FALSE.
Mary Kay Inc. claims that their business structure is based on a concept called “dual marketing.”
They define it as separating corporate management from independent contractors. That definition, however, is the basic definition of independent contractor. An independent contractor is not an employee of the company and doesn’t receive any of the benefits of a hired employee.
The only definition I was able to find for the term “dual marketing” is the partnership between two companies that occurs when they decide to advertise their complimentary products together.
It appears that the term “dual marketing” was implemented by Mary Kay Inc. to attempt to hide the fact that the company is a Multi-Level Marketing company. MLMs elicit a negative response from many people, and aren’t considered to be “real businesses” by some.
However, Mary Kay Consultants earn money not only by sales, but by recruiting other people into the Company. Mary Kay Inc. pays Consultants a commission based on the amount of product that their recruits order from the company. Starting with their fourth recruit, Consultants also earn a bonus amount for each person they bring into the company.
Don’t be fooled: Mary Kay Inc. is a Multi-Level Marketing company that uses a Stair Step Breakaway plan as its compensation model.
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Any direct sales company that involves you buying product for resale and does not allow you to return overstock for reimbursement without fofeiting your status as an independent business woman and involves making money by recruiting others is a MLM, period!
They forget to tell you that even though you might earn a comission monthly on your personal recruits or if you are a Sales Director your unit production, the commission isn’t yours to keep until a year has passed.
With MK’s 90% buy back plan anyone you personally recruited that returns product, will result in a “bill” to you from MK on the commissions they paid you.
The system only benefits MK and those at the top of the recruiting pyramid! Be wary and ask a lot of questions. If your recruiter or her SD seem to squirm and are very vague you should just “Say NO”! Ask to see their Schedule C so you can actually see what their expenses were and how much product they actually sold. if they declared a loss, their business is not a money maker, don’t let them tell you otherwise!
Wow, Great post. My sister was considering joining that company, but she did not get a good vibe from them.
I have worked in the field of Corporate Branding & Design for 15 years. The term “dual-marketing” is similar to co-branding, which has to do with two DIFFERENT and SEPARATE companies working TOGETHER to market something; many times you will see this in the grocery store in the packaged food isles, (i.e. baking mixes, such as a bread mix company using Hershey’s products as an ingredient).
In any rate, here are some incorrect facts stated in a few of the posts. I just checked with the Mary Kay Legal department; Mary Kay Corporate does NOT officially label or classify the company and its structure as a “dual-marketing” entity or classification. Legal told me that at one time there was an Independent National Sales Director who incorrectly publicly used this term upon explaining the marketing, and the term was assumed valid and used following that by those in the audience. Rather, Mary Kay is simply considered “direct sales.” One wholesale purchase to the consultant – one sale to the customer. There are no levels in between these within the wholesale level – the company sells to the consultant, and the consultant sells directly to the customer – simple and sweet. Nothing that corporate publishes classifies the company as “dual marketing.” Companies can’t always control what those who associate with them say!
Thank You, Kerstin Lee. What I appreciate the most is that you took the time to research and find accurate information, even called the company! I’ve come accross this before. ALWAYS ALWAYS research the truth, don’t just believe everything you hear/read. This goes on BOTH sides, positive AND negative. 🙂
“The term “dual-marketing” is similar to co-branding, which has to do with two DIFFERENT and SEPARATE companies working TOGETHER to market something”
Is there an echo in here? I believe I pointed this out in this post. 😉
“Mary Kay Corporate does NOT officially label or classify the company and its structure as a “dual-marketing”
Yes, they certainly HAVE officially labeled themselves as a dual-marketing company. It was in the Career Essentials material — PUT OUT BY THE COMPANY.
I’m checking to see if it’s still in there.
Oh…and sorry, but asking the Company does NOT qualify as research. Valid research is when you gather IMPARTIAL information from lots of sources.
And the “direct sales” line is meaningless. MK’s definition has nothing to do with whether it is a multi-level marketing company or not. They throw that “direct-sales” line around all the time to deflect the concerns of those Consultants who wonder why they have to recruit to move up, like other MLMs, yet everyone keeps telling them they’re not MLM. HA!
I looked through all the company printed material I have, including the Business Basics booklet I received 2.5 years ago when I became a consultant. It refers to itself on page 2 as a “global direct selling company”. I’m not saying that I know 100% that they don’t refer to themselves as a dual-marketing system, but I have yet to find it.
Can someone explain to me why so many of you dislike MLM companies so much? 🙂 I really would like to know. I can understand why recruiting is unattractive to some people. But many companies offer bonuses for employee referrals. I used to work for both Dish Network and DirecTV and both of them would pay bonuses if we recommended someone for hire. If the person was with the company for 6 months you’d get a bonus, and if for a year you’d get ANOTHER bonus. The reason being that call centers have very high attrition rates. Yet people don’t get angry at Dish and DTV for offering referral bonuses for employees! In a Direct Sales organization it is VITAL to that company’s success that they expand the sales force! We’re talking MK, Avon, Amway, Primerica, Longerberger, and SO MANY MORE who are members of the Direct Selling Association.
Also, what is wrong with earning commisions on sales of those below you? In real estate a broker hires agents to work for her. She trains them, teaches them the business, and when they sell a house she gets a cut! Sometimes bigger than theirs! (altho that is unusual but it happens) But do we get upset at Real Estate brokers?
I’m sorry it just seems that people are getting upset over things we find all the time in corporate america, altho MK has greater returns and a more fair system.
