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!
Hi. I really do love the honesty on this site. I was wondering if one of the current directors, or former directors, could answer some things for me. When you change over to director is there something that the company has you sign that is different than your original agreement, is it required (or recommended) that you go to retreats and direcotr trainings. I can’t speak of what I don’t know, so if there is something that you are required to sign once you become a director, that says you are required to do this or that, it would be helpful to know. Or is it because of the culture that has erupted around the “fake it ’til you make it”. Being the ever optimist, I believe who ever originated that saying meant it in a whole different context. But I also believe that this company was built on Christian principles, with the thought of “Enriching Women’s Lives”, unfortunately not all remember that and it is hurting everyone.
Why yes, Mary Kay does urge its consultants to approach women in this way. They call it “warm chatter.” It’s always deception based: “be a model” or “come to a girls night out” and then in reality it turns out to be a sales and recruiting pitch for this overpriced junk. I was in MK for one year, having been suckered in by the “model” thing, followed by various manipulative scripts. I didn’t know what multilevel marketing was at that point, so I didn’t know I was being lured into a scam. I worked my butt off and lost thousands of dollars. Also, their makeup is crappy IMHO. Revlon makes better, not to mention MAC and NARS.
I dare any of these pinkos to approach me now, after what I’ve been through. She will rue the day.
When I was in MK, I was told that the best way to get business was to warm chatter and ask women to be models. I never saw anyone actually make a model portfolio or even have the pictures of models developed.
As for MK corporate they do know of all the sleazy, misleading tactics that beauty consultants and directors use. They only care about making money – not how it’s made.
I called corporate myself and gave them information on practices that were unethical at best and at worst illegal. NOTHING was done.
I quit because I was not willing to lie and mislead women to achieve my own goals. Mary Kay is not what it was when Mary Kay started the company. In my opinion, the dishonest business practices will be the company’s downfall and lead to its eventual demise.
In addition to the “be a face model” line, here are a few others to watch out for:
“You’ve been so nice. Now I’d like to do something nice for you.” (The nice thing is making a sales pitch while you try MK products.)
“We are looking for new sales associates who have the desire to make a six figure income.” Check out Wikipedia.org – Mary Kay Nationals (the top rung) make an average of $75k per year before expenses. That means they still have to pay taxes, social security, provide their own health insurance, pay their office staff, etc., etc., etc. It’s not even 6 figures before expenses, and those are the top 200 or so in the sales force.
“We need more consultants in this area.” Not true. Ask any group of women. It’s hard to find a gathering of women where there aren’t consultants, former consultants, or family and friends of consultants.
“The products sell themselves.” Right.
“You can drive free.” Read: She thinks you are a sap.
“You can earn full time money for part time pay.” – only if your full time job pays $1 or $2 an hour.
I could go on, but you get the picture.
EVERYTHING you want to know about Mary Kay can be found at http://www.pinktruth.com. Always investigate before you invest time or money in anything!
I am in mk now for 6 months. They say give it a year. I am in financial ruin now it won’t take a year to be homeless. Within the next 2 months.
How does these products sell at flea markets and online for 25%-50% off? I don’t have enough products to send back and pay off my director and
pay my bill off minus the 10% and shipping cost and chargeback for the free items and prizes. I heard they charge back for all of it Any ideas will be welcome. I wil be checking back if I still have electric and phone service for the internet. Its ture MK is not for everyone.
I AM A VERY SUCESSFUL MARY KAY CONSULTANT! LOL! BUT I DON’T THINK IWOULD GO UP TO COMPLETE STRANGERS TO ASK THEM TO BE MY MODEL!!1LOL!!! I REALLY DON’T HAVE TO MY BUSINESS USUALLY COMES TO ME. IF ANYONE NEEDS PRODUCTS PLEASE GO TO http://WWW.MARYKAY.COM/AMYBROOK
I WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO SERVICE YOU AND SEND YOU YOUR ORDER!!!
THANK YOU SOO MUCH FOR THIS LISTING!!
I was literally JUST APPROACHED for this very thing in a Hobby Lobby parking lot! She was cute and well dressed and complimented me too much! I was verrry suspicious and came online to see what I could find! and lo and behold i find this!
This woman approached me and said that i was so put together and cute (i’m pregnant) and wanted me to be her face model on Friday. She even said she would pick me up. AUGHHH!!! well anyways i gave her my info (YIKES) to call me tomorrow…..I know i will be saying no now!! Thanks again!!
I am so appalled! Are you all grown women able to make a decision for yourself? If you don’t want to be duped by the model thing, ask questions! You guys are knocking women trying to make a living and I would be willing to bet that the bulk of these women are single moms trying to put food on the table. And guess what – MK is an awesome opportunity for that woman who’s deadbeat man left them desolate! If you don’t want to be part of it, say “No.” If you don’t want to purchase, say “No.” But, I would be willing to bet that every single one of you can look in your fridge and/or cupboard and find some sugar-filled, chemical-filled crap that you bought because the commercial on television said it was the best ever!! Now that’s what I call pushy. And I would also be willing to bet that most if not all of you have a complaint about the weight you have. It bombards every TV set, and every radio, our roadways, our stores, our magazines, our newspapers, our mailboxes and our computers – but you are going to actually set up a blog for someone you have encountered a few times in your entire life – if that??? Do you also confront the person at the drive-thru who asks if you are interested in a specific meal deal? Grow up ladies! Don’t you have anything better to do than to put down someone who is at least willing to find something better for herself than she already has? And if you don’t like the way she does it, we have the freedom of choice – make it. Guess what, there a many millionares within the MK business – someone obviously loves the product and the idea. If you don’t, then get over it. Get a life you do like. I am just floored that you ladies sit at this computer complaining about how someone makes their living. Most of you have even tried it, so obviously what you are doing with your life isn’t fulfilling enough and you looked into changing it with MK. Then, you ask, “How do they sleep at night?” How do you sleep at night talking all this crap about other people who are only trying to make a living? And you act as if they stole something from you. You are grown ups and you had a choice. If you are going to bitch and moan, bitch and moan about the decision YOU made. Those Consultants didn’t do it to you.
