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!
“There is no rule about inventory.”
These NSDs beg to differ:
“Small orders handicap new consultants. $3,600, $3,000, $2,400 – these are the three levels to explain. †(NSD Stacy James)
“Pull inventory as soon as they sign. Have a sense of urgency.†(NSD Dacia Wiegandt)
“A $3,600 order is an advantage because banks hesitate to make small loans. Most banks will not consider loans for less than $1,000.†(NSD Rena Tarbet)
“All working and aspiring Star Consultants need $3600 on shelf. If they do not begin with $3600 or get there within their first 90 days, they never get there. Get the agreements, get the STAR order; I want you desperately to commit to bringing in STARS!†(NSD Pam Shaw)
There’s no rule regarding inventory in Mary Kay, but man, if you’re truly serious about your business, you’ll come in with a Pearl star and like it. As long as advancement/recognition in Mary Kay is directly tied to order amounts and recruitment, the opportunity/temptation to engage in shady practices/tactics will always be present.
I can match my color just fine at Wal-Mart or anywhere. It’s not like women are incompetent doofuses who can’t do anything right without a MK consultant to tell us what to do. But even if I was, I could easily have a MAC artist help me! That’s not a good reason to buy overpriced, crappy quality MLM products.
I am a Proud Mary Kay Consultant and I LOVE MY JOB! Have I approached people in the grocery store, yes. Why? When I give a compliment, I sincerely mean it. And if I think you are sharp, I will offer you the opportunity. I will not ask you to be a face model, I will be honest. This company has made me a better wife, mother and friend and I have learned so many things about myself. I will make a six figure income with this wonderful company and bring all my team with me. Will your company pay you 40% of your top three years of income added together when you retire, with survivor benefits? Mine will. Does your company offer you the chance to change woman’s lives? Mine does every day. And you know what, my consultants thank me all the time for offering this to them. If you had something so great, why not share it and help other’s achieve success? Success is not for the chosen but for those who choose..Mary Kay Ash.
Thank you and may each of you find the positive thngs in people.
Ok, I’m sick of these scripted spiels. At least say something original instead of being a MK zombie clone.
How does selling people overpriced crappy makeup change their lives? And “sharp” is for knives and scissors. If you bug me with this crap when I’m shopping, I am going to rip you a new one, so be warned.
That retirement thing is only for NSDs. Which you are not. Watch those lies of omission, they’ll bite you in the butt. No, you will not make a six figure income. You will drown in debt. You can either listen to those who have been there and done that or you can learn the hard way, take your pick.
I have a very positive thing. It’s called a REAL JOB.
On the positive side. I started MK a year ago and I’ve already earned my first car. This is my only job and it has been extremely rewarding for me personally and professionally. Plus I’ve introduced the business opportunity to a lot of women who are doing exceptionally well. There is no one to answer to but myself. No one giving me their evaluation of me based on a scale that is designed to only give you at your best at 5% increase. I work 20 hours a week and my highest check to date (not including my 50% off of what I sell) has been 5,325 for the month. I go to work when I want and set my own goals and I receive wonderful recognition in prizes, money, and other accolades. This is a great business for anyone who wants to truly achieve success. If you’re comfortable working at a “real job” where you make what they tell you you can make then that’s fine. I just hope you’re planning for your retirement and not waiting on Social Security. MK consultants who retire at age 65 receive a salary for 15 years after retirement that consists of theirr average past 5 years earnings. This is a great company to work for. Oh, yeah and we choose who we work with. Sorry that some of you felt offended for being made an offer but get over it already.
NO. Only NSDs get retirement. Consultants get nothing. Call the company and check; you’ve been lied to.
My real job has a 401K.
Your highest check, minus expenses, minus chargebacks. How about an average check with the expenses deducted as it occurs in real life.
I know how these things are presented deceptively. If you wanna fool yourself, knock yourself out. Yr not fooling me.
Orrrr…. you could just wait until you can’t make your credit card payments and they’re foreclosing on your house before you wake up. The choice is yours.
Well, woohoo cookies and cupcakes for you, lovinglife. You love Mary Kay. Well, guess what? I have a “real job” and I don’t work fulltime or even have to leave my house to make a damn good lving. I do all of my work from home, I decide how much I want to make by how much I work, and don’t have a boss breathing down me neck. Well there’s a newsflash to you…you can have a ‘real job’ with all of those unconventional things and NOT sell Mary Kay.
I’m appalled at your so-called apology and let me quote you….”Sorry that some of you felt offended for being made an offer but get over it already.”
Now that is sincere. And let me clear it up for you since you missed the ENTIRE point. Nobody is offended that an offer was made, but everybody IS offended that the offer was a boldface LIE and a huge delineation from the truth.
So, my question to you….if Mary Kay is so great and such a great place to work, why must they lie to get you in? Why have I been approached THREE times by Mary Kay and was LIED to all 3 times? I’m wondering why they wouldn’t just tell the truth if it was that great? B/c I mean if it was as awesome as you make it sound, women everywhere would be begging to sell MK.
An interesting blog to be sure. I was approached by a very successful MK lady from church to become a “face model.” That is the reason that I am searching the internet to see other women’s reactions. I’ve learned to temper my opinions based on internet responses as some people just like to stir the pot.
