We all know that Jeanne Bice is no shrinking violet. In fact, she'd take that shrinking violet, slap a duck embroidered headband on it, bedazzle it with a rainbow of sequins, and light that sucker up with fiber optics just for good measure.
Personally, I like a sassy woman who deals in bawdy humor and witty retorts. I know that's not everyone's cup of tea, but it makes life--and home shopping--more interesting. So even though I'm not a Quacker, I've always loved Jeanne's eccentric personality.
Yesterday, however, she said something that even took me aback. Not because I was offended, but because her remark just seemed so insensitive and out-of-touch with the everyday lives of her customers.
I certainly don't begrudge Jeanne's success. She's earned it. But has she forgotten what it's like to live pay check to pay check, hoping and praying that you have enough to cover the bills and the unexpected expenses? Can she relate to the constant fears that all us working folk have every single day that we're gonna get a pink slip or the whole company will tank? It's scary out there. Especially right now.
During the presentation for her Quacker Factory Coral Reef Short Sleeve Cardigan (click link to watch QVC video), she talked about how important color is this season. That much is true. Historically, the worse the economy gets, the bolder the colors get. But I think Jeanne might have taken it a bit too far this time.
Here's a transcript of what she said (emphasis mine). Antonella made small interjections throughout, but I left those out.
"Guys, this is the summer you're gonna want color, color, color, color. They say as the world is trying to pound us down, the way women retaliate, they put on color. And they just wear the brighter the color, the better we feel. I know it! You can not listen to what they're ... you know ... they're talking about 'oh, I've been downsized.' If I hear one more person say, 'Oh my husband's been downsized. He's 55, what is he gonna do?' My dream did not come true til I was 60 years old. So ... you know ... wear bright colors. Don't let the newscasters get you down. Really ... think about it people. It's all in our head. It's what we make it. Wear bright colors and stand up for yourself and say look at me."
I'm just guessing, but if your husband just got laid off, you probably aren't interested in spending $46.14 plus $5.97 S&H for a sweater, no matter how bright the color is.
What do you think? Was it just an inspirational sales spiel gone awry or has Jeanne lost touch?
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wow, probably some good intentions but very poorly articulated. my husband is 55, and if he gets laid off, I would smack her upside the head for that comment.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes watch these shopping channels and wonder if they really get it when they trot out these expensive items, the today's specials on all of them seem to not be selling as much or as fast as they have in the past. Sure, some folks can and still are spending money with no worries, but, for the majority of us, we are watching every penny. Not one thing any of the channels sell is a 'necessity' and if it were almost every viewer could go to the local mall and find it, and for less, so, the hard sell, while I get the gist of don't let things get you down, is also kind of cold to those who have lost jobs and insurance, not to mention a whole lot of money in 401ks.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a "Quacker", and I don't watch JB or buy her fashion items; yet having said that as a preface to my remarks about her comments, I think she was just trying to say life isn't over, positive things can come out of negative things, and we all have to be strong and just soldier on as best as we can until things get better. If a 55 year old gets downsized, the most positive thing he (or she) can do is pick him (or her) self up by the bootstraps, see it as a wake-up call and get moving again ... in bright colors or not.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Quacker Factory sales are slipping and she is seeing her dream going down the drain.
ReplyDeleteI think that sometimes we all get too "picky" about what someone says. If you listen to Jeanne you know what she meant.
ReplyDeleteI cannot stand her or her fashions..sorry if I offend anyone who does. And that statement is ugly. Having two friends going through hard times with lost jobs and houses, I think it's just a terrible thing to say, no matter how she "meant" for it to sound.
ReplyDeleteI always thought this woman was a nutjob.
ReplyDeleteThousands of people are losing their jobs everyday. She's living in a dream world. Not that I would ever buy anything Quaker anyway.
ReplyDeleteShe will say or do anything to sell even one of her fugly sweaters...she doesn't have a conscience anymore. Just sell, sell, sell. Doesn't matter to her if that 42.00 would feed that family for almost a week if they spend it right. Shame on Jeanne! They lose touch with reality and where they came from after the big bucks start rolling in, eventhough she has never had it as rough as most people have!!
ReplyDeleteShe is out of touch with the unwashed masses
ReplyDeleteCrazy bitch is nutz
ReplyDeleteShe should get off her "soapbox" and stop preaching to the buyers. Does she really think her sweaters are going to make the world a better place...NO, she just wants to make more $$$. I just turn the channel when she's on. I won't buy any of her Qrap any more.