Mercy, Merc – not passing around a great impression of MK there, are ya? I have loved MK in the past, but the more I see of angry bitter kaybots, the less I think I would ever care to speak to one, much less buy anything they offered for sale. But I don’t think they are really looking to sell anyway, are they?
My guess Merc, is that your man left you desolate and you are a MK consultant.
No one here would have a problem if the consultant wasn’t using lying and trickery just to get you to come to a MK meeting. I’ve watched this in action and the person made no mention of MK. Why not be up front and say you are trying to either A. Sell them product or B. Get them to become a consultant.
Is that too much to ask?
Christina–bitter kaybots! HAHA. You crack me up.
Not that I need to defend anything about my life, I’m happily married for 14 years and have never been divorced. I do sell MK and I do very well at it. I have helped to change many women’s lives by bringing them to MK. Many of them single Mom’s who would have been working minimum wage and collecting welfare with our tax dollars. I don’t do a whole lot of the “warm chatter”. Actually, I have found in the past that just wearing my pin and letting them come to me works well becuase there are more women interested MK than there are bitter. I don’t do many parties now because I have such a strong customer base. I am not an angry “kaybot” – I am just so floored that some women have become such victims in their lives that instead of stepping up to make their world a better place, they are going to set up a hate blog for people who are trying to better themselves. So when life doesn’t go the way your children want it to or people don’t treat them they way they think that they should be treated, do you encourage them to have a tantrum? Has it ever crossed your mind that people only do what they know how to do? These women have met the ones that make lots of money and would like to make some also, and all they have to go on is what the person above them teaches. Some of the women they ask will say yes, some will say no. And just so you know, we do have an active model search on for our LOOK books. They can win an all expense paid trip to NY along with spending money. But all in all, it is an “independant” business. Each consultant can run it how she wants and it either will or will not work for her. The complaint on the inventory – well, if you went to McDonald’s and ordered a hamburger and fries, would you wait till they went and purchased it then cooked it? Or would you expect to eat it right away? If you went to purchase skin care anywhere else, would you buy it if you had to wait a week for their order to come in? It’s good business sense to have inventory on hand. No one today likes to wait to get something they bought. I am having a revelation. I am just as bad as you. My daughters friend mentioned this blog to my daughter who showed me and I was sucked right in. I do have a life – a very prosperous and happy life in all ways. My MK biz just bought and paid for a brand new house in sunny FL. I have worked very hard to get to where I am and it really doesn’t matter your opinion about me. I only worry about one judge in my world and that’s God. I will pray that you find something more fulfilling than judging others for trying to find a better way in life. Don’t be a hater because you couldn’t make it work. Be happy for the ones who were able to.
MK’lady doth protest too much.
Good luck with your business Merc – Im sure its wonderful for you and many others. I, however, will still continue to get a kick out of these ridiculous sales tactics from MK or anyone else who dares present such baloney. Please forgive me.
lmao – dang Christina, your own lil ole piece of kaybot hatemail. How’d you get so lucky
lolol aren’t they simply precious 
gotta love the kaybots lolol
and to Merc, sweetie, I hate to tell you this, but you are sooooo brainwashed. You poor thing.
*shakin’ my head in sadness for you*
UMMM – Can we see your schedule C
I suspect if you are making any kind of money, you’re most likely making it off of your downline? If you’re really selling just to your customer base, you might be making a little bit of money, but I suspect not very much really and you should be so lucky to have a husband who is most likely the main bread winner. Poor Christina only has basically one topic/thread that I subscribe to on Kaybots and the tactics they will use to coerce someone into their web. I suspect this hate mail was really intended for the full blown blog which I believe you are referencing.
Don’t get your panties in a wad Merc
LOL Hey Luanne – fancy meeting you here.
I do feel a little bit special and like part of “the gang.” I am glad I know about PT so I know the proverbial “rest of the story” rather than feeling all confused as to why bitter kaybots exist in the wild when they should be living in happy pink fluff (I love happy pink fluff, you know). This thread has led to lots of education and eye opening for me over the last year. 
lol – you never knew you’d fall in with that sort of “gang” mentality did ya. It’s kind of hard to avoid though especially when the topic is one of your flavors of the day
It certainly is a lesson which some of us have learned, some the hard way and some of us caught on real quick to all the lies which are spewed by those wanting us to buy, buy, buy inventory to line, line, line their pockets. Merc, that’s how you all make money, is off all of the poor independent BC’s who have tons of inventory setting in their garages, basements or closets. Have you checked EBAY lately. Or the trade boards which are online!! It’s totally out of control, but these women seriously got suckered into “a dream”. We’re women, we’re emotional critters and so easily manipulted. Even the strongest of us, but we also vow, after having been through it, to never let it happen to us again and to be a presense on the internet for those who are questioning “the flopportunity”. You see Merc, there are ALWAYS two sides to EVERY story.
