An Unbeautiful Mary Kay Story
June 14, 2006 by Christina Jones
Filed under Beauty Don'ts, Cosmetics, Friends of eBeauty Daily, Skin Care
I have just found Sweet Buzz, and this story probably rings true for quite a few people. Read it and laugh your hind end off. 
And do tell if this has happened to you!
What about me screams “gullible,” I wonder? I was walking around the grocery store a couple of weeks ago, looking at the canned food, when a smartly dressed woman walked up to me and said, “Hi, can I ask you a favor?” I asked her what I could help her with. Before she answered, she stuck out her hand and introduced herself; this seemed a rather suspicious response, seeing as I was expecting her to ask me to reach for a can of beans or something. She explained that she was from Mary Kay and wanted me to be a “face model” and asked if she could give me a call sometime. I walked away feeling a little smug; a face model, eh? I guess my little trip to have my brows done at Anastasia was worth it.
As you go on with the story, as you can imagine, she was not being offered a modeling job, but was being suckered into a bit ol’ sales pitch. Great story though, and great writing – I think you will like it!
Let me just say, I love Mary Kay, they have many, many great products, and I am positive that all of their salespeople do not do business this way, so don’t let one really shady salesperson ruin the whole product line for you. I imagine you could substitute any direct sales line for Mary Kay in this story and have it ring true for someone. I just really, really hope that MK does not suggest this as a way of selling. Let me know Mary Kay reps!
Ha! This HAS happened to me! I had just had my hair cut (cute cut, but flat style, and not a SPECK of makeup on!) and was walking into the grocery store around the corner from the salon with a friend when a woman stopped us and complimented my hair. I thanked her and told her where I had it done. She said that I was to striking that she wanted me to be face model for her – she worked for MK! Fortunately, I had already learned what it meant to be a ‘face model’ (another story for another time; let’s just say a gal preparing for her wedding is very gullible), so I politely declined, but handed her one of my hair stylist’s business cards! Haha!
LOL Oh dear, this does not bode well. Within 3 hours of posting this, I already have found someone with this same story. Yikes. Thanks for sharing it with me, corinneyb!
Yeah, sorry – but I think this in the MK bag o’ tricks. A couple of years ago, I was shopping at Wal Mart’s garden section, and a lady approached me saying I had “just the most beautiful skin” and asked if I would be willing to be a face model, handing me her MK business card. I didn’t call her
Hi! Thanks for reading my post:) You know, I’ve been thinking about it, and I would hate to write off the whole company based on one lousy experience, so I’ll probably give it another shot sometime (and hopefully I’ll have a better experience!).
Hey SugarBee – glad to see you! I love your blog and look forward to more!
I know MK has some great products, and I truly am shocked to see that this apparently is a sales tactic they use. I think Mary Kay Ash would be none too pleased. (Their Satin Hands exfoliation system IS pretty good though, eh? LOL)
I wish I would have heard of this earlier this week. There was a Mary Kay meeting at my hotel one evening. (There were several Mary Kay stickers in the parking lot). No one asked me to be a “face model” but I did get an offer to be a “bag” model..not sure what that was all about…
anyway..sounds like that is a definite sleazy sales pitch…
Love the blog!
Well, I didn’t get such a proposal, but I was sweet talked into visiting an Amway meeting – my (former) friend asked me round for a girls’ evening in, with popcorn, vine and girly movies. Imagine my surprise when I got there and saw that obnoxous white board and a guy in a suit ’sharpening’ his crayons!
Anyhow, I think SugarBee should write to the MK company and tell them what happened, mantioning the name of the MK lady.
Actually this happened to my friend who is a rep. for Avon! She was stopped in the mall and was told that she did a fabulous job on her makeup and did she want to be a face model…imagine the girl’s surprise when my friend told her she was wearing Avon and was a rep. for them thank you very much. lol.
And I can relate to Ivy! I too was suckered into an Amway meeting, except they called it Quixtar! Bleck!
Hopefully no one ever thinks I am like “those” kinds of direct sales rep.’s. I certainly try hard not to be.
Shannon
Country Bunny Bath & Body Rep. who will never ask you to be a face model. Ever.
My Turn!!! LMAO!