ReplyDeleteI agree that she meant to say something positively but it all came out wrong. However, I also think like any other seller, they don't want any rain on their parade. For all the retailers, sales may be down but i doubt if most of them are living hand to mouth. This is a harsh reality we are living in now & the audience that she inadvertently insulted is the same audience that purchases her goods. I don't think that most of the regular sellers have any idea what it's like to be middle-class American w/ kids to feed & educate worrying about keeping a job & making ends meet each month. This was certainly insensitive of her & she should've stopped herself in mid-sentence.
ReplyDeleteGet hurt and miss work?
ReplyDeleteAFFLACK!!!!!
Oh...sorry.
Wrong duck!
I watched when she said that and I was taken back.
ReplyDeleteIt was a little rude to those of us that live day by day.
What Jeanne said my seem harsh but she is right. How we come out of any situation depends on how we think as we are going through the situation.
ReplyDeleteI have been out of work and I know it's not fun. But I eventually found a job. But I didn't find it because I went around crying and complaining about the situation. I found a job because I kept trying.
Jeanne is also right about the news. The news media talked about a recession for at least 2 years before it started.
This weekend my husband attended a classic car auction. He was a spectator not a buyer. We are not in this league yet. Classic cars were averaging $30-$40,000. One beauty went for $750,000!
The news media would have you believe no one could afford a car or the gas must less collectible cars like these.
This schmaltz from a woman who's still wearing the '80's head bands???!! Give me a break. She's definitely 'out of touch'. This schpiel worked after 9/11 and she was promoting wearing red/white/blue to show our patriotism. That was OK and it was true to a certain extent, but this latest mouthful you reported above is just plain insensitive with a capital I.
ReplyDeleteI used to like Jeanne, but her success has gone to her head I think. JMO, YMMV, but when I see her these days, I click away.
LindaSonia
I can't stand that woman. She's so insensitive and really needs stop with those remarks. Someone at QVC, please put a sock in her mouth! It's amazing that she still generates sales with that personality!
ReplyDeleteJean totally reminds me of Perez Hilton; a big fat, feminine, flamboyant, over-opinionated loud mouth with very little talent. Incidentally her clothing line is hideous, I've seen potato sacks that are more fashionable.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think what jeanne was trying to say was basically when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
ReplyDeleteThis collective suffering as a nation is ridiculous. If I hear one more person with money say they are cutting back when nothing in their life has changed I will scream. And I agree with her statement on the media. They are selling doom and gloom.
History has proven that when our economy is weak we tend to wear bright colors to help to enhance our depressed mood. The idea is that it helps to elevate your mood. I also am self employed and sell for my living and fully realize that we are living in a time when the market isn't through the ceiling and a lot of downsizing is going on. However, whether you are buy Jeans clothes or buying from Goodwill color is in. Stop being so picky and realize that all she was basically telling you is to stop drowning yourself in all the negatives and do something to perk yourself up. Don't wallow in it. Now I must ask how any of you can sit there and complain if you are watching a shopping channel? Obviously you have some money to spend. If not there are plenty of jobs out there. They may not be what you want for the rest of your life but they will pay the bills for today. One day at a time. Remember the part about the Serenity prayer where it says to 'accept the things you cannot change'. Now accept it and turn off the shopping channels for just one week (Sorry Queen) and get a job and a life. This isn't going to last for ever. Jean was right on!
ReplyDeleteI must also add one more thought.....If you are out there complaining and did not vote in the last election, shut your mouth because you haven't earned the right to complain.
That will be the day when I take advise from Jeanne, the one who is wearing a headband from 19XX???
ReplyDeleteHow about this little airing....what an Anti-Semite.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-MWQ60YLHE
QVC should get rid of her and quick!!!!
She should pull that headband down a little and shove it in her mouth!
ReplyDeleteHer sweater is my electric bill. Maybe she didn't mean the comments the way they came out, but if people don't buy her stuff, HER standard of living would be over! I'm sure she really doesn't give a damn if people are having hard times, as long as they continue to buy her gaudy crap...
