Do you have a handy product or working gizmo that you invented, or that your company now sells? Then you should consider offering it to the appropriate television shopping channels for fast cash and invaluable networking. The television environment lends itself to attractive and fun demonstrations of products that grab the attention of the home viewer. QVC , HSN, and several other smaller home shopping networks are always on the prowl for new products to present to their audiences. However, before you pitch to the home shopping networks, there are some questions you should ask yourself about the product.
Does it Serve a Need?
First and foremost, does it serve a need and have a purpose? The television shopping networks are looking for unique and viable products, including foods and diet aids. Trendy products that demonstrate easily and well on the air are prime sellers. Look at the never-sharpen knives, the egg cookers, mops, and microwave cooking helpers, just to name a few. In short, if it is simple, easy to use, and can be discussed in a lively manner on television, it can be a winner. We all remember that big snuggle- up body wrap!
No Mass Distribution?
It could be important that your product does not have mass distribution. Why? Because every corner drug store or supermarket will want to carry it once it has been featured on the shopping networks. Hopefully, it is not similar to a less expensive product that is currently mass-merchandised.
You need to have a functioning product that is ready to sell, not a breadboard design or prototype. Think like a television producer. The show needs to make money. You need to make money. Air time is expensive. The product should be good and work for both of you, like a successful partnership. Large networks are usually beta testing new market segments and smaller shopping networks may also snap up these types of products. If possible, be sure to have a “reorder from” sticker on your product for customer repeat sales.
TV Shopping Price Points
What to sell it for on the air? This can be determined, once the product is tentatively accepted, by both you and your shopping network representative. I love the $19.95 price point. Ever notice how often you see products on the air that sell for this magic price? There is a scientific reason for it. Products that sell for this $19.95 figure sell at a percentage-wise higher volume than those selling for more. Be sure that if your product or products are close to this magic sales number, they could conceivably be pared down, broke apart, or simply start out with this desired price point in order to make money all around. Don’t worry if you have more expensive items like electronics, computer needs, or jewelry, though. Higher prices are fine as long as the goods warrant it. Value rules here.
Study the Shopping Shows
Do your homework. Watch for shows where you think your particular items will make a good fit. Take notes. Go online to find out who to contact to pitch your particular product. Also, most of the shopping network websites have vendor application forms that you can simply download.
If you are pitching a food item, try to stay away from sauces and condiments. These are a dime a dozen and hard to show on television because, to the viewer, it's just another sauce out of just another jar. They usually don’t demo well on the air. Diet and fitness products, on the other hand, do very well. Our first TV products were vegetarian meat substitutes. We sold a lasagna kit. On air, we showed the preparation before baking and the delicious after baking presentation. The entire stage crew enjoyed the leftovers. We sold out.
Would You Buy this?
Ask yourself if you would buy your product? Is it priced right compared to similar items? Is it unique and simple to use? Does it save time or does it take it to the next level of household convenience? Do you want to buy it? If the answer is a resounding yes, then you are ready to make that phone call and get a sample, accompanied by a single sheet of features and benefits, to your shopping club buyer. These reps can be found online and the networks usually make it fast and easy to get in contact with them. Many products are sold on television. Hopefully, yours will be, too.
Sources:
- QVC, West GoshenTownship, Pennsylvania
- Home Shopping Network, St. Petersburg, Florida
- ShopNBÇ, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Brenda K. Oswalt - Brenda Oswalt is a French trained cook, writer, businesswoman/inventor who holds several medical patents.