There are adament rational and irrational people both for and against MK in this blog. I appreciate this blog as used as a vehicle to vent but am saddened by the hatred against MK reps and I imagine that same hatred is extended to any MLM opportunity these individuals might personally come in contact with.
Granted there are apparently some less than reputable reps amongst the ranks of MK. But hard sell is nothing new. You can’t turn on the TV or radio without hard sales pitches and most of them are bold-face lies. So I wonder if some of this hate is because you have a face-to-face target to vent about.
Thanks for the information, my search continues.
I have been a Mary Kay representative since November. I would like to give you my opinion on this subject. It’s a good company that has very good products. While I started the hard way with no inventory and am building my way up, I still find that you get out of the company exactly what you put into it as with most jobs. The support that the team gives to you is amazing. We each care about the other and help the other to succeed. Now I know there are alot of people who don’t make it but the way I see it is that they don’t want to work their business. I mean when I go to an appointment, and I put product on my customer there is an almost guaranteed sale because they love it. It’s not a get rich scheme it’s work. It’s about making other women feel and look beautiful. At the same time it makes you feel and look beautiful and gives you confidence. I would recommend this for anyone.
Angelic – I don’t think that most of us are saying anything negative about the company once you are “in”. Most, me including, are upset about being ‘tricked’ into being a consultant. It’s just not right and not good good business ethics.
Anyone railing against how they were “duped”, Lied to, mislead, etc by a Mary Kay rep is a pathetic, underachieving, loser coward & you know it deep inside.
Mary Kays ladies (& gentlemen) are some of the most sincere, respectful & genuine people. While I agree that Mary Kay may not be for everybody, it is clearly not for those of you who are too afraid & cowardly to go out & DO what is necessary to run a successful business…to ask women to try the product. Clearly those sales consultants, directors & NSD’s who take their business’ seriously understand that they must step outside of their “comfort zones”, confront their fear of rejection & embrace those activities which bring about results. There are those consultants on this blog who profess to not being “pushy” & don’t employ those tactics that are taught. I say that’s fine but be clear… you are not conducting a business but rather a lame hobby. You are not conducting this business with the type of committment to service that Mary Kay herself spoke of. It’s not about deceiving women & lying to them & if you feel that way when asked to be a “face model” it’s not the rep it’s your own “Stinkin Thinkin” & lack of intergrity & character that is causing you to think that way & you’re a jerk. Reps that are not pursuing & genuinely offering women the opportunity to 1) try the products & offer you her honest opinion (& really mean it) & 2) offering her an opportunity to make some extra money or quite possibly pursue this as a career, then you are not a business owner. Business owners understand that there will always be naysayers & “playa -haters” but what they don’t allow are those negative attitudes to influence & prevent them from doing what they must to be successful. They understand “Some Will, Some Won’t, So What, Someone’s Waiting”. To all the Mary Kay reps out there trying to change their lives & the lives of the ones who matter the most, don’t allow these ignorant, “too scared to do what it takes in my own business”, misery loves company losers, determine your outcome. May Kay is not for everybody. Do you!!! Stay coachable & trainable. If someone is where you want to be, in Mary Kay or anything for that matter, a wise person asks them for directions & emulates the activity. Any successfull business person will advise you of that. Mary Kay is a simple business but it is not easy. Once you learn how to approach women confidently with what you have to offer, overcome objections (which is a part of any THRIVING business) & learn not to take personally the reactions of the occassional negative jerk, you will soar. & by the way…there is nothing wrong with asking a woman to be a face model for you & building a portfolio of happy customers or women who you made to feel more beautiful because they were gracious enough to want to support your efforts by recognizing the courage it took to ask. When you are reacted to harshly, brush it off & look upon them with pity. Continue to be the classy ladies you are, just say “NEXT” & keep it moving.
Hope this helps Mary Kay Ladies. I love your product & I respect your drive, determination & ambition.
Sassy
LOL – Thanks so much for telling me how it is Sassy. I mean you really made me see that why yes, I AM a coward b/c I don’t want to sell Mary Kay! I mean that must be the ONLY reason why anyone wouldn’t sell Mary Kay, right?! Because we are all scared, timid, pathetic, underachieving losers that have no entrepreneurial skills.
Well, let me tell you now, you really hit the nail on the head. (dripping with sarcasm here) I mean yeah, you can lump every single woman in the world who doesn’t sell MK into your shallow, near-minded visions or you maybe you could just possibly try your damnest to be a philosophical and look at the other side. That may be too hard for you though, but I’m sure some of us “cowards” could reach up on your high horse and help you out.
I do have a question for you though…do you think that the only successful women in the world are the ones that sell MK? Do you not think that there are millions of women who successfully own businesses that have NOTHING to do with MK? Your post sure sounds that way.
I’m sure you DO realize that, my point is that your harsh generalizations only make you sound uneducated and narrow minded and most people will completely dismiss your incoherent mindless post. I, on the other hand, like to reach out to people and you seem guidance. I wish you peace.
I told myself the entire time I read this that I wouldn’t post, but like many before I just had to throw my comment hat into the ring too.