Wow, i so agree with you on that. You have the sme concept in buisness period. I thought that same thing. I was talking the other day to someone about refferals, which is the life line of most buisnesses. Ex. when you get a new bank account they give you cards or info about if you reffer a friend to our bank and they open an acct. you will get such and such. Ex. hair stylists do your hair and then give you a card for reffering people to them if you do it would result in a free hairstyle. So people realy need to stop and think just a little bit more about buisnesses, especially if they are in good standings with the BBB and are a debt free company
Totally agree with you Sarah and Asrar. You both said everything I was about to say. Some people get it and some people don’t. I am a MK consultant and a network marketer with another company and I enjoy what I do…the opportunity to work for myself. I am glad these companies allowed me to do that. While others are working at a J.O.B making someone else rich, working when they are told to work, being overstressed for an underpaid job, I am working under my terms and writing my own paycheck. Whatever it is, MLM, Direct Selling…count me in!
Being a rep for an MLM is NOT working for yourself, nor owning your own business. Sorry.
You appear angry that people don’t agree with you. Just because you write something doesn’t mean people will believe you or that you’re correct. MLM and direct selling is considered being self employed according to IRS. This may piss you off and that’s your right. Your personal opinion is yours and doesn’t have to be everyone’s. Facts are facts. Your words don’t make it so. .
I’m not angry, I’m just stating the way things are.
In any “direct sales” business, you are an independent contractor for the company, and as such, you agree to abide by the rules they set forth for their independent contractors. That mean you represent them, you can sell their products, but in NO WAY do you “own your own business.”
When you own your own business, YOU call the shots and make the rules and decide how you are going to conduct business. Period.
In addition, when you have your own business, you usually don’t “recruit” others to do the same thing, unlike MLMs where the main point is recruiting.
Facts are facts: my words don’t make them so, the facts themselves make them so. Sorry if you cannot accept it.
So people who own a subway … don’t really own their own business?
I mean they do have to follow subways rules… AND they “hire people to work for them” (recruit) and make money off of them working for them.
LJ This has to be the most stupid post ive ever seen about MLM businesses. EDUCATE yourself my friend.
No, people who own a Subway own a franchise. They have to follow the rules set out by the corporation. It’s not really their business. Hiring employees to work in your franchise is not the same a recruiting people for an MLM business. Sorry.
Calling people stupid isn’t really conducive to a mature discussion.
@Heidi. Sweetie, go to college and take some business courses.
You are not a “business owner” because you sell stuff for Mary Kay. It’s not like running a franchise at all.
Yes I know all you silly pink ladies think you are “business owners”.
Rhonda Fortune…question for you – you sell Mary Kay & what other company are you a network marketer for? I am a MK consultant & am considering joining anther company & am concerned they will think it is a conflict of interest…
Hi Ladies,
I have taken the time to read this ongoong conversation and find it interesting.
Even though it got a little heated…lol, at least the conversation is taking place. Everyone is trying to find their rightful place and understanding these concepts are crucially important.
I am an entrepreneur both brick and mortar and internet click and order.
I have always been a seeker to learn ways of creating the income we never hear about in the traditional way.
Its called residual or passive income.
Such style of income is created only through some type of a system of “Leverage”.
Now there are 2 styles of systems
1. The. traditional corporate america business sfyle from this same style MLM was paterrned after.
Thats why both have similar patterns.
The success is a the top and the leverage comes from the help from those beneath.
Now with MLM we are paid on levels and percentages.
The percentage diminish as your organization grows.
Ex
15 first level
10% 2nd level
5% 3rd level
And so on….
Each MLM company has their own variation of such example.
There is usually a cut off at some or level and not profit is made beneath that level. So any further growth is of no profit to you.
Any leaders that out grow you are removed from such group. T hmmmm os a called a break away.
There is a whole new diffrent system that was created to avoid the anove and everyone is equal and no levels.
Everyone benefits 100% to infinity from help each other and not signing people up..
Most people are unaware of this other business option.
Just keep an open mind and ask questions and you will find your path.
Blessings to all
For more details
The reason being that call centers have very high attrition rates. Yet people don’t get angry at Dish and DTV for offering referral bonuses for employees!
Do you think maybe there is such a high attrition rate in these postions because people hate to be solicited in the privacy of their own home when they are trying to eat dinner, watch TV, help the kids with their homework or maybe even get some sleep because they work shift work? Why do you think so many states have instiituted “No Call Lists” to protect people’s privacy and to keep “direct sales” people from harrassing them?
I’m sorry it just seems that people are getting upset over things we find all the time in corporate america, altho MK has greater returns and a more fair system.
Sarah you are seriously in the pink fog if you think MK has greater returns and a more fair system than corporate America. MK doesn’t offer any benefits until a person reaches the level of SD, and then it is only Life Insurance.
In corporate America when you make a sales commission and the buyer returns the product, they don’t take back your commission…in MK if one of your recruits returns her product for 90% buyback, any comission you earned from that consultant in the prior year is taken away in the form of a “chargeback” if you are a SD, if you’re just a consultant they deduct it from your next bonus check or bill you for the difference. If you no longer are an IBC or SD they “bill you ” and ask you to remit the commissions you were paid!