ReplyDeleteQuacker lady is not in reality. Jeanne Bice is your typical out of touch, fake person who has no ability to empathize with others. Who cares if someone has lost her job - just keep buying her cheap, made in China CRAP so she can keep her well padded lifestyle.
ReplyDeletelighten up
ReplyDeleteI must also add one more thought.....If you are out there complaining and did not vote in the last election, shut your mouth because you haven't earned the right to complain.
ReplyDeleteApril 22, 2009 7:42 AM
omg... are you kidding me..? earned the right to complain..? are you going to be checking badges or something..? HAHAHAHA
This woman talks too much and says a lot of wrong things. I once took the time to write to QVC about her remarks.
ReplyDeleteHer stuff is a disgrace... God forgive me if I could I would make sure this fat witch never quacked again
ReplyDeleteThe lady is cloddish when speaking. She can't articulate properly. I believe what she was trying to say was that even at the age of 60 (when she was first discovered by the Q), extraordinarily good things can happen even if we're laid off. But good gawd what a way to put it. I was watching that day and my mouth dropped open.
ReplyDeleteIt did the same thing when she commented on the Hanukkah sweater that was "beat out" by Jesus and something or other about the Jewish not wearing Hanukkah on sweaters. Oh dear.....
SCAM ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Jeanne Bice has been an unknown personality to me until the last few weeks. Apparently her company, Quacker Factory Jewelry, is launching a new brand of charm bracelets called Moments to Remember. Their marketing strategy is extremely unethical and borders, if not crosses the line, of illegal. I am not an expert in corporate law, but whatever they are doing, illegal or not, is totally wrong. Here's what happened to me with the Quacker Factory Jewelry. My husband and I own a store which, by the way, does not sell jewelry. My husband gets a call from them a couple of weeks ago telling him that they are ready to ship his initial order of charms and could they get the credit card number. He is not the buyer for our store, I am, so he said that he was not aware that I had ordered any charm bracelets, especially since we a shoe store..., but would give me the information and we would call them back. Well, of course, I told him I did not order charm bracelets and that was that. But wait - then last week a man called from Quacker Factory Jewelry and used a similar sales pitch on me - that my husband had placed an order for charm bracelets and the package was ready to ship out. They needed a credit card number. I told them that wasn't the case and we had not ordered charm bracelets. Then, today, a man who identified himself as John L. called again to tell us that our package from the Quacker Factory Jewelry was ready to ship. Unbelievable!!! I was quite irritated by this time since that company is so unbelieveably bold as to call my company THREE times to try to pull a scam. I have looked into reporting their business practices to the Better Business Bureau, but decided that it was better to post the SCAM information on a blog. Maybe more people will be protected from this unnerving and completely unethical, sales practice. If Jeanne Bice is such a marketing genius, she needs to get a grip on her real life marketing plan.
ReplyDeleteJeannie Bice needs to re-vamp her headband by wearing it horizontally so it holds up her 50 pound chins- all 4 of them. I bet she keeps a box of twinkies in her undie drawer- dumb bimbo. She needs to take her duck to town-
ReplyDeleteI'd love to snap that sucker of a headband and see how far I could fling her.
Did this chic forget to put her dentures in??? Maybe she should spend some of those quacker bucks on some new dentures- her mouth looks like its about to suck her head in. You're old, sister, get with it. I bet you've never done anything to sweat on that headband EVER! You are a chunky chequilla.
ReplyDeleteI think that Jeanne Bice means well and she just doesn't always have things she says come out right. I do think that the clothes are a little over-priced, but who's aren't? If folks wear her clothes and they feel good, good for them. And for people who put her down because of her weight and you don't like the way she dresses, well, who are you? Who died and made you the fashion police?
ReplyDeleteI believe there is some kind of medical reason that she wears the headband. One time someone asked on air and the shushed the question away very quickly.
ReplyDeleteI think she means well but on live TV many people shoot their mouths ouff without realizing what they are saying and how it might be interpreted.
Sorry, but I've been there, and MY 60 yr old husband just was downside. Yup, it stinks, but the reality is that life isn't over, you make adjustments and you are stronger than your circumstances. No, never easy, but your choice is either to lay down and be trampled or gather your resources, re-evaluate and overcome. Jean is right. She is always positive and uplifting, and I don't think her comment insensitive at all. Carpe Diem!