About 15 years ago I was in the grocery store with my first born. I was like all new mommies, so certain my baby was just the cutest thing since sliced bread, and like a lot of new mommies (and old mommies) I was excersizing my right to shop without my face made up, when I was approached by this woman in a suit and pumps and the nicest smile. I just knew she couldn’t resist cooing at my sweet bundle of joy, but instead she handed me her card (MK) and told me she could help my looks tremendously. I was not flattered. Not one bit. I was actually quite humiliated. And embarrassed that I thought she was interested in seeing my baby. And it kills me that I was so shocked by her approach that I couldn’t even think of a snappy comeback. So no. No MK for me. I will go back to Sweet Buzz and read her whole story, though.
Oh Gail – that is hilarious. I guess it is no wonder I was never any good at selling things like that. Or selling anything really. I could not say that to people, ever. Not that I think that is the way to do it, but it surely is the way it is done a lot, I am thinking. It is such a shame, because these companies have products that are just as good, if not better, than those at the stores and they could easily sell on their own merit. Pity!!!
LBB – no worries – I feel very confident that you would never use such shoddy sales tactics!! And I am still LOVING that Body Butter – great, great stuff!!
The thing is years ago Mark Kay was the company to beat as they had a monoploy on the whole cosmetic area but as there are bigger players now with deep pockets some componies have to start to use dodgy tatics as to survive, they are not the first and they will not be the last
I’ve been using Mary Kay facial products since February this year. and I really love it. but no story like this, i only found out about MK because a friend of mine is a sales rep.
)
Thanks for the input PK- I am sure you are very correct.
Glo – thanks for the thumbs up – I know several people who sell MK too, and I love them dearly, and I KNOW they are not using shady tactics like that. This is just really, really surprising to me.
I use KM too, they are very good and suited my type of skin
This one cracks me up!
I happen to be a (very unsuccesful) Mary Kay consultant…..probably because I refuse to go up to complete strangers and request them to be “face models”. Frankly, I wouldn’t want to be bugged like that. Unfortunatly, it seems to me that most of the successful consultants do employ these tatics.
That said, I love most of the products (especially the skin care) and will probably keep selling it for myself, friends, family and whatever random people I happen to run into.
Tonya, I am in direct sales too and I completely agree with you. It is the agressive rep.’s who make it to the top…some call it ambition, but I call it agressive. I lose out on sales because I am not pushy, but oh well, at least I can sleep at night.
High five to you!
Shannon
I am still really shocked that MK recommends you do business this way. Especially as a company with a good reputation and good products. I think Mary Kay must be spinning in her grave!
I have been a consultant for 3 years, I love the product and live by the product. I’m not pushy or anything. I do happen to be a commerical print model and people ask me all the time how to get in the modeling business. Well you do have to have some start off pictures and I’m not saying that other consultants should use that “face model” approach but whatever works for them. No, MK the company didn’t not intend for people to start making up stuff but you know the product is the best. It has been for 10 consective years. Really, ask yourself this…how would you perfer to be approached? If I or another consultant came up to you and said would you be willing to sit down with me and try my product? Would you say yes? Be honest! The problem is, is that we are not allow to have a store front so we go out and get our business. But really think about it. Really think why people are doing this business. Some people really need it, you never know what type of living situation people are in.
Hi D. I am a direct sales rep. for a bath and body company and we are not allowed to have a storefront either. However, I don’t think approaching people in the supermarket (or wherever) and asking to be a face model is inappropriate. I certainly don’t ask anyone to be a skin model. And the approach, “Do you want to try my product?” definitely works.
There are many creative ways to sell product, no matter what it is. And I know all about living situations, my electric company told us that we are at the poverty line when I had to call for payment arrangements the other day. No one needs $$ or is more deperate to pay the bills than myself. But it doesn’t mean I resort to “desperate” measures. I’m always upfront about what it is I am selling and never corner people to make them feel uncomfortable.
OOps I mean I don’t think its appropriate…not inappropriate.
I haven’t had my coffee yet.
Oh don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that they should or should use it. I said whatever works for THEM. I also don’t think it’s a desperate measure. I do know for sure that we do have professional international makeup artists come in to train and we do have professional photographers to come in and take pictures. These pictures are given to the customer. So no these MK consultants that do say this isn’t lying. Now on the other had if they don’t have any professionals coming in then that’s a problem. MK is a company that says you are a walking advertisment and everyday that I wear MK people always ask what do I use on my skin. I’ve been modeling for over 10 years and according to the dictionary a model(verb) – displays by wearing, using, or posing with. (according to merriam-webster)Don’t get me wrong I’m not defending them using it but I can understand why they use it.