Christina…..the only kind of pink fluff I like is cotton candy!! YUM!! It’s that time of year again, up here in the NE. Fair and carnival time
Did I ever tell you I can usually spot a kaybot a mile away? They just have this look about them 
It’s certainly a good thing to be educated and even we only learn from each other, I think it’s all good.
Staying tuned. This is always fun. Not sure why I enjoy watching a train wreck
Bwahaha. What does “Merc” stand for? Mercenary?
Been there, done that, know the truth, will never be fooled again by MK or any other sleazy MLM!
HI Mk bashers
My name’s Sparrow- I stumbled upon this website via my friend who surfs the web looking for interesting stuff. I’m only sixteen and I’m not really that into make up (until I start breaking out that is) but after reading through this entire blog solely out of boredom I’ve realized something. You people are being really pathetic. You talk and act like a bunch of teenagers. Do you have nothing better to do than sit around and talk bad about people? I mean honestly I thought some of the girls in my high school were dramatic- but you guys could give the best of them a run for their money.
I think maybe it’s time to ask yourself the ambiguous question- What do I REALLY want to be doing with my life? Though I’m sure you’re getting very far by shacking up with tons of bitter feelings feeding off others’ complaints and putting people down to make yourselves feel better (note the sarcasm here). I think you would find that LETTING IT GO and finding something better to do can be soooooooo much more fullfilling.
Man you act like you are in high school. Why? Take it from someone who really is- it’s time to grow up. Why is it that we are our worst enemy? – girls and woman have been battling each other since the beginning of time. Maybe you should look at it from someone else’s point of veiw (perhaps the veiw of your wicked little kaybots). While I admit lying and trickery are no way to earn a living I’m sure not all Mk salespeople are dishonest. I’m sure some of them Are making a good and decent living without your so-called sales tactics. And either way, these woman don’t wake up in the morning with the intention to tick you off. Why hate the whole idea of Mk and put down All of their “brainwashed” salespeople if it’s only a few that you’re Really angry at.
I know it’s not my place to say this because I don’t sell Mk, but I do use it on occassion. Either way I’m sure my opinion means nothing to you. But still, with that said, for anyone who’s religious out there – If you have an issue with someone it’s NOT YOUR PLACE to “deal with it” or “talK down to people”. If it’s really a problem only one person can deal with it truly and that’s God.
Anyway unlike you I have a life- so back to it now.
sincerely
Sparrow (saving the world one angry lady at a time! xo)
Oh my goodness. I go to get into my email and it has been bombarded with very angry bitter women. I’m so sad for you. Then, I find hope on this website because it looks like a teenager has seen how childish all of this is. There is hope for the world’s future! Come on ladies, you are the true meaning of misery loves company. Now, let me figure out how in the world to block your emails. Maybe you should do the same – because I’m sure as a child when you said “When I grow up I want to be….” , it wasn’t “a very angry woman who blames everyone but herself for the woes in her life.” Suck it up. Take it as a lesson learned. I’m sorry you have had a bad experience, but everyone in this world has been wronged by someone else. The important thing is how you can become a better person as a result of your experience, not how you can wallow in the tragedy. You aren’t required to have anything to do with MK and the longer you sit in the anger, the harder it will become to rise above it. Good luck and best wishes to all of you. I pray that each and every one of you find the true meaning to happiness and know that it’s not putting down any other human being. Go Sparrow – you are a very intuitive young woman.
Love and blessings to all of you
Merc
Who’s emailing you? All I do is post to the board. If you don’t like the thread, don’t subscribe to it. That’s pretty simple. duh!
It’s true check out the mary kay web site they are having a real life model search. No Lie!! Ask a consultant.
Hi there,
If they ask, I will answer their questions, and I am not afraid to share things with them, and if I am not sure I tell them I will find out – IF THEY WANT TO KNOW MORE. For me, I have trouble approaching people so I use “fishbowls” and such where I offer a GC from a respectable hair salon along with a free consultation as a prize draw. Since the boxes are MK ones, I can only assume if you enter, you want to know more. Whether there are consultants who are not living up to the ideas of MK I can’t say, I have never met any like that. However, ALL companies have their good and their not so good people. As for the recruiting thing, I seem to naturally attract people who want to be MK consultants, which honestly, I would love to do more selling LOL. I guess I need to follow the law of attraction and put out sales vibes 
Please don’t hate those of us who are just trying to do something we like for ourselves.
I would just like to say that as a new consultant with MK in Canada, that it can work for you if you want it to work. I have a very good director who is always encouraging, and helping me to move forward. She has also become a good friend. I decided to sell MK cause I use the products and like them, as well as I work as a private music teacher in my house. MK is going to be a way to supplement my income, especially in slow seasons like summer. Will I ever become a director or have one of the cars? Who knows? Is the world going to end tomorrow? No-one can say. I find that some of my best leads come from people approching me-which on public transit happens lots
Let me just start off by saying CONGRATULATIONS to each and everyone of you for pulling one over on a Mary Kay beauty consultant! WOW! You are all so sharp and fantastic. NOT!
Here’s my issue: Women complain about everything! Regardless of whether or not it’s a “Mary Kay” issue. But since we’re on that let’s go that route.
