# The Liquidation Channel's Tanzanite Smackdown

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-liquidation-channels-tanzanite-smackdown/625411>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [June 17, 2012, 8:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-liquidation-channels-tanzanite-smackdown/625411 "2012-06-17T08:10:30Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-liquidation-channels-tanzanite-smackdown/625411/22 "2014-12-12T03:23:03Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> We would love to hear you call in and order from us this season, and please pass on our information to everyone you know.

Don’t count on me for the first two, but rest assured I passed your information on to every moderator I know. 🙂 Nice chatting with you. NOT!

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**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-liquidation-channels-tanzanite-smackdown/625411/23 "2014-12-12T03:27:27Z")

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> [@cochrane](#):
>
> Sounds like spam. Reported.

Zombie spam. Which means it should be ripe for liquidation.

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**Author:** ![Erdosain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/erdosain/32/7284_2.png) [@Erdosain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Erdosain)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-liquidation-channels-tanzanite-smackdown/625411/24 "2014-12-12T03:31:01Z")

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> [@SBectonLC](#):
>
> Drew,
> 
> Hello. First off, let me introduce myself. I am Shannon Becton, Vice President of the Liquidation Channel based out of Austin, TX. It seems you have some major issues with our channel, but first I want to thank you for watching the Tanzanite Smackdown and other shows on the Liquidation Channel. We work hard to bring you and all viewers the best prices possible on quality jewelry and gemstones. Our sourcing departments are always on the lookout for exquisite gems and and fine pieces and work to acquire them at rock bottom prices so that we can pass on the savings to you and your loved ones!
> 
> The Christmas season is upon us all and we would love to have you, your friends, and everyone on this chatroom to come give us a visit online or on the television if you’re based out of TX. We are proud to offer the best home shopping experience at the lowest prices and hope to see you and hear from you this holiday season.
> 
> I’d like to address some of your concerns that you outlined in your first chat.
> 
> 1. First of all, our production values are very industry standard. We have a great technical team we source from the cheapest interns and graphic designers available to be able to pass those savings on to you!
> 
> 2. Secondtly, our sales staff (they are NOT actresses, please don’t be so disrespectful, these are people’s lives!!!) works very hard to deliver you the best quality product at the lowest savings possible. Here at the Liquidation Channel, we stand behind each and every one of our lovely sales personnel and greatly appreciate the work they do. I hope some day you never have to reach out to 10 million people or more on live television because it is really tough work!
> 
> 3. From time to time, as vice president of the Liquidation Channel, I am able to appear on the live shows and offer even lower prices than we normally would be able to give. I really enjoy getting to reach out to you personally to offer these tremendous savings, and it hurts deeply when you say things like “baritone voice” (Ok that one’s not so bad), and “unkempt beard.” Also, my name is Shannon not Sharron. Thank you for the feedback about being difficult to understand. Sometimes my appearances are a last minute affair, and I have to get hooked up to a microphone at the last minute and we don’t have time to test settings very thoroughly in every appearance. So please bear with us and keep in mind it’s not always my fault that it can be difficult to understand me.
> 
> 4. The quantity counter uses proprietary Liquidation Channel technology to tie our databases with active callers when purchases are made. There is no way that the counter could increase, as even cancelled orders (which happen very rarely because our product is such high quality at such low prices), so I think you may have seen a graphical effect on your television that mislead you. Hope this info helps!
> 
> 5. We acquire very large stones that are worth millions from time to time for very low prices through aggressive acquisition channels. We pass these savings on to you, and yes, we do show the starting price as high because we want you to know how much you have saved!
> 
> The rest of our points seem like petty complaints so I won’t address each one. I will just sign off from this chat by saying that I hope you will understand how hard we all work at the Liquidation Channel to save you, your family, and your friends unimaginable savings on the highest quality gemstones and jewelry this holiday season and beyond. We would love to hear you call in and order from us this season, and please pass on our information to everyone you know. We do work hard on a low budget so we admit there will be some difference between us and our national-brand competitors. We do our best to help everyone online and over the TV and telephone to get a product they are going to be happy with for the rest of their life, that won’t send them into bankruptcy.
> 
> And please keep in mind the spirit of holiday cheer and stay positive! Being rude and making fun of people while they are doing their job is no way to go about things. We do appreciate the feedback from this chat and hope to continue to improve as our channel grows and continues to reach more and more people.
> 
> Thank you and Merry Christmas to everyone in this chat. Hope to hear from you soon!