Why does MK have such a high turnover of IBC’s returning product and SD’s terminating their contracts and sending back their cars, if they’re such a great company to work for?
u no what mizz LIPSTICK…. im sure there are more things to life then worrying about MK. U must of been inhaling the pink fog because you are sooooo negative.. I believe there are worst mistakes in a persons life than signing on with MK. Like getting married for example you may have been with the person for years married him/her the to find out the person just wasnt right for some reason. Then here comes the divorce which cost thousands and monies and time you put in the situation and you may have children and this doesn’t include the cost of your wedding. Then after its all said and done unless the person you married had money you may come out with something. But you just might come out bankrupt. But people jump fast with that with no hesitation to that idea. But MK you do not have to spend nearly as much and if doesn’t work out for you with in the first year you can at least get 90% if nothing else. So after saying all of that a Mary Kay business doesn’t look so bad after all…wow what a decision. And on another note i would never tell anyone not to get married. I’ll just say God bless and keep on moving. So Mizz Lipstick you had a bad experience God bless it keep on moving. geesh!!!
LOL oh my goodness… My call centers didn’t make outbound calls. Ever. They were customer service and technical support centers. Attrition tends to be high cause it’s very boring at times, and they are extremely strict with attendance = zero sick days.
Also, I didnt’ say anything about benefits. I was specifically referring to the previous thought regarding real estate and commissions in that industry. The insurance world works in a similar fashion, in regards to commissions.
Many company’s have customer and employee turn-over rates. Wait, no, ALL companies have those issues. This is not unique to Mary Kay.
Also, yes, many sales positions in corporate america also have chargebacks on commissions. That’s just the way it is. If someone returns a product that you were paid a commission on, based on the fact that it was a long-term sale (especially things like insurance, which are paid over time), then they will charge back that commission. I don’t blame MK for that policy, it’s good business sense. And if you were a consultant or director who didn’t give the full picture, someone got justifiably upset about it and sold back their product, then you SHOULD get a chargeback on your commission. After all, the company pays you for that team member to turn a profit for the company. If that doesn’t happen, they can’t just be throwin money at people for no return. That’d be dumb business. As it is for a consultant to recruit without disclosing all the information.
This is so funny to read! Because someone doesn’t agree with you, they’re in the “pink fog”? Perhaps you’re in a black, angry, fog. Good golly, isn’t there something you could dedicate your time to that didn’t involve angry, misinformed posts?
BTW: Way to go, Sarah. Dontcha just love when both sides of a topic can be shared without anger. Wish that was the case here.
And, yes, when you work in a sales position in a retail environment, you ARE charged back that commission. I have personally experienced that – clearly you don’t know what you’re talking about. Where in the world are you getting this information (or lack thereof)?
Your assumption is that the LEGAL dept. at Mary Kay is lying or sharing misinformation (therefore invalidating it altogether) is hilarious!
Valid research is defined as going to ALL sources, unless they’ve been PROVEN untrustworthy. Where’s your proof? You “saw it in some nebulous Career Essentials guide at some time, somewhere….” Hmmm…. VERY reliable, LOL.
I’d start with the Legal Dept. at Mary Kay and go from there.
I certainly wouldn’t rely on the clearly biased “information” (if it can be called that) here.
The Direct Selling Association is a great resource too…. http://www.dsa.org.
Go , learn, get informed.
Right on Linda! LOL!
Linda, so you are saying that talking to MK legal is unbiased? LOL back at you! If MK legal says “who us? No way, we would never do that”! That is NOT research girls! LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL!!!
Believe what you want to believe all the way to the poor farm Sarah and Linda!
So what does it matter if it’s dual marketing or multi. For heaven sake, these ladies are making crazy money out there. My cousin join just last year and takes an average of $22,000/month home.
So, while you guys are wasting your time, others are making the money…..Oh and did I hear you say money is not everything?
Iandi, I’d sure like to see your cousin’s Schedule C from her tax return, that’s the real proof of income.
She may have a check for $22,000, but I bet it’s not every month and I’d bet there are lots of expenses that have to come out of it!
As far as Linda and Sarah, I’ve worked MK for 8.5 years and never saw such turnover. In that 8.5 years our unit completely changed faces several times.
If there was so much money to be made and everybody who recruited was so honest about the “flopportunity” there would not be such a high turnover.
Check the unit members in your unit and see how many have more than 1-2 years, some don’t even last that long!
As they often said in MK “When the student is ready the teacher will appear”. I hope your teacher doesn’t appear with a big boatload of debt! When you grow tired of trying to make that 6 figure income and the rose colored glasses come off, you’ll be one of those “turning over”.
Hopefully you’ll still have your full-time job, with full-time pay and full-time benifits. Don’t quit your “day job” girls! When your SD isn’t talking recruit talk, she’ll tel; you she is in the top 2% of the company.
That means 98% do not make it to the SD level or at least can’t maintain the production to remain a SD.
Numbers don’t lie! Do yourself a favor and run the numbers on your MK business and see how much you are actually making or losing…you may be surprised at how many hours you actually work and how little you actually profit for those hours.
Stop going to the Unit Meetings and drinking the pink koolaid!
As a Mary Kay consultant and a Tax preparer, I have to say the schedule C is not going to show you anything. Most people who have businesses including Corporations which I have filed use everylittle expense they can fabricate to keep from paying the government more money. I’m not saying this is right but very few people will show what they really earned on a schedule C. I am not a sales director but I make as much off of my product that I sell sa my sales director does. In multilevel marketing the higher up you go the more discount on the product you get so the more money you make on it. This is not true with Mary Kay. I am a personal use consultant and do not recruit but when I sell I make good money. I am not being harrassed about having big inventory or about moving up. I’m simply told it’s my business and my choice. You can’t get any fairer than that. Mary Kay just like any other business has its good and bad representatives. There are doctors more concerned about lining their pockets than the patient so they push unneccessary medication at them to profit from return followup visits because of side effects or maintenance. Then there are doctors out there who will try every kind of inexpensive treatment first before hollering surgery and more money in my pocket. The same is true everywhere even in Mary Kay. I have heard some very pushy Sales Directors who were only concerned about their pockets that I have to say I am ashamed to be associated with. And I have heard sales Directors like mine that are more concerned about longevity and nurture you up instead of pushing you up.