I get so sick and tired of women constantly complaining, knitpicking, and glorifying their negativity about how they didn’t call a beauty consultant back and they were smart enough to not be dooped into her web of dark lies and deceit. Honestly ladies listen to yourselves. You sound like a barn full of gossiping hens. Are you all looking for a pat on the back? Maybe that’s what it is your parents didn’t give you enough love, attention, and reassurance so you feel you have to take everyone else’s. Don’t try to make women who are trying to make something of themselves feel like their so inferior to you.
If that consultant asked you to be a face model it could’ve been for a promotion the company was offering or simply for her training. Not everyone becomes a consultant so that they can cast some evil spell upon you and make you into a Mary Kay robot.
WOW!!! You women are really sad. Shouldn’t you find something better to do with your time and I don’t know talk to your girlfriends. Or maybe you don’t have any because you complain too much and you’ve ran them all away. Go get a life and big deal if you didn’t want to call her back, conduct business with her, or be a face model to help her with her training! There are a million and one women and men out there that would love to help someone other than themselves.
Mary Kay consultants work hard and I’m just tired of the negativity constantly surrounding them like buzzards over a fresh carcass. It’s always from negative women like you. They’re not relying on government assistance to help them nor are they out begging and panhandling being a burden on society. They’re out trying something new and they might like it. BIG DEAL if you’re not their customer! MOVE OVER so she can go on with her life because at this rate she’s got more than what you’ve got!
Tired of complaining Women!!
OH!! I’m crushed!! You’ve seen right through to the depths of my soul. I am such a lazy person and never ever would have made it as a Mary Kay lady, because I just love to whine and complain and be negative. Yep, that’s my winning road in my life!!
NOT!!! lolol… Ah geez, just another Kaybot in the PINK FOG!! How long have you been a kaybot there, Miss, MK is sooooo wonderful??
Mary Kay Rocks!!! I dont understand how ladies could say anything bad about a company that is all about women making life better. I have seen and talked to women who have a better life today than they did prior to MK. This is not a get rich quick company but they will help you to reach your goals if you are. So get off your tail and be strong find your direction and go for it. If you dont want to work hard then yea stay where you are and be unhappy and write bad things about a company and women who work hard to make this world a better place.
I work in retail and one day I was cashing a lady out and she asked me to be a face model.
I phoned her two weeks later, did a quick and easy shoot with three other models… and that was it.
She never attempted to sell me the product, instead she gave me free eye liner. It was very nice. .. never for a second did I think it was a scam.
It is hurtful when a person is approached then complimented to find out its only a sales pitch. Warm chatter is rude and since most people do not like it maybe you shouldn’t do it. Then maybe old hens would find something else to blog about. My god and your so hateful in your posts its disgusting. Everyone has the right to their opinion if you don’t like it don’t read it.
I was a MK consultant and I was doing fine with it. I loved the products and my team. I guess I was just lucky. I sold while I was in school for extra money. It by no means paid for my education it was just a little extra money every week. I can look back and know that I never hurt anyones feelings by warm chatter or did I ever pressure anyone to sell. My concience is clean I hope that others can say the same. I was told to do the warm chatter and I just could not. I always believed that the reputation of the company and the product is why I had a small sucess.
Oh by the way face model you got duped maybe not into buying anything but to going. I guarantee you will get calls from her and when you left she was disapointed.
The other consultants who are so aggresively rude in their posts are not representing themselves or MK well.
I do hope that those who truly like the product keep using it. I buy mine online at a site where former consultants sell for a discount. I pay less than 1/2 of retail.
I am a Mary Kay Consultant and it’s so disheartening to hear stories of other consultants out there being so harsh and pushy. I know quite a few that find that way of doing business easy for them. I on the other hand prefer get my buisness through referrals. If a woman loves a product she’s going to want to share it with a friend! It’s that easy. Never do I “warm chatter” women in the super market, #1 I don’t have the guts, and #2 Mary Kay educates us not to be pushy. I’m just following the rules of what the company enstills in us. My goal is to help women feel good about themselves, not to feel like they’ve just been suckered. It’s just a shame that there are other consultants out there ruining it for us. But those of you who said you love the product and still use it regardless of the pushy sales person, thank you! With horrible stories and rumors it doesn’t make it easy for others who sell the same product to do their job. Mary Kay would roll over in her grave if she heard these stories!
Hi Everyone!! Read most of your comments. And yes I was a MK consultant at one point too. I didn’t feel comfortable approaching people, but you can be very successful in this business.
I have a friend who’s a MK Director and she does very well!! Although I don’t sell MK I work for a few successful MK Directors including my friend who created this job for me – THANKS TO MARY KAY COSMETICS!!
I LOVE MK!! And to all the successful MK DirectorS looking for a virtual administrative assistant to send out your correspondences, feel free to contact me at
Diligent-Professional@hotmail.com Serious inquires only please.
Good Luck to all of you in your endeavors!! : P
I was just asked today to be a face model for MK! The lady was really really nice and approached my in ChickFilA where I was with my kids. I was quite flattered obviously, but really thought there was a hidden agenda. I googled and found all of this! Unbelievable. I’m really surprised that MK is LYING to get business. They don’t want me to be a face model, they want me to sell! That really just ticks me off and I will make sure that I do not do business with a company that uses these ethics. It’s rather unfortunate.
Lisa, I’m glad you were smart enough to do an internet search. You know what they say, “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is”
Hi Christina
I totally agree with Luanne, Lisa – that is the beauty of the internet – quick and easy research! Glad you used it!
And a big Hi to you Luanne!
