An Unbeautiful Mary Kay Story Part Deux
October 18, 2006 by Shannon Nelson
Filed under Our Beauty Tips, Uncategorized
If you read ebeautydaily then you are well aware of her post back in June commenting on Sweet Buzz’s post on Mary Kay. Basically the story is about Mary Kay rep.’s “Face Model” speech. I’m in no way trying to bash Mary Kay rep.’s, as I know quite a few who do not employ this tactic and are very wonderful people to work with. Also, I am in direct sales myself, and it is just not nice to bash someone.
However, I couldn’t help myself but to make this post today because prior to Christina’s post, I had never heard of any Mary Kay rep.’s approaching people in supermarket’s and asking them to be a Face Model. In fact, one of Christina’s readers, a former MK rep., posted the entire script in the comments section.
So you can imagine the good laugh I had for myself when I finally got to witness this “event” first hand last week.
As I walked into the supermarket there were two women whispering to each other with their eyes dotting all around the produce section. They appeared to be discussing some big secret while eyeing up who was in the general vacinity. It appeared odd to me, until I saw that they were all dolled up looking very professionally dressed. People who live in my area would see that they stood out like a sore thumb because no one here dresses to the hilt to go grocery shopping. Besides the fact that these ladies were simply carrying a grocery basket, but not really shopping (more eyeing the aisles).
So as I shopped I watched them continue to walk up and down the aisles and whisper to each other. They looked like predators on the hunt for their prey. As I began to turn down the laundry aisle, I saw they had come in for the kill. They cornered a mom shopping with her newborn. One of the women was talking to the baby and saying just how cute she was, while the other was…tilting her head, putting her hand over her heart and biting her lower lip while talking to the unsuspecting mom. And then that is when I heard it…..
“You would make a great Face Model….”
For the love of God, I busted out laughing. I certainly didn’t mean to laugh so loud, but after being engaged in the saga going on in the comments section of Christina’s post, I couldn’t help it. The women stopped talking and gave me a quick glance looking slightly annoyed. I shook my head giggling and walked away.
ROFL! That is so funny – unbelievable really. I am still a little shocked that their tactics have gone this way – I feel sure that Mary Kay Ash is spinning in her grave. MK ladies – the Face Model speech is worn out, try something new. :)
I have had this happen to me many times — always when I’m run out for something and haven’t dolled up.
A hilarious story – thanks for posting it! I’m sure I would have a hard time stifling my laughter if I found myself in that situation, too (having been victim to the whole ‘face-model’ tactic before)!
Great story and I sure hope that poor mom didn’t fall for it. What a rotten thing to do, just to book a facial. Live and learn I guess lol…
lolol – Shannon, I guess that was a light bulb moment for sure. I still hope that one day I will be approached, cuz I will certainly give them my piece of my mind lolol
well i know this is funny, and thats why i wont use it. i just ask people if i can give them my bisness card. if they give me a second of our time, i let them know i represent the number 1 skin care product and would love to get their opinion. cuz its true, i just want an opinion and its free and if they dont want to make an appt, i give them a sample. it doesnt bother me, that ppl tell shove off or ignore me. if i hadnt tried this stuff from a friend, i prob would of laughed too. i still laugh im a “beauty consultant”, does anybody see my at 6am, lol
i have been approached several times…here in florida and in illinois. the funny thing is that i am a consultant (for personal use only). anyways, my story usually goes like this…oh you have beautiful skin, how would you like to be a face model? or here’s an even better line…you have beautiful skin, how would you like a makeover? i just think…ok, i have beautiful skin, but need a makeover from you. makes no sense to me. i have heard it all and laugh each time a consultant approaches me. i must look gullible. i end each “episode” with a sorry, i’m already a consultant. they just tuck their tail and move on.
How funny!
I think it’s nice to comment on someone else’s makeup, or skin, or whatever. But to use that as a lead-in for a sales pitch… not so much. Like Chrissie said, it’s better to just be honest and straightforward.
honestly! and to go about it with so little tact! my mom used to be a mary kay rep and she did it the old fashioned way of making appointments! haha, good laughs though.
I’ve heard the same stories over and over about Mary Kay. I hear they don’t even list their product ingredients on their website.
Mary Kay is a huge staple here in the south and I have to admit that they are ass backwards. They use too many aggressive sales tactics and really know how to heap on the guilt — I have a foundation from Mary Kay cause I didn’t know how to say “No.” It’s a southern thing I guess, it’s hard to politely decline such seemingly “sweet” offers.
