Top 10 Funniest Fails on Shopping Networks

Our first entry comes from the UK version of QVC, which at the time was trying to sell brand-new plasma TVs. Plasma displays are currently obsolete, but in the 2000s, they were all the rage. Previously, large and bulky CRT monitors were the norm, making thin plasma displays very appealing. Here, the presenter is so convinced of plasma’s superiority over its competitors, that he insists it won’t break. Unfortunately, it breaks in only three punches, apparently because he was “hammering it all day” – not exactly proving his point. If only it held together, plasma TVs might still be the norm.

Here we have another failure hailing from QVC. This time, it’s ladders they’re peddling, for what was an extortionate amount of money at the time. Ridiculous prices are a staple of teleshopping, although a ladder is something worth shelling out for, as a cheap ladder could seriously injure you. Well, this specific ladder should probably be avoided. When testing it out live on air, the presenter endures a wipeout for the ages, harming not just himself but the brand’s reputation. Still, the ladder has its uses: it could be a worthwhile gift for your arch-nemesis during the holiday season.

Who remembers the days before smartphones? This failure comes from that era, when QVC was working hard to make a pretty penny selling pagers. For viewers born in the 21st century, a pager was basically the only way to reach someone on the go before mobiles were common. They were pocket-sized, one-way texting devices that could only receive messages. Here, on QVC, they make the overly ambitious decision to allow viewers to page them live. As expected, they receive a hilariously naughty message, and the host, Dale, sounds very unsurprised at the obscenity.

If you purchased your Dell computer from QVC in the early 2000s, you may be entitled to compensation. But if you’re this disgruntled woman, a mere refund simply isn’t enough… the world needs to know how you’ve been wronged! While on air selling the hottest new Dell technology, our miffed hero Jacqueline[a] calls in to passive-aggressively tell the hosts that her system crashed after only owning it for two years. Legend has it that after Jacqueline’s call, QVC never sold another computer monitor ever again. Okay, we just made that up– but wouldn’t that have been a great fun fact?

Katanas are one of the most popular sword styles, closely associated with the samurai of feudal Japan. Fascinatingly, it’s a misconception that katanas were their weapon of choice; they were actually only one part of a very extensive arsenal. Anyway, if you’re looking to master the blade, QVC might be your go-to spot for a practice katana. If so, I’d advise you to rethink your decision, given that a QVC man once accidentally stabbed himself with a practice katana. Thankfully he was okay, but it just goes to show that if you live by the sword, you die by the sword.

When the Nintendo Wii first came out in 2006, there was no shortage of horror stories about thrown remotes and peripherals. The controllers all came with secure wrist straps, to make sure none were hurled at the TV. Despite countless warnings, accidents would happen. Here is one such incident, from HSN. Even though the wrist strap is on, his tennis racket peripheral isn’t properly connected, and it catapults straight into the screen. The TV takes a mighty hit, and the screen even turns blue and cracked. At least we know that this tennis remote was a smash hit for HSN.

If you want to see a QVC clip where everything that can go wrong, does go wrong, then this is it. This 9-minute-long clip showcasing a vacuum cleaner is a disaster of monumental scale. First, they struggle to convert the hoover into upright form. Things go further downhill, with the cleaner barely even sucking up dirt. Eventually, the presenters lose it after emptying the device. When the mechanism breaks, causing dirt to spill all over, the two can’t contain their laughter. If you want a new vacuum, this one is guaranteed not to suck.

Our next moment comes from the CVN, a shopping network bought by QVC in 1989. Here, we have Harold McCoo, a natural-born salesman, trying his best to sell the surprisingly unpopular flex-o-ladder. McCoo is convinced of its safety, so much so that when it bends inwards, he assures the viewers that it’s even safer than before. Despite the worrying bend, he continues climbing across the ladder. Hilariously, the ladder collapses under him, and the pair come crashing into the ground. McCoo’s fall looks painful, but this ain’t his first rodeo. He's a true salesman, and continues to sell the contraption, only blaming himself.

Have you ever gone for a relaxing horse ride through the countryside, spent a wonderful summer evening enjoying the beauty of nature, and then suddenly realized, “oh wait, this isn’t a horse I’m riding, it’s a moth.” I’ve personally never struggled to tell the two animals apart, but one teleshopping presenter did exactly that. In an attempt to highlight a camera’s quality lens, he pulled out a giant photo of “a horse” taken with it. He then confidently praises its bushy tail, big teeth, and hooves. Thankfully, his producer knows elementary zoology, and informs him he’s confused a moth for a horse.

This celebrity hairstylist was one of the most charismatic and memorable QVC presenters. While selling hairspray, he blows a kiss to the camera after a caller praises the product. Chavez then immediately stumbles, and crashes onto his “booty.” Thankfully, Chavez is a pro, and recovered quickly, laughing off the stumble while the show kept rolling. The fall may have been embarrassing, but Chavez handled it with unparalleled style, proving he can shine no matter where he lands! If you want hair care products that add bounce, Chavez demonstrated live on TV that his work wonderfully.

Which fails made you crack up? Let us know in the comments below!

[b]kuh-TAW-nuh https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/katana
[c]CHAW-vez (not SHAW-vez) https://youtu.be/Bpu93928-Hc?si=HGh9iGPmy9s4uZVe&t=215