Oh by the way I knew you meant appropriate:-)
Hi D, I just meant in relation to the post…about being approached in a supermarket and being asked if they want to be a face model. At least around my parts, it mainly means they are a face model at a Mary Kay beauty session that they host. I just think it is more appropriate to ask someone if they would like to host a MK beauty session, get a free makeover in the process, learn beauty tips and possibly earn free product.
I agree with you about being a walking advertisement…I always use and wear what I sell.
Yes I understand you. I personally don’t have parties. When I am training new consultants I ask people to come to our events so I can train my new consultants, I don’t ask them to host anything, just to be a guest. So they are modeling or being a face model for that event. They are wearing the product, using the product and posing with the product. I do ask exactly what you said. Just not to host anything. I just like meeting people and in the process having fun. Every MK consultant isn’t the pushy type. I really like this business and there are other consultants out there making it hard for people like me.
I completely agree with your last sentence. I think it is in general the way it is for us in direct sales. You have those out there who just make a bad name and then when someone finds out that what I do is direct sales, I get the “Oh you’re one of THEM.” So sad.
Just keeping moving forward and you will do fine.
Hi ladies. This is a very common practice in MK. http://marykaysucks.wordpress.com/ You should check it out and you’ll know you’re not alone.
I know I found this way late, but if you’ve made it this far, you can read one more!
I’m a former (also dreadfully unsuccessful) MK rep, and I’m surprised none of the MK reps that commented mentioned this part of it: yes, this tactic is used to drive sales . . . but when I was consulting, what the reps were SUPPOSED to be doing was a “Before and After” book that they then could use at parties and during other sales opportunities. Simply to show women the difference MK can make. A self-created sales tool. They were supposed to mention this to the potential customer, and follow through by taking pics for the book (and good reps also offered copies of the pics to the customer so she could re-create the look). So, for me, it’s a mixed emotion thing. Who likes feeling duped or pressured? But when done honestly and well, it’s not so shady.
As a former Mary Kay rep, what you experienced was called “warm chatter”. It’s one of the sales tactics that every MK rep. from National on down to independent beauty consultant uses to recruit. What they are supposed is this: go into a mall, grocery store, etc., and approach women. Then they are to give a “sincere” compliment to the woman, followed by an invitation to either: be a face model, try a sample then be willing to be called back, or both. There are scripts that these women use for this “warm chatter” that include prompts such as “bite lower lip”, “tilt head to the left”, “put hand over heart”, etc. It’s really sickening if you think about it. If you agree to become a “face model”, the MK rep. will then take you to one of their weekly unit meetings where you will be “pampered” with MK products. (”pampering” meaning washing your own face and applying your own make-up from a sample card). They will take a before and after shot that is used as a recruiting aid for the rep. that brought you. After the “make-overs”, you will then be paraded up front to show everyone how AMAZING you look. The Director running the unit meeting will then proceed to ask you questions about your life, job and family. She will be SO EXCITED to then share the “Mary Kay opportunity” to you!! Which she will do. Then you will be asked your interest level. 1-10. No matter what your interest is, you will continue to hear from from the MK rep. until you either sign up or move. If you show even the least bit of interest, the Director will then tell you that “sharp” women are decision makers and that YOU are a sharp woman. And “is there any reason why you cannot sign up for this wonderful opportunity right now?” An expensive-looking prize will be dangled in front of you. A photo-copy of some National Directors’ “love check” will be shown to you for an extra bonus. If you for some reason agree to sign the Consultant Agreement, the unit’s director will soon contact you to go over the “fine points” of MK. This means she will tell you that you need to buy a huge inventory package because you will be more successful with a “full store.” Since most people cannot afford the price of these packages, you will then be advised to do one of the following: 1. get a bank loan; 2. go to a finance company; 3. borrow off your life insurance; 4. either put it on an existing credit card OR apply for a new one; 5. pawn something; 6. borrow from friends and family, etc…. Some Directors even “suggest” certain finance companies like American General. STEER CLEAR!!! Remember this: those BIG checks that you are shown and/or told about exist because these people make commissions on the INVENTORY ORDERED BY NEW RECRUITS. And also on exsisting recruits that are badgered and pressured into buying new inventory such as replacements for discontinued items, “limited edition” stuff, holiday items, etc. They do not make this money because of personal sales. In fact, Mary Kay sells distributorships…the cosmetics are just the product. Nobody who ONLY sells product makes an income large enough to exist on. The money comes in recuiting, pushing large inventories and in encouraging those you recruit to turn around and recruit “sharp” women of their own.