I’ve been a consultant for 10 months now and I owe nearly a combined 4K back to my money market (my “interest free loan”) and credit card (not interest free) and have another 2K plus in inventory sitting on my shelf. I’ve sold 5300 in retail since I started. and have earned $89 in commission from my 2 teamembers. Those are my numbers. Just today I put a note on my MK card to keep me from using it again. Some may look at it and tell me to get out now… and sometimes I think I should myself… but I don’t want to. I will continue to change what’s not working to make my business work. I’m not cut out for the corporate world. I’ve moved laterally 3 times and makes less $ in salary than I was when I joined my last company nearly 4 years ago. That’s where I am. I’ve tried approaching people and “warm chatter”, but it’s NOT natural, for me or for them! you’re right it is a lie and I just won’t do it.
I hold maybe 2-3 shows/classes a MONTH and do another 5 or so faces. I also have a husband who doesn’t really like MK, but he puts up with it cause I love it. I like talking with women and playing with make up, and that’s why I continue.
I like Terri’s post the best above. She seems to be a very graceful and classy women that respects others opinions and freedom of speech.
I’ve read statements from those on here that seem to be blinded by the pink bubble that I enjoy being in, but there’s always one foot on the ground with me. Lisa is right, the retirement only comes with NSD status and that means a MINIMUM of 540 consultants in your down line. and MK requires NSD retirement at 65. If you’re not an NSD by the timw you’re 65, you can continue being a consultant for a s long as you want. I have a friend that’s been a consultant for 28 years – she started when she was 50. My director I believe is in her late 60s as well and her MK$ helped her husband retire early and they just bought a house on a lake. It is possible, it just depends on you.
As for faces, I love asking people to be a face for me. Being new, I want to learn about the products and get HONEST opinions about what people think of them, how they would use them, how they compare to similar products, etc. I always ask my mom group to use their face… “I need your face, not your wallet” is what I ask, cause they are my friends FIRST! . One month I got 15 faces and 2 bought something. fine by me. I want those that I work with comfortable and happy – not pressured and rolling theor eyes and thinking “oh lord here she comes with her ‘damn Mary Kay’”
I appriciate everything that was posted and it will definately make me more respectful of those I don’t know when I mention what I do.
I did give my card to 2 people once… they of course never called me
I began using MK when I was 18. I am currently 44. Obviously I am satisfied with the product, and at my last class reunion I looked better than a number of my classmates!
I am a high school teacher, and five years ago a former student offered me a facial. Since I was between consultants, I accepted. This young lady was working toward becoming a director, and her training taught her to offer the business opportunity to all women she facialed. I told her “no” to the opportunity of starting my own MK business, and she graciously accepted my answer.
Shortly afterwards my life situation changed, and I found myself in need of income in addition to my teaching salary. I became a consultant in the unit that this young lady was building. Though my new director wanted me to purchase a larger inventory package, I chose a very small amount to begin my inventory. This I purchased with a credit card.
I quickly discovered that I am not a sales person. I am not outwardly enthusiastic, and I find that I am unable to “fake it”. I very seldomly talk to strangers in public about my business. I also discovered that building my own team was difficult because I felt I needed to have more time to devote to people I would recruit who wanted to start a business. Consquently, I have not earned a car, nor do I have large comission checks coming to me.
However, I have made no secret that I have a MK business, and I approach it as a business. I have a large and steady customer base, mostly because of word of mouth. I do advertise and send mailings. I set aside several hours a week to work my business. I hold occasional classes or facials, and I go to the weekly meetings.
I do not consider myself to be pushy or insincere. If someone approaches me about my busines, I am very comfortable to offer them a facial, a catalog, or my card with a sample. When someone asks what I do for a living, I tell them about my TWO professions.
There is much training in MK. We are taught that a woman must prioritize her life…MK recommends God first, family second, and career third. We are taught how to bring beauty out in other women…both inner and outer. We are taught that women are strong, and we can do anything we can imagine. And yes, we are taught that the bigger your dreams are, the more aggressively active you have to be. Of course, I believe this is the case in most careers.
In my opinion, many woman today have stopped dreaming because the are locked into a regular job, and the carrot of MK is very tempting. It allows a woman to dream again. However, MK is not a get rich quick plan, nor is it a effortless adventure. It is work. You must be financially aware, and you must be consistent in how you work your business.
I began to dream again 5 years ago. My MK business has allowed me to start and max out my IRA every year (I have a 401K & a retirement pension through my teaching job). It has also allowed me two 3 week trips to Europe. And just this last year I bought the house of my dreams. I plan to retire at 55 and be in charge of my own time, thanks to my MK business.
If you are approached by a woman offering a chance to be a “face model” or you are invited to a “success event” or someone offers you a business card with a sample, she is only trying to bring her dreams to life. Most MK women will accept “No, I am not interested at this time.” But, if you are at all interested, let yourself dream a little. It will only cost you a bit of time.
I am puzzled as to why the MK ladies here think that women are only “dreaming” if they are in MK? I don’t know about you, but I teach my daughter to dream for whatever they want and they have some pretty awesome dreams! And neither of them aspire to sell MK. LOL
I’m a 31 yr old woman of a very successful business that has absolutely nothing to do with MK. I had a dream, took risks, and went for it. MK isn’t the only dream out there. And it certainly isn’t the only dream that can come true.
MK just is NOT for everybody. If it’s great for you, then wonderful. But just b/c someone isn’t interested in selling cosemetics, it doesn’t mean that they have no dreams or ambitions or that they haven’t already reached there dreams!