Would you recommend that I invest all my money in Tanzanite or just most of it?

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**Author:** ![jimbuff314](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c57346/32.png) [@jimbuff314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jimbuff314)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-liquidation-channels-tanzanite-smackdown/625411/25 "2014-12-12T03:40:53Z")

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Huh. In the Shopping Channel(s) Snark Thread, someone said that Ebola is affecting Tanzanite sources. Wonder if that comes into play in any way?

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**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-liquidation-channels-tanzanite-smackdown/625411/26 "2014-12-12T03:41:18Z")

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I’m an American who has no idea about the size or shape of Africa and am still about six weeks behind in the cable news cycle. Will buying your tanzanite give me Ebola?

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**Author:** ![Penfeather](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penfeather/32/384_2.png) [@Penfeather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Penfeather)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-liquidation-channels-tanzanite-smackdown/625411/27 "2014-12-12T03:43:24Z")

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By Grabthar’s Hammer. What a savings.

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**Author:** ![splatterpunk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3be4f8/32.png) [@splatterpunk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/splatterpunk)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-liquidation-channels-tanzanite-smackdown/625411/28 "2014-12-12T04:03:31Z")

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> [@SBectonLC](#):
>
> 1. Secondtly, our sales staff (they are NOT actresses, please don’t be so disrespectful, these are people’s lives!!!) works very hard to deliver you the best quality product **at the lowest savings possible**.

Umm, don’t you mean the highest savings possible?

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**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-liquidation-channels-tanzanite-smackdown/625411/29 "2014-12-12T04:09:59Z")

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What exactly IS the “best quality” tanzanite? How does it differ from shitty tanzanite?

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**Author:** ![Honey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honey/32/5074_2.png) [@Honey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honey)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-liquidation-channels-tanzanite-smackdown/625411/30 "2014-12-12T04:10:46Z")

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> [@jimbuff314](#):
>
> Huh. In the Shopping Channel(s) Snark Thread, someone said that Ebola is affecting Tanzanite sources. Wonder if that comes into play in any way?

It was actually the jewelry seller, Victoria Wieck/HSN who said it (quote below). We (the snarkers)thought it was disgusting, and called her on it. We are so sorry if all of those people who are sick and dying are effecting your jewelry sales.

Victoria Wieck: “You can wear this ring to Aspen, the Swiss Alps, or Paris”. and: “I don’t want to use the words rare or exotic when I talk about tanzanite, but you should get it now, what with that ebola stuff happening over there”

Unbelievable.

We rarely ever mention the Liquidation Channel, unless it’s to bring someone’s attention to a great deal. I think someone from the channel was doing a bit of googling and came upon that zombie thread, and thinking it was current, responded to it.

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**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-liquidation-channels-tanzanite-smackdown/625411/31 "2014-12-12T04:13:01Z")

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Calling a saleswoman an actress is disrespectful now? 6th century Bizantium called, they want you back.

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**Author:** ![jimbuff314](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c57346/32.png) [@jimbuff314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jimbuff314)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-liquidation-channels-tanzanite-smackdown/625411/32 "2014-12-12T04:17:52Z")

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Thanks for the clarification, **Honey**.

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**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-liquidation-channels-tanzanite-smackdown/625411/33 "2014-12-12T04:19:02Z")

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> [@Nava](#):
>
> Calling a saleswoman an actress is disrespectful now? 6th century Bizantium called, they want you back.

