A QVC Agent is an independent person or group who can help you introduce your product or new invention to a QVC buyer very quickly. They are not QVC employees, but rather function similar to a traditional manufacturer’s representative in that they bring products to buyers for consideration.
What to look for in a QVC agent
Nick Romer, author of the bestseller “Make Millions Selling on QVC,” says, “A good QVC agent generally meets the following guidelines:
1. They work on commission and only make money when their product airs and sells.
2. Your main office should be near QVC, which is outside of Philadelphia.
3. They should not charge more than 10% commission.
4. They should be able to find a demonstrator for you if you need one to get your product on the air.
5. They must have a long-standing relationship with QVC.
And they should have a primary focus on bringing products to QVC.”
Why use a QVC agent?
The old adage “It’s who you know” has never been truer than when it comes to marketing your product. If you have someone who is just a phone call away from introducing your product to a buyer, that’s a much quicker path to a purchase order than if you were trying to attract a buyer by exhibiting at a trade show, for example.
QVC agents have relationships with buyers and understand what makes a product successful. And for this reason, buyers often trust agents to evaluate products for them.
Buyer churn is also a frequent occurrence at QVC and being able to contact a new buyer quickly is important to your success. QVC buyers may come and go, but a good agent is like a solid foundation—it’s always there.
Then there is the issue of inner knowledge. “The pricing structure at QVC isn’t Keystone but it’s close.” Romero says. “If your agent is astute, you can bet they’ll know what the price of your product is to hit a certain retail price on the air. This means that the extra $1 or $2 they can get will essentially pay their commission.” .
Another way that good QVC agents pay for themselves is by knowing what shows QVC is planning. If a buyer has hundreds of products and yours isn’t top of mind, you might get passed over. It is your Agent’s responsibility to remind the buyer about your product and how perfectly it will fit into the next line.
How to find a QVC agent
Attend an invention marketing event or contact a manufacturer’s representative in your industry. You can also exhibit at an invention convention where buyers, agents, and manufacturer representatives often visit. Lastly, many agents visit the big industry trade shows, so consider grabbing a booth at one that fits your category.