Hmm “I totally agree with Luanne, Lisa – that is the beauty of the internet – quick and easy research! Glad you used it!”
You are of course forgetting the beauty of the internet that seems to turn up sites like this and others that are so full of biased opinions that one doesn’t even have to wonder why there are so many stupid decisions made in the world when people like yourselves are stupid enough to believe everything the Internet says when you only check one site. I wonder what things we could find about you if we used the beauty of the internet – nevermind whether what’s found is all true or biased. Get a life
To Warcraft Chick
Are you saying that the MK consultant was *NOT* trying to get me to hear the MK sales pitch by asking me to be a face model?
What exactly was said that was untrue? All I read were people sharing their experiences.
Before you respond, said MK consultant who wanted “me to be a face model” has since contacted me as promised and admitted to wanting me to hear their sales pitch and there would be no actual job of me being a face model!
Isn’t that called a lie? Bait and switch? Unethical? What would you call it? And you can’t say its just a ‘bad consultant’, b/c it evidently happens A LOT!
I also have another totally separate experience with MK from about 3 yrs ago where I was approached at the mall. I was also lied to then and then I was harrassed at home by the consultant and her superior b/c I would not give in and be a consultant and come listen to their sales pitch. She would NOT take no for an answer. And then when I *finally* got her to back off, she told me that she would keep my # and call me back in 6 months b/c she “knew I would change my mind”!! What the hell, lady?! Thankfully, I moved and changed my #.
I don’t know about anyone else, but I did only check one website about this and formed an opinion. There are other people in this world, besides yourself, that do know about bias. (And there are also people that now how to use punctuation to avoid run-on sentences) In this case though, I think you just are in love with Mary Kay and don’t want to see that there is an ugly side out there. I do know that MK is not all bad…they do have good products. But their ethics suck.
EDIT here – I meant “I don’t know about anyone else, but I did NOT only check one website about this and formed an opinion.” Sorry guys…haha
to Lisa
Boy you get riled easy. The USA must have many people with blood pressure issues if a few binary digits on a remote server get that kind of reaction! (I am guessing of course, not being from the USA – CANADA RULES!!) I just wanted to provoke a reaction out of somebody and you gave it. You got mad enough that you had to post a correction to your own words. And if my screen name means anything, you would realize that I am a computer nut, and most of us computer chicks find that makeup is not something we want to spend time on. I was actually on this site following a different link, this one just looked funny so I had to see what was here. I wasn’t disappointed. Thank you for providing me with amusement and entertainment. PWNED!!!!
Wow – I’m thinking you should find more productive things to do with your time. You didn’t rile me up, as I thought you were someone that was legitimately here to actually bring something viable to the table. I wanted to hear your side of things.
I didn’t realize I was dealing with a close-minded provocateur who thrives on name calling and stereo-types.
I’m done here as this 3rd grade bickering isn’t my style. I truly hope that you can find more productive things to do with your spare time.
I’m glad that I provided you with amusement and entertainment. But forgive me if I think it is totally sad and pathetic that THIS is what you do for entertainment.
Lisa, this just reconfirms who these MK women will fight to the death over their sainted MK!! It’s really laughable this whole anti-MK thing. If nothing else, the internet does provide you with two sides to the story and you have the right to believe what you want to believe. We’ve simply opened your eyes to the possibility that there might be some underlying goal of these tactics the MK women will use to suck you into their bubble. You know what they say, there are always two sides to every story and there are certainly enough pro-MK women out there who are blogging as well. Again, I applaud you for doing your homework and having your eyes opened to the possibility of a scam. We can’t believe everything everybody tells us, that’s for sure
Ladies. I am sorry for your bad experiences with these Mary Kay consultants and with each other. As I have said before… the ideals of Mary Kay and the business structure is sound… Purchase a starter kit for $100 (lifetime shopping priveledge at 50% off) and do with it what you may. The only stipulation is to order $200 of product once per year to keep your “membership” active. When you sign up you sign a contract… Remember before signing anything you should read it… this tells you things that you are required and not required to do. (Knowledge is power.) I had asked a question previously to the Sales Directors (or former) that went unanswered on this board… I found out the answer… the company does not change your contract in any way, you are not forced or required to follow in others footsteps. As women we have to learn to know ourselves, trust our instincts and not worry about fitting in with things we really didn’t want to fit into. I run my business differently than most, I do things Independently I am not influenced by the crowd. I know what I am required to do, supposed to do, what I can do, and what I can’t do… that’s because I don’t give my power away to anyone. I find out the answers to the questions that I need to know and make my own plans and actions accordingly. Today information and opinions come from everywhere… most often the information is tainted with personal biases. We have to look at the facts of a situation and evaluate it honestly and fairly. So in closing, I will say the following:
1) Mary Kay opportunity. It is an inexpensive way to start something (business, hobby, discount shopping for those who love skin/body care and cosmetics, a challenge for overcoming personal obstacles, etc… whatever you see in it)
2) You are required by the company to do no more that what I previously stated. You can take it as far and as fast a you decide or not decide.
3)Whenever you have something good, there are always some that don’t appreciate the good in it… there are those that want to possess and own and destroy it. So yes there are good consultants/directors out there, but there are also bad one.
4) If someone has offended you, I would hope that you inform them and try and resolve the conflict. Take up some of these issues with the company, write them letters etc.
5) Know yourself and where you stand. The company believes in treating others as you would want to be treated, so if your beliefs are in line with this… simply keep yourself on this side of the line.