Hi Lisa,
I’m so glad you found my big, bodacious, post helpful in your quest to come to terms with your own lack of empathy & understanding towards women who really ARE about building their businesses, understand what it takes to achieve their dreams & are willing to put away excuses & “just do it”. In reading your poorly written response & generous usage of sarcasm, one can safely assess that like I states above, you really are jealous of not only those fine women of Mary Kay(the majority of whom have the utmost integrity) but you are envious of any woman who has discovered that to be sucessful down the entreprenurial path, one must let go of old habits, use their fears to propel them forward, step outside of their comfort zones & pursue excellence. While not all tactics & approaches work for everyone, to continue to insist that the company’s endorsed strategies & their marketing plan is illegal is mired in the ignorant. Some people like Mac some people like PC…big deal. I also never said that “only” women who sell MK were successful in the business world (so now who’s narrow-minded). Please read the post again & this time try comprehending what you’re reading. You & your ilk seem only concerned with your own narrow point of view of somehow being deceived & mislead rather than, ” this lady is trying to make a better living”. People who are positive & good-willed at heart understand that & even if they decline the offer, they’re not sitting around “bitchin” about how they were wrongly approached. Since you & people like you on this post choose to continue to dwell on such minutiae shows just how “narrow-minded, uneducated, incoherent & insecure” you & the likes of you are. Quite frankly Mary Kay’s skin care is some of the best on the market & anyone declining a free facial SIMPLY based on some outdated stereotype is just not informed & they deserve whatever “wrinkles, crowsfeet, dark under-eye circles & any other rapidly aging conditions surely to come if you don’t take care of your skin…” they get. If you’re not taking a look at the New Mary Kay you’re just missing out. That includes you Lisa.
Sassy
Peyton,
Kudos to you for taking the action to create the life of your dreams. And more kudos for teaching your daughter to dream big; as a teacher I assure you that you are an exception. You are correct; MK is not for all women. However, I do believe big dreams and action toward making those dreams come true should be a top priority for all women.
Home based business is growing in leaps and bounds, and I read a statistic recently that by 2012, nearly 2/3 of American homes will have some type of home based business. And many of these businesses will be headed up by the woman of the house. MK has been my vehicle for the “extras” in my life; however many vehicles exist for women who are willing and capable.
I think in the end all women need to realize a couple of things. First, we must never depend of someone else to take care of us, including husband, employers, or rich uncles. We must always be ready to take care of ourselves and what we value most.
Second, selling is an honorable profession. I have been approached by many women (and men) who are advancing their own home based careers, including financial planning, website development, and even vitamins. I give them all the consideration I would like to be given. I have tried their product and services, and I have listened to their marketing plans. I have tried to be gracious–whether I was interested or not.
Some of the comments refer to “real” jobs. MK or other home based businesses are just as real as you need them to be. This is what I know about women. If a woman needs her business to totally support her, or she needs it to support the “extras” in life for her familiy, she will do whatever is necessary. That has always been the lot in life for a woman. So don’t be surprised, she may even approach you for a facial, and then follow up by asking you to listen to the MK marketing plan!
Jean – Your last statement tells me that you haven’t really read or paid attention to this entire thread. The fact is that even when a woman states that she is NOT at all intestered in listening to the MK marketing plan, the MK rep will insist that you don’t have to listen to it and all that is really needed is her face to be a ‘face model’. I have been approached at least 3 times and all 3 times I was asked to be a face model. When I said “Thank you, but I’m not interested in selling MK at all”, the MK rep told me that it has nothing to do with selling and when I straight out asked her if I would have to listen to the MK marketing plan so flat out told me NO. She said “I just really need a fresh face to try my products on. It is not my intention to get you to buy anything from me or to start selling MK. It’s just somethign really fun where you get to meet a lot of other ladies, get makeovers, have a manicure and pedicure, etc. And bring your friends too!” Well, my dumbass believed her and went. And I brought a friend too. I was soooo upset when I realized that I had been misled and I DID have to listen to the marketing plan and I was pressured into buying cosmetics (which I didn’t) and I was pressured into selling MK, which I didn’t). Can you imagine how my friend felt? Here we thought we were going to have fun and get to be ‘face models’ and it was all a scam to get us there.
And you know whats even crazier, the woman who tricked us into going there, STILL emails me every 6 months and asks me if I’m interested in selling MK. She won’t take no for an answer. She even had her director or someone call me and try to get me to sell and I had to all but cuss her out to get her off the phone. It is crazy! I totally regret ever giving out my # to this woman. Time and time again I tell them no and they still try. Every conversation ends with “Well, I’ll call you back in 6 months, maybe you will have changed your mind!” Is she serious? Even if I decided that I wanted to do something like this, it wouldn’t be MK after being tricked, lied to and harrassed for nearly 2 years!
I know that not all MK reps are like this, but it only takes one (or 2 my case) to ruin it for the bunch. I personally like MK cosemetics. But I won’t buy from them b/c of the way I was treated and approached.
Oh and I’m a medical transcriptionist…I work from home. I started out as typing every day all day and know I have my own accounts and employ my own transcriptionists. I know all about working from home and being successful from home. I LOVE it and wouldn’t want it any other way!