I’ve noticed lately they are trying to revamp, but I think they’ve done this a little too late.
hey Trudi i tried to search on my own website for ingredients (still looking) but if there is a product i can look it up on my intouch (its from the company) i can tell u whats in each product. i dont personally use “sales tatics” i just share free facials and tell about the product. i guess thats why my sales are low lol cuz i dont get agressive. i just do this to meet ppl seriously
I love Mary Kay as much as the next gal…but I’ll just flip through the catalog, thanks. I hate the pressure of one on one sales!
I have been approached more times than I can count with this creepy tactic. Face model – they just don’t care that they are flat out LYING. I guess things are desperate at MK Corp. that their sales force has to go “trolling” for new customers.
The last time a Mary Kay Consultant tried this bs on me, I was at Target with my 6 week old baby, shopping in the baby department. The moment she told me what I cute baby I had I knew she was an Mary Kay stalker. I was furious that she would pull the whole “Oh, I would love for you to be a model at my next meeting!” I asked her to get away from my baby and finished my shopping. I also told the store manager how upset I was that I could not shop at Target in peace. He said if she came back into the store that they would have emplyees follow her and escort her out if she harassed anyone again. Makes me SICK. I would never use such a low quality product anyway but to USE MY BABY to scam a sale – pathetic.
That just happened to me this afternoon, I had no idea what the lady was talking about. So, when they tell you that you’ll make a “great model” and give you their business card does that just mean they’re trying to lure you in? Very unfamiliar with Mary Kay and their “tactics”, could someone let me know what I should do if she starts calling me all the time?
ok i have been pretty nice on here. with my comments and i am feeling like i have to put it out there. not all of US are scammers or stalkers as some of u put. its not a low quality product and no things arent bad at MK that we are reduced to putting bs lines out there to lure ppl in. like i said before i offer my card, i dont go into a bit of a face model. i know that we get training on watching women get facialed at our meetings, i dont know if thats what they were hoping for by asking for u to model or not. just saying, its comments like this that freaks me out some to give out my card. i am a mother of 4 under the age of 5. most of time i am just trying to get out and meet ppl for my sanity sake. lol. and i highly doubt she was using ur baby for scamming u a sale. even if u did the facial it was free. idk i just had to put this out there. not all of us are vultures
Chistine, I’m sure you are not a vulture. I think most people here are just venting about their experience with the ones who are. I watched two MK rep’s do the same thing with a woman and her newborn as written about in this post.
I can’t say it’s fair though to say “well you got a free facial from it.” Free or not, you are baited in and that is what is not fair.
I think a lot of you need to do your homework… MK started as a business to HELP women in the workforce. Mary Kay Ash believed that women are worth more than 50 cents on the dollar… Do you know that there is still a ‘pay gap’? In a traditional work force, 10 yrs after college, women earn only 69% of what men do in the same profession… that’s why we’re here. I am so proud to be a part of this dream…
MK is the number one in skin care & cosmetics… #1 in sales, and #1 leading brand… the best. The ingredients of all products are on the back of all of the boxes. Most being botanicals… natural… again, the best.
This company also offers the HIGHEST paid direct sales out there… if you’re interested, you might want to ask one of those ladies offering to bring you as a model to their next meeting. We do bring models. Very rarely do we consultants try on the latest glamour for each other… we bring others, with different characteristics to learn… and grow…
Do you guys out there know that a portion of all proceeds go to the Mary Kay charitable foundation… which supports research into the cancers that affect women, and to the prevention of violence in women and children?? When Mary Kay died, she left $15 million… 1 mil per year to this foundation…
How can you bash a company like that..??/ Does your company do these kinds of things?
Just a few more facts…
MK has the most free cars on the road out of any company.
MK is the number 1 company with women making 6 digits…
No one is trying to “bait” anyone… just share the dream of this amazing women… and these products that are PROVEN to be number one for the past 14+ years…
MK isn’t sitting on the shelves because Mary Kay Ash wanted everyone to be able to try the products before buying them… how many useless skin products do you have under your sink… I have NONE now!
:)
Another thing… MK was built on the Golden Rule…
and building your life in this order…
God, Family and Career…
What is the foundation, belief and values of your company???
Lemme know!
Carolyn, the one thing you can’t argue with people about is their own personal experience. Prior to doing what I do I was in direct sales. I know the in’s and out’s of every company.
Everyone has different experiences based on their season in life–definitely no need to shout at commentors about their priorities.