What was the tanzanite supply in Bizantium?

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**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-liquidation-channels-tanzanite-smackdown/625411/34 "2014-12-12T04:21:22Z")

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> [@Honey](#):
>
> … We rarely ever mention the Liquidation Channel, unless it’s to bring someone’s attention to a great deal. I think someone from the channel was doing a bit of googling and came upon that zombie thread, and thinking it was current, responded to it.

Og help me, I am always up for a lively discussion about tanzanite!

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**Author:** ![Sarabellum](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sarabellum/32/3492_2.png) [@Sarabellum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sarabellum)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-liquidation-channels-tanzanite-smackdown/625411/35 "2014-12-12T05:06:42Z")

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Oh, the snark in this thread. I love you guys. \<3

I’ve seen this channel before, though not lately. It is everything that’s been said here and more. Entertaining as hell, if you’re in the right mood. Good campy fun.

I haven’t watched recently, but they used to do a segment with a revolving, mirrored pedestal crammed with jewelry pieces, mostly older items, antiques, designer stuff, one-of-a-kind items, and they’d showcase one item at a time while they talked with callers. I’m an old gemologist, so it was pretty interesting at times, depending on the items.

Other times, they’d be more about selling loose gemstones, which are generally not as valuable as people might think. Common things like amethyst, garnets, etc. Nothing to get too excited about. But these guys would be dancing and prancing and praising them to the moon. 😃

Sometimes the gems were clearly being displayed and lit in a way that I thought was pretty misleading, but most of the time they didn’t seem to be too concerned with disguising it if a gemstone had visible inclusions or weak color or a poor cut.

And just say the word “tanzanite”! They’d all practically swoon! God’s gift to mankind!

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**Author:** ![No\_umlaut\_for\_U](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ea5d25/32.png) [@No\_umlaut\_for\_U](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_umlaut_for_U)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-liquidation-channels-tanzanite-smackdown/625411/36 "2014-12-12T05:15:57Z")

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I’ll settle for palezanite, what with all the dangers of UV and all that.

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**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-liquidation-channels-tanzanite-smackdown/625411/37 "2014-12-12T05:29:29Z")

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I thought that was a hilarious parody post. If it wasn’t, I’ll eat my hat. OK, I’m not wearing a hat, but still I’m thinking parody. If it wasn’t, that guy needs help. Signing off from the chatroom.

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**Author:** ![Sarabellum](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sarabellum/32/3492_2.png) [@Sarabellum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sarabellum)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-liquidation-channels-tanzanite-smackdown/625411/38 "2014-12-12T05:37:14Z")

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Uh, I don’t think that was a parody. 😛

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**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 10:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-liquidation-channels-tanzanite-smackdown/625411/39 "2014-12-12T10:09:03Z")

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Anyway, **Drew’s** not here anymore. He went to live out in the country on a nice farm where he has lots of room to run and play.

- sniff \* Yeah, that’s it.

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**Author:** ![Wendell\_Wagner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8491ac/32.png) [@Wendell\_Wagner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wendell_Wagner)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 10:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-liquidation-channels-tanzanite-smackdown/625411/40 "2014-12-12T10:57:27Z")

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Hi, I’m Wendell Wagner, and I’ve just found a SDMB thread that was revived after two and a half years of being dead. Because of the rotting state of the thread, I can offer it to you at a huge discount. Normally a thread like this would cost $5 million, but I can sell it to you for just $2,999,999.99. How can you resist such a great bargain? Send me a private message and I’ll tell you how you can deposit the money in my bank account now and get the thread in just a few days.

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**Author:** ![WolfpackJeep](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpackjeep/32/2921_2.png) [@WolfpackJeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WolfpackJeep)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2014, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-liquidation-channels-tanzanite-smackdown/625411/41 "2014-12-12T13:17:05Z")

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Hey, this thread couldn’t have been revived at a better time! Have the Shopping Channel Snark folks been alerted?

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