ReplyDeleteA totally belated note to Anonymous of April 22, 2009 at 7:42 a.m. : Maybe by now you too have drowned yourself in negatives and have no means to perk yourself up like those of us who have lost our homes and everything else. But I sincerely hope not.
ReplyDeleteOMG! The Quack just spouted-off re don't come to me with your sad stories - do something about it! I've seen it all, including cancer!! Mz Bice, I sincerely doubt you've seen it all- no one has. Inspiring people to keep on keeping on is fine, but without human compassion, don't wanna hear it - or your church lady stories-ever hear of WWJD? Probably not. We've all heard your personal tales of woe and how great you are at succeeding - give us a break now, please. How you could attract a sweetie like Angel is beyond me; probably with $$$$ - your chief concern in life. And p.s. : by now we all know you live in "Boca"; there are many income levels and types of neighborhoods in "Boca" - all stores are not expensive-just certain areas like all other cities. So save your Believe, Hope, Dream crap - you don't mean a word of it. Please just spare us. Thank-U
ReplyDeleteand p.s. - please quit telling obese women it's OK to be size 40 & just decorate it. The fact that you must ride a motorized bike to get around should be enough of a downer to any overweight person - you are touting unhealthy lifestyles and serious illnesses.
ReplyDeletePleeeez! get that foolish rag off your head - you will look and feel better and probably sell more outrageous "fashions."
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, I will bookmark and be back again
ReplyDeletecaravan sales
Maybe if you don't want to spend money on superfluous items, you should stop watching home shopping networks. Ya know?
ReplyDeleteI can't stand that woman! She doesn't even have to open her mouth and say anything ... she's got that smug look on her face. She's nuts (or, in her case, maybe "quackers" is the more appropriate word) and lives in her own fantasy world. Or maybe she's really not crazy and is just a very shrewd businesswoman who appeals to a certain type of woman. She has her customers ... or disciples is more like it ... wrapped around her fingers. These women just seem to eat up all the nonsense she spews out, like it's gospel. How dare she tries to convince women who have out-of-work husbands to shell out money they need for more important things on her tacky, overpriced clothing.
ReplyDeleteIf you read between the lines, Ms. Bice has NEVER been poor. She had her shop up and running before her first husband died. I've been watching her since she's been on I've heard every one of her stories many, many times, ad nauseum. I agree with her not saying to "decorate it". She says that because she wants to make excuses for herself. She said she's always been heavy. She and her other weight apologists are the people who drive up my health insurance premiums. Sorry, but that's the way it is people. Yes, she's insensitive, and yes, by her own admission she's been treated like a princess most of her life. I like a lot of the clothes, especially for holidays, but would rather not see Jeanne. Her prattle is fake and annoying. There's no medical reason for the headband, be serious. She's said many times she's worn it since before she was married. She's said more than once her father used to complain about it because she would sleep in the darn things.
ReplyDeletewhy doesn't Jeanne Bice Give Her BRIGHT COLORED sweaters "FREE" to people in need?
ReplyDeleteBet she has never done that, not even once!
SHE IS A BIG FAKE//BELIEVE ME PEOPLE...
Let me share mstory with you. A while back I contacted Jeanne Bice by phone (she is listed) and left a message with my name and phone number. Well a few days later, at 2:15 am (that's right in the wee hours of the morning)
ReplyDeletewhile my family and I were asleep, the phone rang, I picked up and a person that sounded as if she was drunk or drugged, said her name and
asked if I called JB..I said do you know what tiem it is and hung up. A day or two later, I called JB's number again and to my surprise, she answered. When I told her what had happened, instead of responding correctly and apologizing,etc. she said I must be mistaken!
The person that called gave her name..a name JB has said on air..I think it is an assistant and/or friend of her daughter. She showed a picture once of a Quakcer cruise and the person was in the picture with her daughter.
When I told JB my reason for calling (wanting some information), she said her son would contact me but of course he never did!
I feel JB is a very artificial woman, just looking to keep making a buck, and sadly so many QVC women out there, are buying her lies and creations.
I had nothing against the woman, but the phone call ws really outrageous, and I wonder what all her QVC FANS, would think if they heard my story. I wonder what it is really like in the BICE home..especially when she is away!!
I think she is just a happy woman who wants to spread it around. Better than sitting around making mean cracks about people you don't know. Anyone can call any number and say they are anyone. They hear all of the names she mentions too. Probably a prank. In any case get a sense of humor and maybe you will be able to be happy too.