If you are approached by a MK lady. RUN, do not pass go, do not collect $200.
One more thing….Mary Kay DOES have wonderful products. Unfortunately, the sales force detracts from that. You can order DIRECTLY FROM THE COMPANY WEBSITE: http://www.marykay.com They offer the same 100% money-back guarantee on the products. Quick and easy. No bulls$$t, no sales pitch, no pressure.
LotionBarBunny, this is what I was talking about before. For people like me that don’t aren’t shady and believe in the product and don’t use sales tactic they make it hard for you. Well I chose not to RUN and pass go and I don’t worry about having recruits and I don’t have to worry about being pushy because I do neither. My first customer is still my customer. I don’t call her unless she calls me first. (DON’T WANT TO BE PUSHY)She places her order I thank her and leave it at that. No sale pitch and no pressure there. I have never taken out a loan. I do it because I enjoy it. Hand over hard, tilt head…that sounds just crazy. I don’t do that. I’m me. What you see is what you get. Some of you have really be hit hard I see but I refuse to be like that. That’s sad that people have to be cruel and think EVERYBODY is like that. appmediagirl, thanks for saying that “when thing are done honesty and well, it’s not so shady.” Products are WONDERFUL! To bad you all didn’t have me.
d:
I’m glad you’re not pushy but you know and I know that most MK people ARE. You are absolutely right when you say that the “hand over heart” and “tilt head to the left” sounds crazy. IT IS CRAZY. But it is also written in a script (MK endorsed no less) that the rep. uses when she hands out cards and “certificates” to promote her website. These little “gesture cues” are put in parenthesis after certain parts of the pre-written script. It is nauseating. It is demeaning to both the person reciting it and the victim that is being held hostage to listen.
So Sue, what do you suggest? Because it seems like people are making it hard. But to be honest I have been pretty successful at it. But sometime when I do bring it up, people are like really mean about it. What ever happened to people lifting others up and not kicking them when they are down. The minute you say MARY KAY, people face’s just change. People have, even this blog has made people HATE Mary Kay. But it’s not the products people are upset about it’s the other stuff. Don’t hate Mary Kay products because some consultant did silly things. Just find the right consultant.
d:
The reason people are so mean about it is because of what I posted above. While many like the products, they do not want to deal with feeling obligated, gullible, taken, lied to or just a means to an end. They feel pressured and they don’t like it. Think of it this way….dealing with a MK rep is like dealing with a pain in the ass telemarketer.
I originally said I was a “former MK rep.” That is not entirely true as I do still sell to a few people. They are already established customers. I say “former” because I do not recruit. I do not advertise, warm chatter or use any of the MK approved marketing (stalking) ideas. I don’t want a red jacket, I don’t want to be a director and I could give a camel’s crap about the car or cheesy prizes. The only new customers I have obtained has been through word of mouth. They come to me, usually because one of my customers says “Sue is selling MK now”. And then they tell me the product they like and can I get it for them? I probably make about $100-$300 a month and I haven’t done a class since May. I can’t live on it but it pays for my nails, my dog’s grooming and a couple dinners at my favorite sushi bar. I was stupid enough to buy an $1800 inventory package in the beginning. And since my director didn’t tell me the day & night solution was changing over, I had to reorder all of that – PLUS the colors for the NEW color 101 look….you get the picture. Every quarter, there are discontinued products, new packaging, holiday crap, etc……….. Since then, I’ve unloaded 3/4 of the dead inventory on e-bay (for a small profit believe it or not). I kept ONLY what I knew my customers wanted. When I need stuff I don’t have, I call another consultant for a trade or combine it in with her order. Anyhow, I’m blathering on and on. Again…the bottom line is this: If you sell, don’t feed into all the rah-rah garbage. It’s all about greed, manipulation and materialism. DON’T warm chatter or get yourself involved in that stuff — it turns people off (and it’s illegal in many stores – Target for one). Don’t quit your day job!!!! And DON’T BUY INVENTORY!!!!! All you are doing is buying your diretors car and adding to HER monthly “love check”. You get nothing out of it except high interest rates and credit card debt.
