TV shopping channels - are they for real?

Eucalyptua

I have no idea if this is in the correct forum and I searched the forum to look for an answer but had no luck - so apologies if this has been asked before and I've missed it.

I was watching Gems TV today and I was wondering...are these prices for real? Am I missing something? Is there anything I should beware of? 1.60g of Amethyst sold before with peridot on a silver chain for £9.99 with an authenticity paper...I really don't get this. I am looking for a new wedding ring and some of these are amazing...but I'm holding back as I don't quite believe what I'm seeing

Coopdivi

I've not got a tv so I've never had the pleasure of watching any shopping channels. However I've just briefly watched a stream on their website. They appear to run a type of Dutch auction where the price gradually lowers until all the stock is sold.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_auction

Which sounds pretty straight forward. However there are a number of caveats within the Terms and Conditions on their website including that the starting price doesn't necessarily offer fair value for money and Gems TV may move onto the next item before all the units are sold.

I would suggest you read these Ts & Cs very careful and particularly the section on TV Games Procedures & Policies.

http://www.gems.tv/Content/TermsAndConditions.aspx

I get the impression that they sell several pieces of jewellery very cheaply as a loss leader in order to boost sales on other items. I'm also rather dubious about their interpretation of the online Distance Selling Regulations which I believe is wrong. There's a thread on the Consumer Rights forum but I can't find it at the mo which is a bit of a pither. When I do I'll add it to this thread.

It might be worth your while asking for advice on the Health, Beauty and Fashion Moneysaving board as well.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=81

Coopdivi

Found the thread.

According to Gems TV if you return a purchase under the Distance Selling Regulations it must come with all its original packaging. That's not the law according to this MSE article with the linked thread at the bottom.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/shopping/2012/10/online-retailers-warned-over-consumer-protection

mamaduke

Eucalyptua wrote: »

I have no idea if this is in the correct forum and I searched the forum to look for an answer but had no luck - so apologies if this has been asked before and I've missed it.

I was watching Gems TV today and I was wondering...are these prices for real? Am I missing something? Is there anything I should beware of? 1.60g of Amethyst sold before with peridot on a silver chain for £9.99 with an authenticity paper...I really don't get this. I am looking for a new wedding ring and some of these are amazing...but I'm holding back as I don't quite believe what I'm seeing

Hi yes I have bought from them previously, they have some lovely things that are much cheaper than the high st, some of the colours arent as vibrant as they appear on TV because they use strong lighting but I have only had to return 1 piece because it was faulty.
They are cheap because they buy the gems direct from the mine owners or own the mines themselves so no middle men, they have an excellent return policy too, just send back in the packaging it came in.
I would recommend them without reservation. :j