5) Whenever you do anything read agreements that you are subject to and don’t forget to listen to your intuition and moral compass.
6) Our success or failure in life is up to us. No matter what obstacle comes in your way find a way to deal with it that represents your beliefs. (Although I have been discourage with some of the ways and operating with others, my knowledge of the company itself has allowed me to reap the benefits I would have otherwise gone without. I wasn’t going to let someone else take away something good away from me.)
To everyone I hope that you can find it inside of yourselves to be a little kinder to each other. Although our experiences have brought us to this site for different reasons, it has brought us together. We all make a difference, will yours be positive or negative?
Ladies,
Good luck, Good health, Good life
Elizabeth
-A belief that we can all be better.
Bless you Elizabeth! I happened to be surfing tonight for something totally unrelated to MK and came across this blog. I was very saddened to see so much negativity surrounding a great company. And I hear the pain in many of your responses of the treatment you have received from MK consultants / directors. I guess times have really changed since I got out of the business because it wasn’t always like this.
I am one of those ex-MK directors that simply chose to no longer pursue my MK business a few years back. It was not due to lack of production or making money, it was a personal decision that was best for me at the time. I had simply accomplished what I had originally set out to do with the business (pay off debt and buy a home). And sometimes as the saying goes…life happens…and it was time to make a choice.
The key word in the previous paragraph is “chose”… because your life is what it is today because of the choices that we made yesterday. Over 17 years ago, I chose to accept an offer that a MK consultant offered me to receive a free facial and makeover to try her products (I met her at a chamber of commerce mixer). She expressed that she would show me some great new makeup tips and answer any questions I might have about my skin. She did not try to sell me or recruit me. She didn’t have to. She did exactly what she said that she was going to do when she offer the appointment to me…she taught me makeup techniques and answered questions for me.
I did purchase a bunch of makeup products from her that day, and we developed a great consultant/customer relationship. Two and 1/2 years later, after having purchased $100’s of dollars worth of retail products from her, she asked me very simply “Have you ever thought of having your own home-based Mary Kay business? I heard you say that you wanted to buy a home, and you can earn some great extra income in my business. Would you be willing to meet with me so I could share some more information with you?” I had thought about it and my tax accountant said it would be a great thing… plus I thought it would be fun, so I gave it a go.
My consultant / recruiter never pressured me into inventory. She simply told me that she would teach me how to build a customer base of customers like I had been to her for the past couple years. I did the math and saw that I could make some great extra income. She also showed me how I could start my business for under $250 by supplementing my start-up kit with a few of the other products to demo that were really good sellers, and she invited me to go watch her do a few appointments so I could learn. She encouraged me to take one person with me to these appointments so I could earn some money, too, while I was learning. What a smart leader she was! Over the next 5 years, I did exactly what she did with me. After building a personal retail customer base of over 1,000 strong and a team of over 100 consultants, my team and I built a very successful sales unit based on the Golden Rule…with no pressure and no gimmicks. Bottom line…my consultant/recruiter was so smart…she taught me how to make money ethically and honestly, and more importantly, how to treat people in business, how to followup and build a strong customer base, how to lead and mentor people, and how to lead others to do the same.
Having my own MK business over those 8 years was one of the best business and personal decisions I made in my life. It taught me so many things, and I grew as a person and as a businesswoman.
In the 8 years I was in the business, my 1099’s and schedule C’s did reflect that I made good money (great money a couple of years). But it was not done with sneaky tactics to get people to come to meetings so we could recruit them or sell to them. When my team and I invited guests to our meetings, we were honest with them and told them that we would love to share more information about out business with them. JUST LIKE I HAD LEARNED FROM MY RECRUITER.
Ladies, I am very sorry that these consultants did not have a good leader teaching them the proper way to approach people, and more importantly, to not be honest and upfront with you. In some cases, I believe that they (the consultants who offered this to you) truly don’t know any differently because that is what their leaders are teaching them. Consultants, if you are reading this and you are one of those people who have learned the “bait and switch” technique (aka ‘warm chatter booking’) to get someone to an appointment, please remember one of the key principles that Mary Kay built the company on — the Golden Rule. And directors, if you are ready this, take a good hard look at how you are leading your teams. Remembering that to most new consultants, YOU are Mary Kay to them. Make Mary Kay, the lady, proud of you and your businesses. Please don’t disgrace her name or the company’s name, because it gives a bad taste in everyone’s mouth with not only Mary Kay, but direct sales as a whole. And to all of you ladies who have been approached by a MK consultant using these tactics, please just simply say “no” to what they are offering without all of the ‘bashing’ on a website like this. Please turn the negative energies into something productive like volunteering at your local women’s shelter, or helping your elderly neighbor rake her leaves, or calling up a friend you haven’t spoken with in a while and invite her to coffee. There is too much negativity in the world today; please don’t be a part of it.
Peace,
Terri
Amen to that Terri. And if you guys have read my other post about that fact that I became a consultant, I am proud to say that I have never done anything shady or that wasn’t up front. My entire customer base right now is ladies who used to be consultants and made the choice to not pursue it any longer but are still in love with the product and want to purchase it. The rest of my current customer base is other ladies who do similar businesses (Avon, Partylite, Epicure, etc) and sometimes we trade customers as well as products, but ONLY IF THE CUSTOMERS choose. I try to follow the golden rule, and one of Mary Kay’s other saying which is to treat everybody you meet as if they have a sign that say make me feel special. And Terri is right about negativity, I used to be a very gloomy person, but as soon as I changed my outlook things began to work for the better. You only attract other like minded individuals so think positively and everything and everbody you meet will be a ray of sunshine on your days.