Sassy – I’m so done with you. You are reading what I’m typing but its not sinking in. Nobody is saying that women shouldn’t dream or that they shouldn’t try hard to get to where they want to be! But the bottom line is that manipulation and lies are unethical and those MK reps who use those tactics are ruining it for the ones who aren’t. Period.
To Sassyassqt (nice respectful MK screen name btw):
Quote: Mary Kays ladies (& gentlemen) are some of the most sincere, respectful & genuine people.
LOL! Gosh, I’m still looking for the “respect” part in your posts! hahahaha
Thanks for reminding us of what we are (not) missing in MK with your elitist attitude.
Peyton, I assure you I have thoroughly and thoughtfully read the entire thread and I am quite aware of the experiences and opinions reported. Perhaps you haven’t understood my reflections. To be clear…using MK or selling MK isn’t for everyone. My point was and continues to be that it is a good opportunity for some. There is a world of opportunity in many areas for women who are willing to try. It is obvious the MK women you have experienced are working hard to propel themselves toward a better life. Since you indicated you have built up your own business, I would image you have a similiar goal for yourself in your given career. Many women want a better life for themselves than they have right now. And while I do agree that you have been “pestered” by repeated attempts to recruit you, how would a consultant know if a woman was looking for an opportunity like MK if she didn’t ask? Do you now or did you need to go out and look for accounts to grow your business? How is that different from a MK consultant attempting to grow her own business with customers or recruits?
Congratulation on your successes; you sound like an intelligent, driven, and insightful business woman. And, as for me, I will continue to be supportive of all hardworking business women. Life is hard enough for a woman. I don’t want to make it harder.
By the way, my former student who recruited me and became my director was informed just today that she has earned her third car from MK. She has worked for the last five years toward a specific goal, and she will finally be driving the signature MK vehicle…the pink caddy (there are several different cars in MK). I am incredibly proud of her, and I am glad I have been able to help her reach that goal.
Thanks for your respectful post. I agree with you but I wanted to address this…and I’m quoting….
“And while I do agree that you have been “pestered†by repeated attempts to recruit you, how would a consultant know if a woman was looking for an opportunity like MK if she didn’t ask? Do you now or did you need to go out and look for accounts to grow your business? How is that different from a MK consultant attempting to grow her own business with customers or recruits?”
The difference is that I don’t “pester” my potential clients. I would NEVER harrass or pester ANYBODY the way MK reps have harrassed me. There is a way to obtain business without being overbearing and maintaining basic ethics.
I do realize that not all MK reps are like that. But the start of this thread was in reference to the MK reps that ARE like that. And based on the responses, it is happening way too often.
Peyton,
I have also encountered the “take no prisoners” consultants in my time with MK. Their zeal for their MK careers is something that I have not experienced. However, I understand it because I have much that same zeal for teaching…and a lot of people think I am crazy for having the passion to spend every working day with senior high students.
As I have reread this entire posting of opinion, I am a little sad. I feel like MK has been such a positive influence in my life, from the time I started using the product 25 years ago, to the time I became a consultant, to today. I believe the training I have had in running a home based business has been quite helpful, and I think I am a better, more positive person because of the wonderful friends I have made in having this business.
Maybe I have just been fortunate to be approached by MK women who are clear of purpose and truly understand the concept of the “golden rule”. I truly try to treat people in my life (and in my posting) as I would like to be treated. And I am quite suspicious that you have much the same attitude in life.
Have a great holiday weekend!
I’m not a pushy rep, and I believe my meteoric success in sales with Mary Kay has specifically been achieved because I’m ultra mindful of others’ personal space, respect my customers opinions, and going above and beyond in customer service. Because of that, I’ve been approached by women who want to change reps because there’s is too pushy. So anyone in this line of business has to be careful not to turn people off.
In my first year I was #1 in sales in my national area (out of about 2500 women) and have consistantly been a star consultant for every quarter since then. I have more than 400 repeat (loyal) customers and have done that in exactly 2 years this month. And I will tell you I’ve never gotten one customer by “warm chattering” strangers in the supermarket. I’m a professional marketer with 25+ years experience, and have a good handle on how to market my own MK business because of it.
That all said, in fairness to the women who do have the guts to go up to strangers and give them a compliment to introduce themselves…Mary Kay WAS running a modeling contest last year. Consultants could submit before and after pictures of customers, with the opportunity that her customer could win a trip to manhattan, have a professional makeup artist and photography shoot, and their pictures published in the catalog. That is the issue that is out now (Summer). So, I’m saying you weren’t really duped. Your MK person in the grocery store probably did want to enter you in the contest. I entered a few of my customers and they enjoyed it even though they didn’t win.
I am surprised to see that women mind being approached in the store. Its a chance to meet a new friend and try great products. I wish someone would have asked me 10 years ago to try MK, and really wished they would have asked me to sell it. I actually overheard the marketing plan, and I recruited myself. It is a great opportunity for $ 100. I didn’t come in with inventory, but I have invested since with my profits from my business. I have made so many friends since becoming a consultant, and I have been able to lovingly share my faith with other women. I do hand out cards to women I meet everywhere, and I ask for their information so they can have a facial. If they do not want it, I am fine with that! I do not know why people get so upset with someone trying to be successful in their business. I do realize that there are some women that may use unethical approaches in this business, but in the end it is everyone’s personal responsibilty for the decisions she makes.