I was a former director and I can tell you as a fact that consultants are encouraged and taught to go out and get anywhere from 5 – 10 leads a day by warm chattering. Most consultants that warm chatter are the ones who aspire to directorship and higher positions. I’m ashamed to say that I used to go out every morning and do this, especially after I quit my full-time job to pursue MK full time.
When I look back on it now, I feel so ashamed. I can’t believe I actually did something like that, and everyday to boot.
The reason people are turning up their noses to Mary Kay is because of the sales and recruiting tactics of many consultants and directors. We continue to be told by MKers that it is only a small percentage of the company that is like this, but I really have to disagree. More and more people are coming out with their stories about how they were deceived and misled. Facts are facts, ladies. Too many people are having the same bad experiences for it just to be a coincidence, or happening on a small scale.
Also, more and more dirt is coming out on these top directors in Mary Kay who have been doing some very damaging unethical business practices. They are building a false illusion about success in Mary Kay. That in itself is emotionally damaging to other consultants.
Fighting Fatigue:
There is a wonderful website/blog that is dedicated to this very thing. Many ex-directors and consultants post there. It is http://marykaysucks.wordpress.com/ They are a great bunch of women (and some very disgruntled husbands!!) who vent and also support each other. Please check it out. You’ll find a great home there.
I know that Mary Kay would be appalled at some of the techniques used by some of the sales force and what you were writing above is SO not what is taught in Mary Kay. My mom has been in MK for 30 years and knew MK personally. MK consultants are to be taught the golden rule, to be honest, and to have integrity. Unfortunately, some do not carry this and for that behavior which turns people away from the greatest product out there.. greatly saddens me
This company can do wonderful things for women who are taught to do it the right way. I believe in awesome customer service and not to be pushy.
Amanda:
Maybe the techniques I wrote about were not used when your mom started HER MK business 30 years ago, but they are widely used today. Right down to the recruiting scripts, warm chatter scripts (gesture cues and all) and encouraging new recruits to “invest” amounts of money they cannot afford into their business. I can’t speak for MK herself. More than likely she did not intend for the company to turn into the corrupt mess it is today. BUT, just because a company spews forth gospel and christian principles does not mean that they are practicing what they are preaching. Remember Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart??? Many of the directors today are using God and bible verses to coerce and manipulate consultants and potential recruits. Maybe — just maybe — 30 years ago a person could actually say that the MK business actually empowered women. Today — it just oppresses them.
I am an MK Independent Beauty Consultant and I am totally with Tonya. I always thought I was too shy to be successful at MK. Sometimes I think I just don’t want to snow someone over, because I couldn’t live with myself knowing I did.
I love MK skincare and makeup…but mostly the skincare. I am still very loyal to my preferred makeup manufacturer (although I get MK at “1/2″ price.) I sell to my friends and family…at discount and although I do know some ladies who do make a good honest living at selling MK, I’m not so sure I can.
I see a couple of other directors on a weekly basis and just the sight of them makes my skin crawl. The whole, “Look at me, ain’t I great?!?!?!” thing makes me think back to HS days of cheerleaders and pompoms..no offense (I was a cheerleader, too!).
No, my sales aren’t up there. Yes, I love MK products…my skin has cleared up so much and yes, I do get it at discount…and I don’t plan on quitting my day job!
MK is not my career (my guy walked the stage before I did….) and those of you who know me and read this know who I am. It just burns me to hear motivational speakers who take the truth and sugar coat it.
I should start my own blog about this…. I fyou think I should post more, please let me know. If I should just shut the hell up, well let me know that, too!
Hurricane:
No need to start your own blog. I found this one a couple of days ago. http://marykaysucks.wordpress.com/
Amanda I agree with you. I really don’t know what the company could do about consultants not carrying out the proper things but everyone cannot be a consultant. I love what I do. I just don’t understand why people have to slander other peoples professions. Not that this is my profession. I am a teacher, licensed skin care specialist, I have a BS, MS and I still love MK. Do I want to recruit and do all that no. But MK is a great product.