ReplyDeleteI happen to admire Jeanne. I have several of her sweaters & even tho they are several yrs. old, they continue to look like new & I always get compliments on them. Better than buying cheap crap & having them fall aopart, stretch, shrink or whatever. I firmly believe you get what you pay for. Those who continue to put her down are, in my opinion, very jealous of her. If y'all can't say anything nice about the lady, then you'd be better off saying nothing ! Your nasty comments tell a lot about who & what you are ! Just saying.......
ReplyDeleteI just heard that Jean Bice has passed away..no know reason was confirmed. Maybe she had cancer or something.....BUT we need to keep our petty opinions to ourselves and grieve.Ssomeone has just lost a loved one.
ReplyDeleteYou don't have to like her but lets give some respect.
Jeanne Bice has died of cancer and I hope all of you that have been critizing her stop and think what all she has been going through lately!! As I read tonight she was left being the sole provider for her children back when her husband died and started her business from scratch with hardly two pennies to rub together so I hope tonight you all feel quilty for putting her down so terribly in your comments!! RIP in peace Jeanne....all your many friends and family will miss you greatly!!!
ReplyDeleteWell all you folks you don't have to worry about Jeannie anymore. She has passed away from cancer. I hope you feel foolish for all your comments! My name is Kathy and my heart goes out to her family and friends. I believe the person that left the comment on June 11th, said it all!!
ReplyDeleteKeep your venom to yourself. Not everyone loved Jeanne. She is dead and that's that. If you are trying to make people regret their opinions of her, you are wasting your time.
ReplyDeleteTry prayer. It usually, eventually helps.
If you do a computer search on Jeanne and Quacker Factory, you will find that Jeanne had some lawsuits in the past from suppliers that were not getting paid.
ReplyDeleteNO ONE is an angel.
RIP Jeanne-You provided many of us with "nuggets" of truth in a superficial world and a few minutes of escape and laughter when days were grey. Condolences to your family and friends.
ReplyDeleteI am sad for those who find joy in criticizing others. You reap what you sow. I think you are envious and that is sinful and certainly cannot provide you with any happiness or the joy that Jeanne tried to pass along to others.
ReplyDeleteI've visited this blog a few times before and always marvel at the vitriol toward people like Jeanne Bice and others on QVC, etc. The shopping channels have a purpose. And that purpose is to offer a venue for people to shop by phone or Internet. The vendors, hosts, and spokespersons are just doing the job for which they're paid. And that job is to sell as much product as possible. If Ms. Bice has made a ton of money with her goods, it's because she's been successful at selecting and pitching those goods. To criticize her success is to also demean those who buy and enjoy what she's had to offer. If you can't afford the price of her goods, no one says you have to buy them. To judge QF on the basis of your own economic status is petty. I can't afford a lot of the gold jewelry sold on QVC. It wouldn't make sense for me to blame QVC for that fact. Nor is QVC or any host, vendor, or spokesperson obliged to be concerned about my personal finances. All this being said, Jeanne's passing is a difficult time for many people. Say what you will about her personal appearance or how she chose to present her views about life, you can't deny her success. My prayers are with all those who knew and loved her.
ReplyDeleteBy Jan Tuckwood If you're sad today because Jeanne Bice passed away, stop that pity party right now and stick a sequin on your sorrow. Quacker Factory Founder Jeanne Bice Dies. Jeanne first appeared on QVC 16 years ago, in 1995.
ReplyDeletequacker factory jeanne bice cancer
How awful some of you posters are and rather dumb as well. A manufacturer/salesperson has one job, to sell. If you don't want to buy or can't afford to, then turn it off or listen for entertainment. It is not greed on anyone's part to hawk a product for money. It 's irresponsibility on your part if you buy it when you can't afford it. Is everything always someone else's fault? "All she wants if money." well, yeah, so she can pay salaries, expand her business, and maybe even give you a job, dumb duck.
ReplyDeleteTo June 13 @ 5:06 p.m. : the shopping channels have a purpose and that purpose is to make money. Simple as that - always was, always will be. Gotta keep those stockholders happy.
ReplyDeleteAny critics out there walk in her shoes? No? Enough said. Bye the bye, may she rest in peace and my sympathy to her family and dear friends.
ReplyDelete