Angel you may be a tax preparer, but evidently you don’t know the schedule C too well.
the Schedule C includes the amount of sales, cost of product purchased, beginning inventory, inventory purchased, ending inventory and expenses claimed…that my friend is enough to tell anyone the story of a MK IBC or SD’s real income.
And you are right anyone can lie about their income, but eventually the IRS will catch them and the penalties are not worth it!
Hey lipstick I understand what Angel is saying. I am an accounting major and I always kept my mouth shut on this. As a mid way here I will say of course I will claim as much as I possibly can to lower what my true profit is. (ie cell phone, internet, utilities mortgage mileage) those are things that I am paying 1 way or another but I am able to reduce the taxable income because of MK and my office in my house. So if you look at someone’s schedule C and they are GROSSLY at a loss then yes they are not really making money but a small number would show they probably are making a profit. My prof always told me numbers don’t lie but you can manipulate them to show what you want. It all depends how you classify your numbers.
Ashley, I get your point, but the sales and $$$ of product orders is a part of the schedule C and I think that is what most people want to see. Bottom line how much did you buy and how much did you sell and how much is on your shelf!
I appreciate your point of view, Ashley!
“So what does it matter if it’s dual marketing or multi. For heaven sake, these ladies are making crazy money out there. My cousin join just last year and takes an average of $22,000/month home”
1. It matters because for one, Mary Kay Inc. made up the term “dual marketing” as some funky disguise for their MLM operation. They’re trying to get women to think that they’re not in an MLM/pyramid scheme type business. There’s a lot of negative out there about MLMs, most of it well-earned. Certainly don’t want these consultants thinking they’re part of something like that. So MK created a term. Pretty deceptive if you ask me.
2. As for the $22,000/month home…..Bull!
Isn’t everything a pyramid scheme?
Think of the government.. OR ANY other business…
They all have a
president
2nd in charge, 3rd in charge
employees employees emploees..
Everything is a Pyramid scheme.
I know hundreds of women including myself who only work MY business, and yes its MY business.
I pay taxes on it, I buy all my supplies, support a team of people with incentives, make phone calls… I work my ass off for my business and it provides for my family.
YOU ACTUALLY have to work… Imagine that.
I don’t punch a clock 9-5 but it is my job. There is money to be made as independent Consultants in any MLM but you have to work for it.
It is not your business. You are a contractor who has paid a fee to sell another businesses’ products.
I’ve heard the argument about everything being a pyramid scheme before. It’s a poorly thought out one that is tossed around endlessly by MK people. A pyramid scheme doesn’t simply mean that there are people in positions above you and below you. It has to do with the structure of the distribution of money and “paying to play.” I won’t take the time to try to educate you here. There are several reliable sources out there.
If you were to violate any of the terms of your MK consultant agreement, MK Corp can and will terminate your independent contractor agreement. Period. If it were your own business, that would not happen.
To Lipstick:
I am sorry you are so angry with your journey in Mary Kay. I joined Mary Kay for a lot more then a pay check. I did not come in with Rose or Pink Colored glasses fogging up my mind. In America and as a Veteran we have an opportunity to try and “make it big” with all sorts of opportunities in business that come our way. If people relyed strictly on statistics our founding Father’s would have never conquered anyone and we wouldn’t be wasting our time reading or writing on blogs like this one trying to confince are fellow man or woman that our business was a good one. If you don’t like it, get out? Or find a mentor that can and will really help you get passed your negative attitude! Mary Kay isn’t for everyone and I don’t believe the company has advertised “Everyone Come”. Franchise businesses among many fail at a rate of 4 in 5 in this country but that doesn’t stop people from borrowing huge amounts of money to give it a try? All successes come with a certain amount of risk; if we didn’t risk anything we wouldn’t gain anything. What’s more important here is that we understand that our company is about helping others feel good about themselves through the products and gives an opportunity to help others do the same. Does it really matter what the compensation plan is? I’d do it for free. Your attitude is your Altitude as Mary Kay once said and it WILL determine your success in anything you do. My hope is that you will find peace in your decisions and that a higher power will help you find your way!
LC, you know I loved everything about MK, the makeup, the facials, helping somebody feel good about themselves and I used all the positive affirmations, training tapes and CD’s, goal posters, the whole 9 yards!
I am at perfect peace with my decisions, I just want to make sure others are informed and don’t go down the path I did, believing success was just around the corner, along with that 6 digit income. I did “get out” 1-1/2 years ago, I’m just sorry I didn’t see the light and do it sooner!
Does it really matter what the compensation plan is? – LC
It sure does! It also makes a difference if you’re recruiting by telling the same lies about income and opportunity that you were taught. My “higher power” tells me that is morally and ethically wrong. Touting MK as the “best selling brand of skin care and color cosmetics” for what is it now 15 years is an outright lie. MK has no data to go on other than what is sold to their sales force. They have no idea how much is sitting on shelves or in boxes in a basement or garage collecting dust because it isn’t “flying off the shelves” and in fact can hardly be sold for wholesale much less a profit. What does your “higher power” say about lies and deception?
I choose to spend some of my time making sure others who have been enticed into this “opportunity” go into it with “eyes wide open”‘ instead of with pink blinders on and their credit cards and bank accounts wide open. MK is no franchise business, in fact it’s not a business for anyone but MK Inc. Check out the fine print in your contract, you have no control whatsoever over any of the decisons in your business that will allow you to make money.