Also the Golden Rule is do unto others as you would have done to you–not God, Family and Career. So if you want to begin with the Golden Rule let’s set an example, right?
Hey Shannon!
I wasn’t shouting at anyone… just setting the record straight! Mary Kay is an amazing opportunity, an amazing product, and a company built on values (God, Family then career)… that are lacking in most other companies out there.
I can’t say that all consultants have approached people correctly….. but offering a women better skin care… I don’t see anything wrong with that!
God Bless!
Hi there! I never realized that it was offensive to women to be asked to be a model. I’ve actually had women get excited to receive free referrals in my Professional Women’s Portfolio!!
It disheartens me to hear that people are offended by being approached about a complimentary makeover. It’s not as if someone said, “Here are my breath mints; help yourself!”
It’s even more disheartening to hear the makeover referred to as being “baited”. Our facials and makeovers are absolutely free; it costs nothing but courage and honesty to either say “No Thank You” or “Yes, Thank You”. If you go to Macy’s and try on their jeans and decide to purchase them, were you “baited” or tricked? Absolutely not.
We offer to share an incredible product with women out there because it’s intrisically rewarding to see a woman look at herself and like what she sees, and we love and believe in the product. I’ve been to the makeup counter at the mall to compare their service with mine, and it doesn’t compare.
What other company is green, gives to research on cancer and the prevention of domestic violence, offers a free try-before-you-buy experience, free shipping/delivery to your door, personalized gift services, a hostess plan that allows you to earn unlimited free products of your choice, and a business opportunity that allows you to prioritize your faith and family before your career, make 50% on everything you sell, advance at your own pace w/o waiting for someone to retire or pass away, and awards you with diamond rings and cars? When we offer you a free facial and makeover, we’re really offering to share a whole lot more with you than a little skin care and makeup, Ladies.
We’re actually quite normal, nice, fun-to-be-around gals who are just excited to share a little of something we happen to believe is golden.
If you haven’t experienced the Mary Kay I speak of, I encourage you to actually accept the next invitation you receive. I sincerely hope you will because I know you will enjoy yourself.
God Bless You Big! =)
The same thing happened to me the other day at TJ Max. She approached me, told me I was “beautiful” then followed it up with “I’d Love to have you model at one of my shows”. The sad thing is, I knew why she said it but I felt bad being rude so I said thank you and gave her my #. She has already called so I have to figure out how to politely tell her “No Thanks”.
Mineral Pro – no I wouldn’t feel baited if a Macy’s employee helped my by a pair of Jeans – I WENT THERE FOR THEM. I do not go to the grocery store to be harassed by Kaybots reciting the same old stats that they can’t back up (like having the most cars of the road and how their Directors make so much money) while I am just minding my own business. If I want Mary Kay junk (the product IS low quality) I will go to Ebay where they sell it for less than half of wholesale.
And it IS baiting – they pretend they need a face model (and for WHAT may I ask?) but what Kaybots do at the “facial” is try to recruit them.
And you clearly haven’t actually worked with anyone at the cosmetic counters like you claim – I get INCREDIBLE service from the same employee at each counter, and have for years. They call you when new product arrives, they send samples, they call every few months to see what I need sent.
Dear KAS,
As I was saying in my previous post…Our facials and makeovers are absolutely free; it costs nothing but courage and honesty to either say “No Thank You†or “Yes, Thank Youâ€. It’s best to be upfront in person and tell her you’re not interested. It allows you to avoid having to figure out a way to say No over the phone.
Also, to yoyosushi3, it’s great that your mom set appointments. When we MK Consultants have given facials to all of our friends and relatives, we go out and about to meet new women. If they’re not interested, that’s all right with us. No one is going to barricade the aisle and force you to give them your name and number. If you don’t want a booking call, then you simply say, “No, Thank You” as politely as you can and leave it at that because we weren’t trying to be rude to you. We asked a simple question that requires a simple “Yes, Thank You!” or “No, Thank You.” Really, we’d rather be told No during a warm chat in TJ Maxx than over the phone, after having taken my time to make the phone call.
Mineral Pro I think you are missing the point though. If we go to the grocery store, it is to buy groceries or TjMaxx for clothes–not to get picked up. Whether it is free or not is irrelevant. And I hardly consider it “warm chat” if I am approached by someone from MK when I am out and about minding my own business. I consider it prospecting–which is exactly what it is.
My facials and makeovers at the cosmetics department are free too–but if I want one, I go there seeking one…they don’t track me down in the aisles to ask me.
