Competition Tough To Sell Stuff On Qvc

Numerous North Idaho entrepreneurs are competing to sell their wares on the QVC Home Shopping Network.

QVC, “the world’s pre-eminent electronic retailer,” reaches more than 56 million households. It is now searching for the best products in America, looking in all 50 states.

On Tuesday, the network came to Idaho and set up shop in the Boise Centre on the Grove, where more than 175 entrants competed to have their goods sold on the show. Only 20 of those products will get air-time.

North Idaho had more than 40 contestants at the competition with goods ranging from jams and salsas to emu skin lotion and emu salami.

“Emu oil is deep penetrating,” said Margaret Pounder, an emu owner. “It’s good on burns and alleviates arthritis pain.”

Tension rose as QVC buyers tasted, tested and talked their way past anxious vendors hoping to make it big.

“This is the best enchilada sauce I’ve ever tasted,” said Joanne Sandifur of JS Foods, speaking of her own sauce. “It’s my best seller.”

Other goods included dressings from the Coeur d’Alene Dressing Company, weathervanes in the shape of classic airplanes from Waviation and a device that will hold golf clubs in place.

“I design everything myself,” said Phil Wickman of Hayden. He invented the “Ironstacker” and makes golf bags, rain covers, and golf ball dispensers.

Hope for fame abounded Tuesday, but the contestants won’t know if they have been chosen for at least two weeks. The Idaho winners will have their products shown on QVC on June 18. QVC will broadcast from Idaho, but the location has yet to be chosen.

, DataTimes