Getting your product on a national television network like the Home Shopping Network (HSN) can be a significant milestone for any product manufacturer. Imagine reaching millions of potential customers in one go! HSN has been a go-to platform for consumers looking for unique products from a wide range of categories. For manufacturers, being featured on HSN can lead to increased visibility, credibility, and sales. This blog post will guide you through the entire process of getting your product on-air at HSN—from understanding their audience to making a successful pitch and beyond.
Understanding HSN and Its Audience
HSN, part of the Qurate Retail Group, is a shopping channel that broadcasts a wide variety of products, from beauty and fashion to electronics and home goods. With a loyal and diverse audience, HSN offers a unique opportunity for manufacturers to showcase their products to a broad customer base.
HSN’s audience is typically comprised of individuals looking for new, innovative, and exclusive products. Popular categories often include fashion, beauty, electronics, and home improvement items. Knowing HSN’s audience can help you tailor your product and marketing strategy to increase your chances of getting selected.
HSN selects products based on several criteria, including uniqueness, market demand, and alignment with current trends. They are keen on products that solve problems or offer added value to their customers. Having a product that fits well into these categories can increase the likelihood of being chosen for an on-air feature.
Preparing Your Product for HSN
Before pitching to HSN, it’s crucial to thoroughly research and understand their requirements. Spend time watching HSN segments to get a feel for the types of products they feature and their presentation style. Understanding their specifications can help you align your product with their standards.
Packaging plays a vital role in catching the attention of both HSN buyers and viewers. Your product should be visually appealing and easy to understand at a glance. Make sure your packaging is professional, informative, and reflective of your brand’s identity.
Pricing is another critical aspect to consider. Research similar products on HSN to ensure your pricing is competitive. HSN often includes special offers or discounts during broadcasts, so factor this into your pricing strategy to ensure profitability while enticing viewers to make a purchase.
Pitching Your Product to HSN
Creating a compelling pitch is essential when approaching HSN. Your pitch should clearly highlight the unique features and benefits of your product. Demonstrate how it solves a problem or enhances the customer’s life. Remember, the goal is to convince HSN that your product will resonate with their audience.
Reaching out to HSN requires a strategic approach. You can submit your product through HSN’s online submission portal or attend trade shows where HSN buyers are present. Networking with industry insiders and engaging through social media can also open doors to pitching opportunities.
Avoid common mistakes in your pitch, such as overhyping your product or failing to provide concrete data to support claims. Be realistic about what your product can deliver, and back it up with testimonials, reviews, or case studies that validate its value.
The HSN Approval Process
Once you’ve submitted your pitch, the review process begins. HSN’s team evaluates products based on several factors, including market fit, quality, and potential appeal to their audience. Be prepared for multiple rounds of evaluation and feedback.
Following up is an essential part of the approval process. Be polite and professional in your communication, and show your enthusiasm for the opportunity to work with HSN. Persistence can pay off, but be mindful not to be overly pushy.
Going On-Air at HSN
Preparing for your on-air debut is critical to ensure a successful presentation. Practice your pitch and demonstration thoroughly. Familiarize yourself with HSN’s format and time constraints to deliver a concise yet engaging segment.
Execution is key when presenting on HSN. Maintain a positive and enthusiastic demeanor, and be prepared to answer questions from the host or viewers. Highlight the unique features of your product and demonstrate its benefits clearly.
Post-Appearance Strategies
Your appearance on HSN can act as a springboard for further sales opportunities. Leverage the exposure by promoting your HSN feature through social media, newsletters, and your website. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews or share their experiences.
Building a strong relationship with HSN can open doors for future collaborations. Stay in touch with your HSN contacts, and keep them updated on new products or developments. Demonstrating reliability and a commitment to quality can lead to repeat features on the network.
Conclusion
Getting your product on-air at HSN is a fantastic opportunity for manufacturers to gain exposure and drive sales. By understanding HSN’s audience, preparing a standout pitch, and executing a successful presentation, you can increase your chances of being selected. Remember, it’s not just about making a sale; it’s about building a lasting relationship with HSN that can lead to future opportunities.
Manufacturers should be encouraged to pursue the possibility of getting their products featured on HSN. The potential benefits in terms of visibility and sales growth are significant. Ready to launch your product on-air at HSN? If so, our team at Retailbound can help. Since 2008, we have helped countless product brands launch and grow in the retail space. Contact us today to get more information.
About the Author
Yohan Jacob is the President and Founder of Retailbound. Retailbound is a comprehensive retail channel management consultancy that helps brands launch and scale their products in over 150+ retailers in both the US and Canada. Specializing in bridging the gap between product creators and retailers, Retailbound offers a range of services from retail strategy development, buyer engagement, sales management and channel marketing support. Whether the client is a startup or an established brand, Retailbound provides expert guidance to increase their retail presence, navigate buyer relationships, and drive sales growth both in-store and online.