OH, OK. While we’re talking personal responsibility, let’s not forget personal responsibility for telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth when you’re out there giving your recruiting spiel. Deceiving people and then holding them 100% responsible is more than a little screwed.
You’re surprised that people don’t want to be accosted by strangers who peddle inferior products for ridiculous prices? Really? *raises eyebrow* Well, here on planet Earth, most of us are not down with that. Sorry to bust your pink bubble!
I don’t “peddle” anything. Nor do I sell “inferior products” (ingredients, tested for safety, US codes — as opposed to those other “prestige” brands) I don’t sell anything for “ridiculous prices” (check the department stores for comparison).
Mostly Gothchiq, I am no liar.
Some of these women who are asked to be face models should be GRATEFUL … who are you kidding with your bad haircut, no makeup, chippy fingernail polish, negative attitude, sloppy sweat pants, bloated belly, bad teeth and saggy boobs? Mary Kay is all about enriching women’s lives – even those who don’t take the time to even put on a little foundation !!!! Girls – we’ve done a favor for you – it’s up to you whether you want to improve your life. MK can improve YOUR life if you’re willing to work. Regards from http://www.urbeautysource.com
You are TOTALLY enriching women’s lives by cutting them down and saying how ugly they are! Anyone would be lucky to have a consultant like that! ….. NOT
Not a nice comment, Ann… but are you with MK? Considering your promoting another brand, I’m assuming you left this comment to make Mary Kay consultants look bad? Which is a tactic that is certainly making the blog-rounds these days.
I am an independent beauty consultant for mary kay && have never used the sales pitch, “would you like to be a face model.” I just wear my MK pen && people come up to me. I joined Mary Kay in May && it is going really well. For the consultants that do use that sales pitch normally, it is how they are trained with there director. My director has encouraged us NOT to do sales that way b/c to have bookings with or friends && family && have them bring their friends with them. Thats how and why my business has been going so well b/c im not pushy. I do bring samples where ever i go && if the person who is checking me out says something about the samples that i am carrying then i tell them. I let them open the door to talk about MK, so that i wont step on any one’s toes nor do i go up to complete strangers && harrass them with my products, i respect people && their space. I’m sorry for the people that have had a bad experence with consultants, because not all MK consultants work there business that way.
wow.
this is definitely an eye-opener. i just signed on to be a Mary Kay beauty consultant on Aug 30 because my life just needs some kind of direction right now and i figured if i love make up and i love money why not combine the two and get going? well the initial sign-up was no problem and i think i can start with just friends and family and build from there. the warm chatter thing kinda turns me off but if i were to make an honest approach or just make sure my mary kay pin was very visible, i’m sure the business would come. the thing that made me look a little deeper was the pressure. the NSD whose team i signed on to is very pushy about inventory and i actually called my credit card company to request a limit increase. i was denied because i don’t make enough money for a $5000-card and at first i was upset at how that’s going to look on my credit report but after reading this, i’m really glad it happened that way because i would at this very minute be knee-deep in unnecessary debt. i believe that it is POSSIBLE to achieve the mary kay dream but it doesn’t have to be on someone else’s terms. i can work on my own terms and work up to however far i want to go, my way. until now, i admit i have been led like sheep, but i have to thank you for helping me take a step back and look at the big picture. i don’t believe mk or mk personnel are bad or negative or anything like that, i just see that some of the things they try to pull over are not exactly good for me.
Hi Making Wishes,
I just wanted you to know that I’m a consultant, not a director, but a successful one. You can make a good go at your business with minimal inventory, as long as you have testers and samples, provide great customer service and don’t let your customers wait long for their orders. I do suggest keeping some of the better selling skincare items on hand because you’ll go through that fast. But you can reorder anytime with no minimums, and a relatively low shipping fee. I find that except for quarterly close time and big holidays, my orders get here in just a few days. Just remember it’s your business.
Hi all. It’s been a little while since I’ve last posted. I just want to tell everyone here who has posted objectively and in good taste hooray. It is so easy to be negative or dishonest in today’s world, that’s why we need a company like Mary Kay. It may or may not be for everyone, and that is okay. No matter what endeavors you choose for yourself, remeber to let yourself be your compass and guide… If you are approached by someone who wants you to be a part of something, interview them to see if you want be linked to them… because ultimately they will be a play a part of how you see the opportunity. I have been in the company for about 6 years and I love it because I am in charge of my future and the company does it’s all to support me. Sometimes it is necessary to seperate yourselves from a group in order to find your own way, but to know that the company is there to back you up should reassure you. If you are a consultant and need help or aren’t connecting to the person who shared the opportunity or are considering the possibility and feel like you questions aren’t being answered feel free to drop me a line…
As always wishing you all good luck and good health. Elizabeth
I am a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant since January 2008 and so proud to be b/c this company is amazing! I’ve never found a job that I love so much like I do in Mary Kay. All I can say about the article is that there are many people that are Mary Kay Beauty consultants, so there will be many different personalities and they will have different ways of selling the product. Some will sell the product in ways they shouldn’t and others will sell the product in ways they should. Warm chatting is feared by every single Beauty Consultant. If someone came up to me and offered me a makeover I’d be flattered b/c they saw something in me that made them feel comfortable enough to ask. Mary Kay consultants are taught to take the dollar signs out of our eyes and look into helping and be giving to others. This is true and how Mary Kay teaches us.