I was approached in the parking lot of Walmart by a lady that said “I am sorry but I was noticing you in the store” This creeped me out a little bit, she said she noticed how pretty I was and that she was a MK consultant and they were always looking for face models. Told me the time and the place and gave me her card. Actually the time and the place is tonight, but needless to say I am not going. This is too agressive to me and it seems like lying. I don’t do well with liars even if it is a sales pitch. She also said if I brought someone we each would get a free tube of lipstick.
You’re right Krista. Glad you did your homework first
Thank you all for this blog. If not I would have probably been going to one of these “model” sessions. Someone approached me today with the same line. Glad to have read this.
Hello, Ladies. Please indulge me while I add my “two cents”. The story on which you are all so ravenously feasting, is really about courage and self-confidence as well as generosity. These Mary Kay ladies are not only learning basic sales skills but are offering what could very well change someone’s life. I have seen many women come to a facial session to be a Face Model as one person and leave quite another. I know that when my team hosts such events, we are intent on making our guests feel like queens. We do not need to hunt anyone down to sell this product becasue it does sell itself. We believe that we are not trying to change people’s minds, we are simply looking for people who want change. Whether that change is in their skin care, color cosmetics, or life is up to them. I was asked many years ago to be a face model and remember it fondly as a lovely evening that did wonders for my self-image. It was many years later that I joined the company and I try to bestow that experience on others. Yes, I use the word “bestow” because by and large, that is how oneis introduced to Mary Kay. By invitation.
Now, how is it about courage? Because it takes a great deal of courage to approach someone that you do not know and ask for anything as personal as a “makeover”, “pampering session”, “girls night out”, or whatever you wish to call it. These women are learning basic people skills. We are all unpolished in the beginning, but with time and polite persistence, we are able to build a business of friends. Our clients trust us to care for them as women (and men) as well as their product needs. So as these consultants become more skilled, their businesses grow, their families benefit, their clients benefit from excellent personal service as well as a market-leader product, and we all win.
So please, the next time you are approached and asked to be a face model or to give your opinion, consider not only the benefit you are providing to the woman who asked, but you never know what you yourself may gain from a new friend.
In Mary Kay, there’s quite the opportunity for personal growth. In our daily lives, there are opportunities to grow.
‘
It’s not necessarily negative to write about your feelings on a blog. Some women are “stalked” and hounded by representatives because they are taught that “no” means maybe.
It’s a positive thing to be able to use the internet to warn others about the pitfalls in Mary Kay and to teach, through the sharing of our own experiences, future consultants to NOT engage in perhaps the same unethical behavior we witnessed or participated in.
Would ya’ll rather go down to Walmart and purchase your makeup that isn’t going to match your face color and spend a lot more in the long run on your make up and skin care products. And end up trow’n a lot in the trash? Or would you like the opportunity to have a custom skin care program and custom colorization done just for you? Maybe that is all that these consultants are trying to offer you.
I’ve been wearing MK for 22 years and wouldn’t change one single one of those years. My face looks great and I thank every day of those years for that MK Lady who put that stuff on my face. Needless to say I look a lot younger than I am!
Did I become a consultant that day? NO! I’ve only been one for 5 months. I let ladies ask me for information about becoming a consultant because I joined MK to share MK’s wonderful product with other ladies and have a little additional income as a stay at home mom. I joined because MK’s policy is God First, Family Second, and Job Third. And the Golden Rule should be adhered at all times: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you! There is no rule about inventory. The only rule is a $100 dollar signing fee. Now I know of another company and I won’t mention names that the signing fee is $500 and all you get from them is a name. From MK you get close to $500 in product. You don’t ever need to purchase inventory to be a Mary Kay consultant just to have it sitting in your “store”. You can tell your customers whatever you want but here is what I would tell them “that you have to place their order and that their product will be in 7 days or you can go to your director or sponsor and get the product tomorrow if they can’t wait.†And that is just the way it is no questions asked. Who’s heard of assertiveness? It’s your business, if they don’t like it they can go somewhere else! I’m sure your director/sponsor will work with you!
Now if you are doing unto others as you would have them do unto you… you will be very careful in all of your business dealings no matter what business you are in. Wither that be keeping your promise about what you offer for “FREEBIES” as in Mary Kay or any other business! When it comes to MK this includes our policy of 100% Satisfaction guaranteed – new product or money back! Now if I want my customers to be 100% satisfied, that includes not only taking back product as the company allows when a customer doesn’t like it but making sure that my business dealings are ethical and my reputation is ethical. And let me tell you, you would want to be one of my girls. You would all be blown over like you had been hit by Katrina! Yeah that’s the hurricane force winds. Ask any of my “Pink Lady Friends” as I call them. They are each one overwhelmed with the things that I do for them! They aren’t just customers to me they are each one a true friend. And I didn’t start out with them being friends. Because when I started with Mary Kay I refused to sell to any of my friends or family unless they came to me! My business is all built on “warm chatterâ€. But, I’m not pushy, if you want to know about the product or have a skin care, glamour class or spa party with me you will call me. When I’m talking with someone in the mall or grocery store I’m going to carry on a normal conversation as I go about my normal business. I don’t purposefully go out to “recruitâ€. For example if I see a mom with an unruly child in a cart – I’m going to strike up a conversation with her by saying your child looks about 3. Mine sure was acting up like that the other day. I couldn’t even get thru _____________ with him or whatever the trouble I may have had with mine. If she talks with me then I may say to her you know you look like you’re having a hectic day, would you ever think about having a spa party to relax. If she says no I’ll walk away. If she says yes then I’m set a time when I can call her and walk away. I won’t give out a business card then. Now for those of you who have been “recruited†would that bother you? Obviously it does!