Well, the lesson learned here is to agree to disagree. You will think of Mary Kay and warm chat what you will, no matter what I or others say. I will continue to warm chat and ask fun, sharp women if I could treat them to a complimentary facial. I am not agressive, and I know there are those who will be receptive to my invitation to pampering because I get positive responses when I’m out and about. My intentions aren’t tainted with deception. I’m sorry for those of you who feel you have been deceived.
I worked many years as a manager for Estee Lauder and believe me, we were taught to hunt too! Ever notice how you walk to close to the cosmetic counters and everyone starts to creap your way to see if they can “help” you. They are wanting to “sell” you. Come on people. That is what sales people do. They have a product to sell and they need people to sell it to. MK doesn’t sell in retail stores so they have to meet clients elsewhere. Just like any other sales profession that doesn’t have a store front. I think many of the comments here are unfair. I think they do use women for models for training. What I don’t like is when they don’t tell you it is MK or they do just try to recruit you at the meeting instead of using your face for training and then asking how you like the product and giving you a chance to purchase if you want to. I don’t see any problem with that. It is the MK ladies that aren’t even interested in selling that make me mad. They just want to recruit and get you to purchase inventory.
you when new product arrives, they send samples, they call every few months to see what I need sent.
Really, Deb? What store to you go to? Mary Kay reps do that and more. I deliver door to door. Do your Lauderbots do that?
Oh, and keep the driveling name-calling to yourself. I don’t stoop to calling you failed business owners names.
I am a former MK consultant. (thankfully)
One time when I was a consultant, I was out at the grocery store; I had quickly run out for coffee and cream. I didn’t get all “done up MK” as I called it, I mean I was rushing in and out.
As I was standing in the coffee/tea/sugar isle, a lady, all nicely dressed, hair and make up done walked up to me and said hello. I didn’t realise she was speaking to me so I didn’t respond. She then started speaking about the coffee and how there are so many kinds. I grabbed my brand, as I was about to walk away she said, “You have the most beautiful skin†I replied, “Thank you, how sweet of you to say.” I was flattered; I take very good care of it. She then said, “You know, you really look like you could use a make over, I need face models fo………” I stopped her right there. I couldn’t believe it!! I pulled out one of MY MK business cards, handed it to her and said, “HERE is why my skin is so beautiful, however, I do not need a make over, I simply didn’t put my make up on this morning, and my desire for coffee outweighed my vanity. Also, you may want to consider a different approach in your “warm chatter†Telling someone they need a make over is actually insulting.”
I took myself, my coffee, and cream, paid for it and left the store.
Well now. She had my business card, found out who my Director was, had her Director call mine and tell her I was not up to MK standards and was rude to a fellow consultant. My Director fortunately thought the whole thing was hilarious and told the other Director so.
We were taught to do that exact thing, “warm chatter,” “stalk” whatever you want to call it. Although I never said people could use a make over, I would say face model, pampering, I would like your opinion. The hand over the heart, tilt the head, the whole spiel. Completely scripted by Mary Kay herself. We were told to listen to our Directors and do what they tell us to. They got all of that from their Directors and theirs. Up the pyramid it goes. Well my friends Mary Kay Ash was on the top of the pyramid, now wasn’t she?
Some Directors and consultants role played at meetings, some even video taped the whole thing so the Consultant could watch it, review themselves and make alterations.
Do not think for one moment this company or its “top sellers” are ethical, because they are not! They are deceiving woman with insincere compliments; they are outright lying when they say they need face models, or want to pamper them. It’s BS. They want to 1st sell them as much product as they can. I’ve never seen a consultant, director with before and after photos from their “face models†And pampering?? How is one pampered when they’re putting everything on themselves??
I love it when they give them the recruiting talk with false facts. MK is NOT the #1 Cosmetic company in America, perhaps Direct Sales, but let’s face it; they’re selling to their consultants!!! They’re own sales force. Please!!
They Directors, S. Directors, NSD are not truthful in the no quotas. You HAVE to order so much each quarter to stay active. That is a quota – period.
They say, “you own your business” yet you have umpteen rules to follow. I love the, “You don’t have to have inventory to sign up -the starter kit is just enough†Once you’ve signed that agreement, they get you with the inventory. Making you feel like you simply MUST order to be a star consultant, when lets face it, you can order the minimum, and order from there.
You CANNOT imagine the things that go on behind the scenes with this company.
The only people who win at MK are the ones who get the hell out!!