It is so easy to be negative or dishonest in today’s world, that’s why we need a company like Mary Kay.
To be negative and dishonest? (Hmmm… is positive to always be positive AND honest?)
“If you are going to bitch and moan, bitch and moan about the decision YOU made. Those Consultants didn’t do it to you.”
Absolute hogwash. The NSDeities are teaching some of the slimiest manipulation out there. And if Mary Kay’s LEADERS are teaching this stuff, just how many hard-charging Directors and IBCs do you think it’s filtering down to (and subsequently) being heeded? MK folks can choose whether or not to heed such guidance, and some won’t, which is awesome. But many will because NSD Rockstar said it.
Per a well-worshipped NSD, here’s how to respond to someone who says, “I just don’t want to do Mary Kay”:
“If someone gives you an objection and you overcome it, then they give you another one and
another one and you overcome each, say, “I’m here to help you. I’m not here to talk you into doing something that you don’t want to do. I know that Mary Kay is not for everybody. But just level with me, if it’s something you want to do, I’ll bend over backwards to help you. If it’s not, just say “it’s not my cup of tea†and I’ll still love you anyway! (If she gives you another objection, overcome it, but if she just doesn’t want to do it say, “Well, can you tell me why you don’t want to do it… are you sure there’s no particular reason?â€
For crying out loud, even when the prospect flat-out says, “I don’t want to do it,” we’ve STILL got the recruiter pressing further, as in, “Well, WHY don’t you want to do it?”
Here’s an NSD overcomer to the objection, “But I need to pray about it:”
“Do you believe that any talents and abilities that you have are from the Lord? Can you see how in Mary Kay that you can touch a lot of lives…there’s a lot more to Mary Kay than a little pink case? We’re sharing a product, but of far greater importance, we’re sharing an opportunity. We’re changing lives. In Mary Kay, you have the greatest opportunity to touch people for the Lord as well as for Mary Kay…you could certainly be letting your “light shine†for the Lord too! Is there any reason why you would not like to help make this a better world?”
True, everyone’s responsible for their choices, but when we’ve got MK leaders teaching the downline to use manipulation like this and pushing the goal to get a “yes” from a recruit in 24-48 hours, it stacks the deck in favor of the recruiter considerably. NSD Pam Shaw says it all in her “Director Strategy Checklist.” She asks her downline, “Were you conscious about adding 10+ new Agreements? Did you press through to a win or give in with a sigh?â€
Yep. Taught by an NSD to “press through to a win,” but remember, “those consultants didn’t do it to you.”
Oh Paaallleeeezzz…
I’m an MK consultant but I’ve also been in media marketing for 20+ years. You think those tactics are heavy handed??? NOTHIN compared to “normal” business tactics. I’ve been taught all manner of b2b sales tactics… from objective handling (knock the legs out of the stool) to bending rebar with my neck. Come on! If someone expresses interest and you DON’T ask why when they change their minds, then you’re sitting in the dark, cowering in the corner. I can’t stand this mentality where people blame others for their own lapse in judgement…believing it’s a recruiter’s fault because THEY can’t get off their couch and perform.
FYI…I’ve had MUCH heavier handed recruiters try to “push” me into OTHER obviously disreputable businesses…and I said no. Firmly. More than once. Til they stopped. Jeez. If you ask me it’s like that woman on the news tonight who’s suing the casino for “not stopping her” when she lost too much money.
Personal responbility, people!
Spelling “please” incorrectly isn’t a great way to start off a credible argument.
Want to talk personal responsibility? Then take responsibility for what you say to people. Don’t mislead them about the MK “opportunity,” then point the finger at them later, chanting “responsibility” when they turn out to be dissatisfied. Be responsible for understanding that NO MEANS NO. It cuts both ways, my spelling-impaired friend.
“You think those tactics are heavy handed??? NOTHIN compared to “normal†business tactics.”
Tiny point of interest: those other businesses aren’t the ones proclaiming that “God is first!”
If Mary Kay’s leaders are going to wave the “God First!” banner, then one would expect them to conduct their businesses accordingly. Sure, they’re human, but if one is going to claim such a high standard (and encourage their recruits to do likewise), then one best do their darndest to live up to said standard.
One can name-drop God in a weepy I-story all they wish; but if they’re still continuing to encourage women to degrade their husbands, as in the selling objection overcomer, “I promise it’s easier to ask forgiveness than it is permission. Why not go ahead and get what you need now and then you can get the rest later if your husband agrees – how does that sound?” or instructing Directors that “Small orders handicap new consultants. $3,600, $3,000, $2,400 – these are the three levels to explain.” (NSD Stacy James) then it tends to make one wonder exactly WHICH God is first in Mary Kay.
I wrote it as I would say it. Pardon the license. Being called “spelling-impaired” by someone who spells “chick” with a “q” is ironic.
And I will continue to stick up for the honest consultants, recruiters and directors in this business who do not lie, and, whether they preach the “God first” mantra or not, have conducted their businesses ethically and with the best interests of their customers and recruits in mind. This has been my experience, and the experience of many, many more involved in Mary Kay. They are less vocal. Probably because their busy running successful businesses and don’t have time to blog all day like those loud “chiqs” on the Mary Kay hate sites all day who like to blame others for their own bad decisions.