Yes this really is a recruiting and selling tactic. I’ve (unfortunately) used it myself because I’m a quickly exiting consultant. Many training cds talk about using this tactic. After you do the before and after pics, you put them in a portfolio for other victims to flip through while they wait for each person to have their “individual consultation”. All in all they want your money, and no it isn’t a compliment. Its a sales tool. Yes the products are awesome but overpriced and I feel horribly guilty for having pressed ppl into buying them while thinking I was enriching their lives.
wow- i did not realize others felt this way too! I find the MK sales approach dishonest and tacky! I have just become an MK consultant and could really use some help as too better ways to show these products- i really like them and thought this might be a good way of helping my husband out while caring for our infant. Does anyone have any suggestions as to a more respectful selling tactic? so far, i my family and friends are impressed with the products too- so they are buying.
hmmmm…While I am sure alot of consultants do the “warm chatter” approach, there are alot who don’t! I’ve been with MK for 11 yrs. I do not warm chat and I’ve actually been nicely reminded to call my clients for reorders as they like that. They don’t have to think about remembering to call me! So while some have bad experiences….alot don’t. I know my clients who like to be called and those who don’t and they call me for reorders! There are many different personalities out there and you can find one that suits your Mk needs!
MK always had the 3 ft. rule. Talk to everyone about what you do……not attack them for a facial or “model”. I do portfolio’s…some with before and after pictures…alot prefer only the after. What ever the client wants is fine with me. Sorry some of you had bad experiences with some consultants but thankfully not everyone is the same!
thanks- some good encouragement. i find that my style is low key- my customers know that and respect me for it- so far- so good- i’m pretty honest-
I find for myself that a low key and truly going out to make someone feel better and not so much the dollar sign really works. People know when you are sincere and when you’re not. I enjoy doing fishbowls and posting my cards on bulletin boards…leaving catalogs out…joining womens groups…and even with the groups, I go to be around other women….to get me out of the house…and referrals are nice. Don’t we all like it when someone refers good service or a great product that they tried out and want to share? I know I do!
They say if you are worried about being pushy, you won’t be! I believe that within reason! haha
I do not like pushy people or people that bother me when I’m shopping! So I don’t do that to others!
I am an MK consultant who has been successful without warm chattering. For me, it goes back to the golden rule. I recently heard a retired national sales director say that Mary Kay Ash HATED the fact that consultants would go out to the mall to get leads. I agree with LOVIN IT ab out fishbowls and asking people to be portfolio models and the three-foot rule. It all comes back to treating others as you would want to be treated.
well this blog made me feel completely awful… just last monday I was asked to be a “face model” by..yep you guessed it a very well dressed MK lady. She said I had great potential of modeling as a career and she hoped she could help me with it. The sad part.. i agreed today to go to her house saturday for a “model show”. I am so stupid Hopefully I will at least get some free stuff….
Duped, at least you’ll have your eyes and ears open to the sales pitch. Please let us know how it goes. It’ll be interesting to hear your story.
Hi Everyone.
I’ve read most of the comments on the board,I am a pt MK consultant with MK. I’ve been a consultant for 4 years now. (Please forgive me for any typos, punctuation, spelling or mere chit chatness. LOL. I am tired right now, but I wanted to post this because MK is a very special part of my life.)
1) Most importantly, Mary Kay’s mission statement is “Enriching Women’s Lives”, built on the “Golden Rule” philosophy.
2) Yes this “tactic” is used to get people to meetings, recruiting etc. As previous posts have indicated, sometimes on the level, sometimes not… just like with anything, trust your instincts when you are approached by anyone. Sometimes these women are approaching you to overcome their fears, be kind but tell them honestly how you feel, if you have questions or interested ask them exactly what you will be taking part of.
3) Mary Kay is a fabulous product and great company. As a consultant you are limited by your desire and potential to overcome obstacles. This is true of any home business, you must sow seed in order to reap. Unlike other home based businesses, the company provides you with many tools to succeed. Believe me you don’t need a degree to run this business, you just have to be willing to work, and find the right people to associate with. (Internally and externally of MK.)
4) There are many out there who feel justified in their less than stellar behavior, and you will find this from Consultants on up the line. Unfortunately, we are independent contractors and not employees of Mary Kay Inc and with hundreds of thousands Consultants world wide it is nearly impossible to monitor them all. As with anything in this world, ethics and social responsibility lies within the individual and are unfortunate are in conflict with the financial side of the business world. (In these cases by the consultants.)