Don’t you also find it a conflict of interest that MK also sells all the samples, business supplies, business cards and everything else you need to be a “successful” business owner? Do you find it odd that you “own” your own business yet you cannot run it the way you would like, decide how, when and where it is sold, wear what you want when conducting business, advertise our business as you like and leave it to your children when you die?
MK is the only business making a huge profit here and it is not enriching women’s lives. Does telling IBC’s to keep business details and the amount of money they have invested from their spouses sound like good marital advice?
As a Veteran, I am thankful for your service to our country. It is a free country thanks to you and those who cme before you and served our country. I’ll spend some of my my time on this blog trying to “save” women from being taken advantage of by MK Inc. If you find reading this blog a waste of time, then I will pray to my “higher power” that you don’t lose all you hold dear in this wonderful opportunityand that you at least take the time to read more and find out all about this wonderful company. Good luck to you!
I am presently a consultant with Mary Kay and have been for about 2 1/2 years. I realize that they sell all of the supplies for everything…sales slips, profile cards, samples, etc. also supplies for skin care classes.; however, I find the printed materials to be very reasonably priced.. But I do not like having clients try lipsticks with a spatula at classes so I choose to purchase lipstick and lip gloss applicators on several different websites. No one says that you have to buy all of your SCC supplies from the company…I realize these are old posts but I just found this site and it is very informative.
Thank you everyone for sharing the information and your personal experiences !
25 years in Mary Kay and I’m a registered corporation making money every time I sell a product. Lipstick perhaps you’ve learned that running your MK business just wasn’t for you. That’s totally ok. Being your own boss isn’t for everyone. It does take discipline to get up and create business daily. I hope you find what works for you or what you are good st gifted at skilled st and just let go of trying to place what didn’t work for you onto everyone else. Let people be grown ups here. I’ve been a stay at home mom raising a family as a beauty consultant and always paid my bills. I sell my products and order to replace what’s sold. If you didn’t do that then yes you were wrong. You made your own choices in that. No one made you mishandle finances. No one made you spend your profits only you controlled that. Sorry that you are disappointed but really it’s time to simply take responsibility and move on.
Thanks. I am also a victim of Mary Kay recruitmemt. Seems my DIQ and SD pushed me to purchase large amount of inventory even if I dont. Now I am badly in debt. And because everyone almost knew MK, they dont want to book SCC anymore. How sad, how can i get my money back still in my inventories. I cant sell without SCC.
Or find a mentor that can and will really help you get passed your negative attitude! …Your attitude is your Altitude as Mary Kay once said and it WILL determine your success in anything you do. – LC
I assume you must personally know Lipstick to make such accusations, you make it sound she is a negative person in all areas of life. Since I do not know her personally I cannot refute your claim, but I can say based on HUNDREDS of posts on the boards on that Lipstick is a very welcoming person able to discuss a variety of topics (some very contraversial ones) peaceably and without offending anyone else.
How sad you know her to be such a different woman than I do.
I’d do it for free – LC
If you really need an outlet for your philanthropic activities perhaps you could volunteer as a children’s hospital or abused woman’s shelter. There’s a million different causes that need actual help, your making MK sound like it was founded by Mother Teresa to enrich the world is ridiculous.
BC, thanks for your kind words of support!
I know that just saying MK isn’t the greatest opportunity is “fightin words” to those who still believe in MK Inc. so I try not to take personally their comments on me being “negative”. Having been in MK for 8.5 years, I know they have been trained to respond that way to anything but praise for MK!
You are a great new asset to our forum and I know your advice will be helpful to many and will help save those who are wise enough to listen to your words. ((HUGS))
lipstick, i am with you on the deception mk chooses to do to entice vulnerable women looking to strike it rich(lol). mk is not the #1 brand-i look threw numerous magazines, especially ones like marie claire,vogue, elle, etc. and only one mentioned the age fighting eye cream- was given a marginal grade. the consultants are the ones buying,buying,buying products-you wanna be a star? pluck down $1800 minimum and you can buy your star! wait-dont forget section 2 items-a minimum $250 -dont forget mk business stuff(bus cards, website,labels,etc.)another$200-300(you wanna look the part of an independent consultant,dont you?)and dont forget you have to wear your sunday best FOR EVERY FACIAL,CLASS,TRUNK SHOW,DEBUT YOU DO.SO MUCH FOR ANY PROFIT!
I have to laugh – our unit is growing by leaps and bounds, and no one is going into debt doing it. Yes, do EARN your star by buying products, but that also means you are supposed to get out your door and SELL something. I have heard that there are ladies that want to be a star that just buy the products to do it, but it is there fault if they don’t do any work after they buy the products, not the company’s! I know 5 people personally that have earned career cars in the past 6 months. And yes, if they quit selling Mary Kay they do have to give the cars back, what company allows an employee who quits to keep their car the company paid for? It is a great opportunity for those willing to do some work – there is no free lunch out there! I think those angry, bitter ladies just wanted to make money while sitting at home on their couch and it didn’t come to them.
I have to laugh reading your post, lotsofpink.
There’s no way I believe “no on is going into debt doing it.” You claim you earn your star by buying products. Yep. And you ARE supposed to go out and sell them. But there are way too many MK consultants out there AND the ease with which these products sell is grossly exaggerated in order to get women to sign up and…buy all those products.
You have to give the car back when you can’t recruit enough people to buy enough products from the company to keep it. You can lose the car at any time. It’s NOT something you get to keep until you leave MK. Geez…read some of the info before you come here and make such ridiculous statements.