I am not sympathetic to any woman, if the claim is true, who did not stand up to someone who MAY have suggested duplicity towards one’s spouse and instead thought “hmmm…that’s a good idea” and DID it. I have NEVER been told by my trainers to do something like this. It’s a bad thing to say and a bad thing to agree with, and I don’t have to believe “God first” to recognize it as such.
And there are scrupulous and non-scrupulous alike who believe “God-first” or don’t. At least Mary Kay held up some ideals on which to form a foundation.
Don’t know why I’m bothering, but unique usernames sometimes require deviation unless you want a long string of numbers after it. Duh.
I challenge any of the pro MK people to come up with an ORIGINAL argument. Not the same rehashed baloney and scripts. It wouldn’t be necessary to repeat the same old BS if you actually had a leg to stand on.
Hey! What are you doing on here? Why aren’t YOU working your business?
I don’t have to be frantic all day. I can hit the occasional blog AND get lots of work done and make good money because I have a real job. XD
Whatever though: You want to keep throwing money in a hole? Go right ahead. Not my problem. *shrug*
Shashew, there’s no doubt in my mind that there are women out there who are doing their darndest to conduct their business ethically – to say there isn’t would be small-minded of me. It is a shame that these women are not more vocal, because they absolutely need to be.
Instead, it is the women at the top, the ones boldly charging women for the “privilege” of coming to their home to pick through their castoff clothing (NSD Pam Shaw) whose teachings are regarded as gospel truth; teachings which include unmistakable guidance to disrespect husbands: “I understand you like to ask each other, but sometimes husbands don’t understand the value of cosmetics…If you ask him tonight and he says no, you won’t get it. If you buy it today and he has a fit, you still got it!”
I give you kudos for not bowing to this drivel, Shashew, however, women do still need to know (both in MK and not in MK) that this stuff is not only being taught, but being taught by the most influential women in the system. And again, women may follow it because they’re being taught not to question their leaders or question what works. As NSD Karlee Isenhart puts it, “Trust what you’ve been taught here – It works. It’s a choice.”
That’s what makes this stuff so dangerous.
I need to clarify that the “You still got it!” quote in my above post is not from NSD Pam Shaw, but from a educational document by NSD Lynda Jackson. Same rank, different individual.
Heck, while I’m here, here’s a few more MK leaders that are teaching husband disrespect:
“Use creative financing so your husband won’t know how much you spent.” (ESSD Kathy Payton in her New Consultant Training)
“Your job with your husband is to sell him on it. He doesn’t have to get it…don’t tell your husband that you’re scared if you want him to support you in the decision.†(NSD Dawn Sweeney)
FESD Mary Jo Dallen on answering the objection, “I need to discuss this with my husband.â€
“Does your husband just really want you to be happy? He’s like most husbands. And you know what? If we’re happy, and we set the tone in the home, they’re happy. The other thing I have found is it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. (Laugh) You know, that’s up to you.”
Lovely.
What pisses me off is that the MK women try to recruit under the guise of “enriching women’s lifes”!! That’s what is so wrong about MK because when you are being recruited, they sugar you up and make you think you’ve just met your new best friend. What a scam!!
I am sincerely trying to enrich women’s lives. I believe in this opportunity, and I conduct my business with integrity. I know many other women of FAITH trying to do the same. It is a great product and I am proud to sell it!
Sure, no one could do those things if they didn’t believe in it. So many people believe it’s possible, not because of their own success, but because of the success of others. But there are a few problems with that. One thing is, the standard they make for what constitutes success is so low. If you sell enough to support consistent star orders, for most consultants it means they’ve spent a lot of time away from their families making those sales, and yet even consistent sales at the lower star levels comes out to about what you could make at a part time minimum wage job.
And how many people do you know that actually sell at star level consistently? Very few do, and some of those that don’t are actually still working at it pretty hard.
So what’s enriching about it? I don’t see anything about selling make-up, or going to sales meetings, that’s spiritually enriching, and very, very few people become financially enriched through Mary Kay.
I too believe in this opportunity, and it’s helped me financially and on a personal level as well. My customers are happy with my service, and especially with the products which is the ultimate testimate, in my opinion. I believe part of the problem of MK women who are happy with their businesses not seeming vocal, is because the anti-MK hate sites do not allow an alternate point of view. If one tries to post a response that is in disagreement with the hate speech, the moderators delete it immediately. This has been my personal experience, and of numerous others.
I have found some more balanced MK points of view at other blogs. One that I think is particularly good and balanced is called “The Truth About Mary Kay at http://balancedmarykay.blogspot.com.
to all of those “kool-aid drinkin’” Mary Kay “sales ladies” come back to us in a year (or at least shy of a year so that you can turn in your order you couldn’t sell) and let us know how things went for you. We’ll welcome you with open arms for your story of your struggles.
Thanks Luann, but I don’t need your open arms. I’m doing quite well in my third year and haven’t made any dumb decisions that I blame others for. And I’d like to thank the “poison-drinkers” for getting out. I’ve picked up tons of customers just looking for a new Mary Kay rep because they love the product and are looking to reorder. Thanks for the business!