I would love to make sure every last one of you on this blog that has had a bad experience with MK could experience what it is like to truly have an ethical, above board, correct, following the Mary Kay Ash Company policy formatted Business consultant. Not only can I throw a very mean Spa Party but I do believe that I am very ethical in my business dealings because that is the way my grandfather taught me to be. He owned his own business for many years. And when anybody here’s me say I’m ____________’s granddaughter they say oh he was so honest in his business dealings. That‘s the reputation I want 45 years from now!
Also, just think right now I’m offering free lipstick for trying our new Mineral Powder Foundation. A free mineral powder Foundation for booking a class. These aren’t lies. I stick to what I say. I’m an honest Christian that has never and I mean never broke a promise. I’m so sorry that all of you and every last one of the women who’ve had a bad experience with Mary Kay have had to have the kind of exposure that didn’t feel comfortable to you. I can’t fix your hurts unless you want them fixed.
Hopefully by talking about them here it will help you heal! Maybe someday you’ll become trusting enough to check out the Mary Kay Products and see what all the fuss and hype is about. Kline & Co a firm that does surveys for the cosmetic industry rated Mary Kay the top selling brand in the country for 2005 & 2006, not only overall but in several individual categories also. When you decide you actually want to try these products come visit me I ship anywhere for free http://www.marykay.com/heligypsy
Remember not all of us are in the pink to take somebody for a ride or be dishonest and we are certainly not in a “FOG†we just want to share a very good product that has been a great product on our face.
Definitely not in the Blank, In the Pink and closer to the RED – God Bless you all!
Hi ladies, just came across this site and have been reading all the comments for the past hour and i find it quite intersting. First i am also a MK consultant, NO i will never get rich, I am Not a sales person, but i LOVE the product. have been using it for over 15 years. I have read some things that i do disagree with though. When you sign up as a consultant they tell you that this is “your business” but please read the “fine print”, you can NOT sell in stores, online (though people do) and you can NOT sell at craft shows, malls etc. also You can NOT advertise unless you are a leader. NO this business is not for most people, but i am sure that there are a few honest consultants out there. I like the product and that is one of the only reasons i am a consultant it works well for my skin. and i believe 9and please tell me if i am wrong) but you are taught NOT to sell at a discount to other consultants (which i find quiet sad myself espically if the company is supposed to based on the Golden Rule). but anyway each of us has to decide for her/him self what is right for themselves. I personally like the product but that is just my opinion. thanks for listening
i absolutely can not stand the mary-kay women that give you a fake compliment and try and lure you into their “million dollar” job.
please, if they were really making that much money, do you think they would be hiding out in starbucks and nordstrom’s giving women creepy compliments?
i have been solicited by mary-kay at least 10 times. i live in chicago and can not stand these women. one came up to me in nordstrom and told me she liked my boots. i said thank you and walked away. she approached me again and asked me where i got them. i told her and walked away. she came back to tell me that she swore she knew me, she swears we used to work at the same place. wasting away the minutes of my lunch hour with complete nonsense. she asks me if i would be interested in making 100’s of thousands of dollars a a year. i almost fell over with anger…she wasted my time by lying to me about knowing who i was.
these women are so pathetic and they always look like clowns…they cake on their make-up and wear really cheap clothes. one women that approached me asked me if i put my outfit together myself…i said no, my mom laid it out for me before i left this morning…you stupid idiot! i’m 32! who do you think dresses me?
sorry to be so mean, but i can’t seem to do anything around town without seeing these women.
I just wanted to comment to ‘misc’. Your 1st question is “would ya’ll rather go down to Walmart and purchase your makeup that isn’t going to match your face color and spend a lot more in the long run on your make up and skin care products?”
Do you really think that the only skin care/makeup products out there are the ones sold by Mary Kay and at Walmart? There are a lot of other VERY reputible companies that in my opinion, do have a better product. For example, Bare Minerals. I have been using them for a long time now and absolutely LOVE it. It looks so natural yet has excellent coverage. You can’t buy that at Walmart. I used Mary Kay about 10 years ago it just looked so unnatural and like I had a ton of makeup on. Bare Minerals not only looks natural, but allows my skin to breath.
Now, does Mary Kay have something comparable to Bare Minerals? Probably, but I have no idea. And to be down right honest, if they did, why would I switch? I have been harrassed by Avon consultants in the mall, at Chick-Fil-A, at the park even when I’m watching my kids play. And they do NOT take no for any answer. Its ridiculous and every one of them LIED to me and said that she would love for me to be “face model”. And that was a down right lie. She wanted me to hear the speech about becoming a consultant. I have lost ALL respect for Mary Kay and I do not agree with their business practices.
So, my point? There is a whole big list of products that lie between Mary Kay and Walmart brands. And you know what? They’ve never lied to me or tried to scam me.
You may very well be an honest consultant, (though I’m not sure since you’re soliciting business here with your link), but IMO, Mary Kay has burned their bridges with me…and many others.
Sorry, ya’ll “Avon” was obviously an error. I meant to say Mary Kay!