by J.A. Garden

Created on: September 28, 2009   Last Updated: September 29, 2009

QVC is by far the better TV shopping network based upon my experience with both and I have shopped extensively with both networks. It all started with a small and innocent purchase of a marcasite watch on HSN. Then there were those hangers I had to have, and the make-up, and then I discovered QVC, and oh, the jewelry I had to have - but with those many purchases came the occasional disappointment and the need for the dreaded return. This is the specific area where HSN has failed the most in my opinion.

The second area is their practice of sending out returns and faulty merchandise to unsuspecting customers who are expecting to receive the brand new merchandise that they have ordered. Yes, I have experienced this firsthand and I have not been happy with it. HSN sent me countless items that were in shabby condition, looked used (a purse that looked worn and had pen marks and dirt all over the inside, anyone?). That was just one example. Granted, they have a 30 day return policy, however, because of injuries sustained in an auto accident I was physically unable to return within 30 days a few of the damaged, broken, and worn items that they had the nerve to send to me. Despite my extenuating circumstances HSN refused to exchange or return any of the items that I had received as defective and insisted that I pay for them in full. I could not believe how inflexible they were being.

QVC, on the other hand, was completely delightful to deal with, and while yes, I did receive a few items damaged in transit from them that I was also unable to return within 30 days, they took everything back and either exchanged the items or gave me a refund, despite it being past the allotted time frame. At HSN I had to speak with a supervisor, then a manager, then yet another manager, and I was insulted by that manager, who told me that even though I was injured in a car accident someone else should have been able to return the items for me! Incredible. He then insinuated that perhaps I was lying about the car accident and was just trying to return the damaged goods beyond the return date!

I would never shop with HSN again even if they gave me a free pass and said shop until you drop, honey. HSN has the worst customer service that I have ever experienced. I am now stuck with hundreds of dollars worth of junk from HSN that is broken, dirty, missing stones, used, etc, etc, and that is the condition I received it in and HSN refuses to make good on this garbage and refund my money or exchange this stuff for new. Just remember my HSN experience the next time you get the urge to shop online or through TV.

Whew, well, I'm glad I was able to get that out of my system. Stick with QVC. Better quality, better value, and absolutely without a doubt, better customer service.

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