5)When you sign up with Mary Kay, you are only obligated to make an initial purchase of a starter kit for aprroximately $100 plus tax and shipping charges for you state. I usually explain this to people interested similar to a BJ’s wholesale club membership, except that it doesn’t have to be renewed if you’ve used it within one years time to make a wholesale purchase of $200 plus shipping and taxes; for this $200 order you receive $400 of product which you can sell, gift, or use for personal use. (This is also, not recommended by those Consultants, Directors because of the impact of what it can have on their personal bottom line.) Unfortunately, by not telling women this they are giving up an opportunity to come back into Mary Kay if they were to return products to the company.
6) If you ever do come in contact with one of those sales Directors/ Conultants that Sue described earlier, you should probably run and hide because you ARE a means to an end. Remember if you are to get into this business it is your business, and your life. Know yourself and what you want, and don’t be forced into something that doesn’t feel good in your gut. (Not the nervous out of fear kind, but the sick to your stomach someone is jerking my chain kind, where you just something is not right.)
7)The thing about inventory. If you are a go getter, with a lot of contacts, and enough financial breathing room– it is a good business decision (I’m a dollar and cents girl, a number chruncher, single mom of 3, business student, coupon shopper, how can I get the most for my dollar, Susie Orman type, in favor of putting money back into my pocket from the monster of big business);this is only a good decision if you are committed to treating this like a business. Also, you have to know what product to order and which to stay away from. I currently have $5000-$8000 of products on my shelf, but that was my personal decision. That’s where the decision should lie, with you. There is a difference between being encouraged and pushed, just listen to your instincts.
8)One more thing, you can not go to http://www.marykay.com and buy directly from the site. This will only refer you to a consultant or director who is a top seller, who then contacts you for order arrangement unless you’ve provided your card info previously for order processing.
9) Also, about the products they are great. But like everything else, some people have allergies to somethings and not to others. Consultants, make up artists, make up counter girls, shouldn’t be encouraging women to put a new product on their face without first testing the product on the back of the wrist or skin on top of your hand. Only try one new product at a time, so you know what is giving you a reaction or not.
10) Finally, remember to post responsibly, what we say effects others. The blame for these things lie with each consultant individually and not with the company as a whole. In business the most powerful marketing tool, is word of mouth and the most valuable thing a business has is it’s reputation.
Good luck all!
well..after being “tricked” or “misled” depending on how you look at it I did go see the MK saleswoman who had promised a “face model” career…and I can say that following all of which are solely my opinion and experience:
1)She had promised over the phone free sun protection just for coming as well as a 50% of my order if I brought a friend..I brought my mother (to make sure i wasent tricked again) and recieved NEITHER of the promised “gifts”
2) I recieved cookies and coffee however at her home in the presence of two “newbies” whom my MK sales rep was training..they had very interesting stories on how they got involved with MK and seemed enthusiastic about it
3) Immediately after arriving with my mother I was IGNORED..they focused ALL retail “pressure” on my mother a tactic anyone in retail(including myself) would recognize..if an 18 year old is not important enough to treat as an equal I woudln’t want her attention anyway
4)We were able to test many products including some I really enjoyed. The micro-abrasion scrub was impressive and the “teen” line seemed simple to use
5) My mother and I DID end up buying over $100 combined worth of product from her and I do nont regret that as the “teen” cleanser and lotion HAS helped my skin ALOT. I am very happy with it. The eyecicle eye shadows are also nice for busy teens..that being said..
6) overall I was impressed with the product but not with the pusher. Either due to a bold face lie or absent-mindedness, or both, the service was less that perfect. If sales reps are going to use “pushy” sales tactics (i really DO undersatnd this..i work in retail and know it is about making a living) then they should stick to them. If you have to lie to sell it become a lawyer instead. Parts of the MK “mission” are lacking in its reps. To all those respectable and honest hard-working reps out ther (i know there are many of you) best of luck and I wish you years of successful selling. You have my respect and business.
duped – thanks for coming back to let us know how your ‘facial’ went. I think it’s very interesting how you mentioned how she focused more so on your Mom than yourself I’m guessing she “ass”umed that your Mom was the one with the high credit limit