Inside PulseTV: How Our Unique Video Strategy Drives Product Success
From VHS to Ecommerce: A Look at Our Evolution
PulseTV has come a long way since being founded in 1996. Back then, the company's claim to fame was creating the award-winning TV ad selling Riverdance on VHS. After marketing other titles and eventually products, the company built a robust network of email affiliates and customers who loved our deal of the day format. This is how PulseTV evolved from a scrappy startup into a trusted ecommerce brand with a daily reach of over 2 million customers. While we began with media and moved into mail-order catalogs and early ecommerce, what truly set us apart came in 2011 when we launched our in-house product video program.
How Video Changed Everything
At the time, countless deal-of-the-day sites were flooding inboxes, but few were using video - and even fewer were creating it themselves. Our team saw an opportunity to do something different: to not just sell products, but to show them in action with personality, clarity, and honesty. It started with a simple how-to video by our then-high school intern, and the results were immediate. Customer confusion dropped. Sales went up. We were onto something.
Authenticity Over Scripts: Our Video Style
We invested in our own studio, learned fast, and began producing hundreds of videos with a mix of humor, insight, and authentic commentary. We don’t rely on scripts or gimmicks. Our team of talented pitch people - like our co-founder Anisa - speak directly to the customer like they’re talking to a friend. If a product has flaws, we’ll mention them. If it’s a winner, you’ll hear that enthusiasm. We found that honesty builds trust - and trust leads to conversions.
Besides standard product videos, we also do compilations, themed events, quirky social-media shorts, and even dabbled in a few live streams.
Our strategy works. Product pages with our videos often convert up to 50% better than those without. And it’s not just a boost in sales - our videos give products staying power. Some of our bestsellers have been reordered for over a decade. Vendors love that we often teach them new things about their own products just by demonstrating them on camera.
Our Vendor-Friendly Buying Process
Our buying model is simple and built with relationships in mind. We purchase inventory outright - no dropshipping or consignment - and we store everything in our 3PL warehouse. This lets us test products quickly, reorder hits fast, and scale when something takes off. We've built trusted relationships with vendors going back 25 years and are always on the lookout for exciting new partnerships.
Fast Production, Strong Reach
We’ve created over 3,000 videos, have a YouTube following of over 38K, and produce everything in-house with a fast turnaround. A product can go from the planning phase to finished video in just a few hours. This dedication to video advertising informs the lead buyers: a team of passionate product-focused creatives. Often the same people buying and negotiating at shows write the copy and work on teh videos so cohesive marketing ideas can start from the first handshake.
As for products, we gravitate toward anything interesting, useful, and demonstrable - from kitchen gadgets to solar lights, brand name electronics, safety gear and quirky gifts. We look for line items and closeouts at all times of the year.
Let’s Work Together
If you're a vendor with a product that deserves the spotlight, PulseTV is the partner you want in your corner. We’re ready to test, showcase, and scale your next hit. Feel free to use our Product Submission Form and if interested, one of our buyers will reach out shortly.