As for anger…your post is full of it. We’re not so much angry and bitter as sick of the b.s. perpetuated by people like you. Sorry.
I am clearly confused as to why on earth people are so angry with Mary Kay. You start with product how ever much you want to start with. It’s your decision. Whatever you chose is your responsibility period. Stop blaming others for your decision. The company gives you one full year to either stay as a consultant or quit and return everything you didn’t sell. Ok that’s a no brainer. If you kept it then again a choice you made. Everything I have read on this forum so far complaining about Mary Kay has been a result of your own choices. My goodness it’s time to just say I messed up I made poor choices and it’s no ones fault but my own and I’m moving on.
no one is going into debt
Really? You’ve seen their taxes? You can’t speak with any certainty about anyone other than yourself.
what company allows an employee who quits to keep their car the company paid for
BeautiControl, another MLM. Sigh. I get so sick of addressing this point. MKers, do your research prior to trying to make your point. Failure to do so makes you look foolish and undermines your credibility.
And if the company pays for the car why are there minimum sales numbers and a co-pay? The company may provide you use of a car, but if you look at the cost of running your business (the entire cost, not just what MK tells you to look at), and the requirements to keep it vs. the cost of a regular lease, you’ll take the cash option.
Until some brave IBC comes on and posts actual details about the numbers they claim, it’s impossible to view posts like yours as credible. Especially when your ‘facts’ have been told to you by MK and you haven’t bothered to verify.
I have been researching MK. I have to say I am sad to read all the disillusionment on this site. I have a question. I don’t want to be judgmental or ugly. I was just wondering if any of you had makeup experience before you started MK. I am a professional Makeup Artist and have worked for MAC and Smashbox; I have also been an instructor in an makeup artist academy. I got laid off from my MAC counter job when the economy took a dive. I have worked hard earning money for other makeup companies and am intrigued with the idea of working hard for a company that will “make me money”. The commission rate for many cosmetic companies is about 9 to 11%. It seems to me that I could make more than that working MK. I have the artist skill set; so my thought is that I could actually teach women how to do makeup and how to teach others to do makeup. People stop me on a daily basis to comment on my makeup and how great it looks. That seems to me an opportunity to invite them to a class. I just wanted to hear what comments I might get from this post. I am of the opinion that many times the women recruited dont have professional experience. That seems like it could be a benefit to my business. I have done tons of work in the industry, but I don’t like that fact that I could be told that I was not needed any more. I feel like I would be offering more than just an opportunity to recruits or customers. I could enrich their lives with the skill set to do excellent makeup and teach others to do excellent makeup. All companies are out to make money for themselves. MAC is out for the profit. If I can convince women to buy MAC products or SMashbox products or any other products, then I could do the same with MK. My MAC customers come back, so would my MK customers. Everyone I come into contact with wants to know how to do makeup. So I was just wondering if any of you guys had outside makeup experience and if that would change the perspective of anyone had they the retail experience. Our economy revolves around convincing people to buy things.
Hello I grew up in a home that MK was the only make up in my moms make up box. She also went to school to be a Makeup Artist. She did just what you are talking about. She really did not have shows or want to move up in the C. she just had people that the would help then the had her come back people. She had abour 10-20 people from chruch, work and family that would order from her and she made a little spending money on the side.
After talking to her a little while back i decided I am going to start selling in my area. Not to hit it rich or to be a big wig owning my own Co. I just want to make a little extra money and get a great discount on a great product I could not otherwise afford being a mom of 3 who works 2 days and is putting my self trough school to become an IBCLC/ RN.
Helping people feel beautiful is a great thing and why not get some profit for it right…
The way i see it is read as much as you can about the Co. KNow what you are getting yourself into and know what your goal is and how to reach it before signing the dotted line.
In order to be a part of the Co. and sell you dont have to buy any product who cares about being a “star” if you get to use a car it a perk of buying alot of product and selling like crazy OR buying your status. You see this day in and day out in other Co.
Im not going to get rich if i make and extra $100.00 bucks a Mo. im good with that and if i get to look good doing it and help others look good yet another PERK 🙂
Hi there! I know this post is several years old but I figure folks are still reading this thread and my perspective may be of help…
My case is similar to yours in regards to having a make-up artistry background but I came to MK by way of working within legal limits in a burdensome regulatory atmosphere (in my opinion). As a military spouse, we move A LOT and different states have different regulations- some regulations are burdensome and exist as a barriers to entry for certain careers (or side jobs in my case).
My background, while working for a major cosmetics and personal care company in college, I was trained as a MUA . The training was great, very thorough and was comparable to a basic MUA school. I could not perform makeup applications in store without passing their strict training on technique, sanitation and disease prevention. I considered myself very lucky because this part-time job opened up a money-making opportunity as time passed. I went on to work for a make-up artistry group as a junior artist working under a licensed make-up artistry instructor. I did not go to school because it was not needed in my former home state.
Present situation, I want to get back into makeup as a junior artist working with group or freelance because makeup is my creative outlet BUT if I want to transfer my skill set to my new home state, I would…
A: need a professional license (Esthetician or Cosmetologist) which requires school. That does not sound too burdensome, right? Except I am not an Esthetician or Cosmetologist. I do not do facials, peels, hair, waxing, etc. I do make-up only. Unfortunately, experience and corporate training does not count towards the licensure requirements even if it is documented. And the state will not let you take a test to prove you understand technique, sanitation and disease prevention without the certificate for the two aforementioned jobs). To boot, a Makeup Artistry School degree is not enough- it has to be Esthetician or Cosmetology school). or…
B. Work for a company that makes or sells Makeup (such as at a makeup counter at Macy’s or, say, at the local Aveda) where application is necessary to demonstrate the product.
