payments as frequently as Chris Rock drops the f-bomb. For them, these terms roll off the tongue like ‘lol,’ ‘brb,’ and ‘idk’ fly off the fingers. Lucky for you, I hold the knowledge to defining these cryptic terms.

TSV: Today’s Special Value. Every day, QVC offers one item at a significantly low price until 11:59 p.m. Or until it sells out.

Secret Q Tactic: Elicit fear in customers. Buy now or regret forever, it will never be at that price again (insert Wicked Witch of the West laughter.)

OTO: One Time Only. If the TSV sells out, this is what they offer you. Essentially, it’s a back-up TSV. At a low price for as long as they need it to be.

Secret Q Tactic: The OTO is comparable to receiving a silver medal. You’re making a good purchase, but not the best purchase. In layman’s terms, you’re a slacker – but you still made out well.

Try Me: This is incentive for the viewer to buy a new brand. The product is offered at a low price, and you can only purchase one.

Secret Q Tactic: One per customer makes the product exclusive. Less is more, essentially.

Easy Payments and Q-Card: Easy payments break down the price of an item. Instead of $100, it’s three easy payments of $33.33. Take advantage of the easy payments with your Q card. Q card = credit card you can use on QVC to make shopping that much easier.

Secret Q Tactic: They want your money, honey. Plain and simple. Making your life easier, makes more money for QVC. Keep using that Q Card.

Don't Wake Me I Plan on Sleeping In...

I know a few people who have difficulty waking up. They set multiple alarms and place one across the room forcing them out of bed. QVC discovered a better option: a flying alarm clock. I kid you not. Seemingly out of the pages of Harry Potter, the alarm clock comes equipped with a propeller. As soon as the alarm sounds, the clock takes flight and the noise continues until the clock is placed back on the base. Including shipping, the clock costs about $30.

QVC sells thousands of products. Yet, I think this one may be life-changing for heavy dozers. Do you think the alarm clock really works? Would you ever try it? Ever see anything like it before? It is these strange products that provide the base of my love/hate relationship with the Q.

A Little Bit Country, a Little Bit Rock and Roll

The QVC website features a blog by Marie Osmond chronicling her experience on Dancing with the Stars. One word popped into my head: bizarre. What does Marie Osmond/Dancing with the Stars have in common with QVC?

Cash is king. Osmond and QVC are simply using each other to turn a profit. Osmond sells crafts, CDs and dolls on QVC. Now that she appears on a primetime show, she writes a blog to call attention to her past and future products. Let me be fair, she does more than that. She overuses exclamation points, quotes and the phrase 'smiles.' Her latest product capitalizes on her national embarrassment – fainting in front of millions. The “Adora Samba Belle” doll (aka The Fainting Doll) premiered on QVC last Saturday. I know what’s going on my Christmas list… “smiles.”

Q Character of the Day: Joan Rivers

Last night, I had the unfortunate pleasure of watching Joan Rivers sell jewelry on QVC. Due to her aggressive red-carpet behavior, people may associate Joan with E! or the TV Guide Channel. They would be wrong. Joan started with QVC in 1990, when she could actually blink. Scratch that – that may have been the 1980s. Well, regardless of her facial expressions (or lack thereof) she was there; which is more than I can say for last night.

Poor, poor Joan. I fear the tucks, pulls and lifts she endured over the past two decades have taken a toll on her brain. “Forget ‘Tuesdays with Morrie,’” she screeched on air. “It’s Tuesdays with Joan!” Help us. With the little movement her latest facelift allows, she worked hard to sell her dreck. Her bony, wrinkled fingers fondled the clip-on earrings, treasure egg collections and broaches. Her behavior was ordinary, as ordinary can be for Joan Rivers. Until she tried to remember what she did last week, turned to the host and said, “I don’t know where I am.” Joan, you are on TV, and I think it should be the last time.

Welcome to Q Culture

QVC stands for Quality, Value, Convenience. QVC, one of the largest retailers in the world, allows viewers to shop in the comfort of their own home – and they do. In 2006, QVC profited in over $7 billion. The channel received 179 million phone calls (just in the United States) and shipped more than 165 million packages worldwide.

Everybody’s doing it, but nobody’s talking about it. Most who watch QVC keep their obsession a secret. Hiding boxes from spouses, lying to friends about where items came from and only admitting their Q tendencies to other Q fans. Enough is enough. Friends, lovers and haters of the Q, let’s step out of the closet, pick up the remote and click into Q culture.