I understand that standards of care by way of regulations exist for a reason, but some states allow experience, supervision by a trained professional and/or offer a lower-level licensure program to remove barriers to entry in a career path while still allowing folks to prove their understanding of best practices and sanitation essentials.
With Option A not possible right now, I went with Option B. Within Option B, I had two more options: makeup counter or direct selling. I decided against working at a makeup counter because of the lack of scheduling flexibility so I chose direct selling. After choosing this path, I needed to chose which brand I wanted to represent. I wanted to work with a brand of makeup that I enjoy to use myself, has a good color palette, layers well, has a diverse enough offering to cater to many skin types and complexions, and has good brand recognition (I did not want the uphill battle of selling something no one had heard of before and did not trust). The choices were narrowed to Arbonne, Avon and MK. Ultimately, I went with MK.
MK’s “no touch” policy during facials and “glam nights” works for me because I am able to work within the state regulations this way while keeping my flexibility and my creative outlet. I understand that businesses exist to profit and expand but they can be balanced in their endeavors by other aspects (CSR, philanthropy, employee empowerment, respect of regulations). I think a lot of people do not do enough research before making decisions and this is why puffery in marketing works for many companies. MK is not a public service, they are not your local government and they are not willing to go into debt to help me make a profit. I get it, but working within my own strict guidelines of MK-Life-Money balance, I am making it work. Also, I do not have false expectations of what I can make and what sort of pressure the SD may put on me. I am going at my own pace at the moment and have received good support thus far.
As a final boon as military spouse, my family is bound to move again… and again… and again and I am glad that I will be able to take MK with me most places we go.
This all being said, this thread has been very informational. Thank you to everyone who posted. I feel you have allowed me to experience the ups and downs of MK in your shoes- for that I feel lucky.
I’m not going to tell you not to do MK. Sounds like you thoroughly enjoy the makeup business and that you are good at it. That being said, if you want to give MK a go…do it with you eyes wide open take nothing you are told for granted and do your research. You seem like a smart woman that is already doing research so the pitfalls of MK may not be an issue for you. BTW I went into the MK business for the skin care side of things…not the makeup as I have no prior makeup experience and I always felt silly trying to teach something I really wasn’t comfortable with.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
As someone with professional sales experience I’m shocked to hear you think MK is a good idea. I also have a hard time believing that someone with the product training Mac provides thinks MK is a comparable product.
The commission rates may look different, but have you considered the fact that working retail your clients were prescreened simply because of your location?
In your research, please let us know if you’ve come across a MK lady who has properly accounted for their expenses when making the claim that they get 50% commission. By the time you account for your time, mileage, gas, insurance, product used, section 2, advertising costs, hostess rewards, portion of rent/mortgage, phone & utility bills, car payment, shipping and bank fees (plus interest if you’re charging product on a credit card) you’ll be lucky to clear 10%.
Your industry experience may give you an advantage, but you need to talk to an accountact or financial planner prior to starting what you think will be your own business. Perhaps they will be able to help you since you’re taking the experinces of women on this site (and no doubt others) and disregarding us as inexperienced, disillusioned people.
DtB, I did not have prior training in the application of color cosmetics prior to MK, but I did attend 3 workshops with professional makeup artists over the span of 8.5 years in the business and learned much about application techniques.
I actually conducted spas, brush clinics and always did the makeovers for our guests at unit meetings, so I think I did well at teaching the techniques for makeup application and teaching others what colors to use to enhance their eyes color and shape and techniques for applying color cosmetics.
I found I liked teaching other women how to apply makeup and enhance their own beauty. I did not have trouble selling the product, the trouble came with all the expenses that had to come out of my “50%” profit.
Just for starters: the cost of demo product or samples
weekly unit meeting dues
class or facial supplies
gas/mileage on your vehicle
inventory (MK changes their color line frequently, as well as
compacts, packaging, etc)
Limited Editon Products (change quarterly, there are no samples, you
are gambling on what will or will not sell
every MK event you attend costs you money
Hostess/gift w/purchase premiums or product given away
Sales tickets and recruiting literature
This all comes out of your 50% profit. I don’t know how MAC or Smashbox handles these items, but I hope you didin’t work for 9-11% commission and then have to pay for your own supplies and customer gifts w/purchase or samples
Just be very careful about the amount of inventory you keep on hand and watch the number of hours you are spending along with all the other costs. The accountant that did my taxes for years, said he couldn’t understand why anybody would get involved in MK, Avon, any number of MLM’s. He also said he never did anyone’s taxes where they declared a “profit”.
MK touts the tax deductions as money in your pocket, but it isn’t. A tax deduction doesn’t pay bills or put food on the table. And you can’t deduct more than what you sold, so all the deductions can’t be used, but it is still money you spent for yor business.
You sound like a smart woman, don’t get dazzled by the MK scripts and the way the “truth” is embellished.
The other problem was with getting appts to hold, people just don’t seem to want to have home parties and invite their friends making them feel as if they MUST purchase something so their friend can get free items. After you saturate your warm market (friends, family, their friends) it becomes a tedious task.
When you work at a makeup counter in a dept store, the customer comes to you because she wants to, not because you went out into the mall and dragged her back to your makeup counter. That is a HUGE difference!
I do appreciate the respectful way in which you posted and asked your questions. Many posters assume we were lazy, didn’t work hard or just didn’t know the basics of the business.
Good luck to you whatevef you decide to do!
Hello. You’re advised is true. My Recruiter asked me to join almost weekly follow ups in one year before i deicided to join with my mother’s paid the initial starter kit. I do not like to join in any networking or MLM company, somehow i felt ambush that day. In my two. Months journey with MK, i really dont like the way they sell products, book SCC, making lies for free but to sell afterwards and ambush customers. I dont want to use the word of God. Seemsy unit, SD and my DIQ always use the name of God for their recruiment and push selling or purchase. Until mow i decided to quit because i got pressured
DtB,
Thank you for your sincere post. It isn’t often that we are asked politely about anything! I did not have any formal training or prior experience.
Lipstick, as usually, explained it wonderfully! I found that most working women did not have time to clean house & “play makeup” in their normal routines. The consultants who were able to hold classes in their own homes had much better luck scheduling and holding classes. Of course, that depends on your location, whether or not you are able to do this and whether or not you have children at home.
Please continue to read and research, and join us in the forum by clicking at the top left. There are a lot of additional sections in the forum about a huge variety of topics. If you are aware of all of the pitfalls, before you join, then you will know what to watch for! Would there be a photographer in your area that you could hook up with ? Just a thought? Best wishes !
Thank you every body for your honest and sincere feed back. I am still kicking it around and researching. I haven’t made a decision yet. Yes, I have hooked up with photographers and do some freelance work still. I just wanted to consider this b/c a friend of mine is in. As far as product quality is concerned, I have asked to play with the product so I could judge for myself. I have not done that yet. And as I told the director, I have a reputation and people trust my opinion about makeup so I have to see if I can put my name on it without damaging my reputation. That is still in the air. As far as expenses, I have technically been in business for myself for many years. I have had to buy my own makeup, supplies, drive my car, etc for work done outside of MAC and Smashbox. That goes with any business. I will do more research. I appreciate the input and did not mean to infer in any way that anyone was inexperienced. I just was saying that some women come into it with no experience and wondered if the experience would be a plus for me.
Blessings to all
D
hello I just rejoined Mary kay for the third time. I am looking to go to school to become an esthetician. I like the mary kay products and want to be more informed about skin care and giving women real facials. I still have a problem with just running up to people in public to ask them to let me do a facial on them. I have my own business directedtowards sales and beauty. I like the truth and am tired of the lies and the manipulation I have expereinced with mary kay directors and sales people.
Pat, if you want to be an esthetician, ditch the Mary Kay crap and go to esthetician school. That’s the only way.
Doing “facials” in Mary Kay is nothing but a sales pitch. If you want to learn how to REALLY care for people’s skin then get the training that will let you do it.
Pat, may I ask why you just rejoined MK for the third time if as you say you are tired of the lies and manipulation? Why not find professional products you like that you can carry in a salon or spa setting after your training to be an esthetician? You know MK doesn’t allow the use and display of their products in a retail setting.
What do you think has changed about MK that will make the third time “charmed” for you? I am not trying to be disrespectful, just trying to figure out why you would want to join a third time.
Lipstick sounds like the most enlightened person in here.. I just got here by accident and have been browsing around the website. I have a friend that sells Mary Kay and after watching her for a year or so, I keep thinking, “What in the hell is this girl thinking??” She lives at home with her parents at 29, no prospect of moving out, and doesn’t seem to have much in the way of mulah.. Yet she keeps on at this “business” that doesn’t seem to be getting her anywhere. Now, maybe she’s just not a good saleswoman, but she is constantly encouraged by her MK consultant family (however it works) to “keep trying”. Seems like a real friend needs to tell her “Go get a real job”. lol
I can’t believe someone would actually come onto a serious message board and say “So what if it’s MLM?” Sweet Jesus people, are you even smart enough to use a computer? That’s what we intelligent folks call a “scam”. You won’t get anywhere with it because it implodes. Do you think that the BBB and every other reputable agency in the US looks down upon those companies just for fun? Because they don’t like what they’re selling? No, they earned that title because they rip people off, and make great profits doing so.
It’s your choice if you want to be involved in any of these businesses, but really guys, use your brains (if you have one). The only people who are going to make money at a business like this is someone who is a naturally great salesperson who has plenty of networks and interested parties. A FEW women, I’m sure, do great with MK and have great stories. But these commercials saying that “anyone” can do it are just BS. I would stay away from any company claiming that “anyone” could find success with their product. That’s just a red flag that it’s baloney.
You are right. It’s not for everyone. Just for the motivated and people truly dedicated to changing their life. They will be successful in whatever they choose to do.
Melissa, thanks for posting a viewpoint from the “outside”. I’m sure your post will help many women, who think that those of us who were once in MK are just “lazy losers”, “negative Nellies” or just being spiteful because we didn’t “make it”!
Melissa, you sound like a great friend, why don’t you point your friend towards this site and tell her that you think she should read the stories of those who were in MK so she can at least be aware of some of the pitfalls of MK. The stories posted here range from “newbies” who got out quickly to those who were Senior Consultants, Red Jackets, DIQ and yes even SD’s who got out because they weren’t making money in MK. Some had incredible amounts of debt and most were not gullible, they just got pulled in by the “dream” of making a 6 figure income and owning thier own business.
I agree. Mary Kay is such a false. The person that started it was very smart and the girl lied to me , and yes, obviously the more people you bring the more benefit is for you! and i wont do that, is immoral, having ppl and telling them is not, and when you go to training they said, bring girls and have them do what you’re doing.. so what’s the answer…. pyramis skam.. and they charge the product tax twice, eventhough you buy out of state, they charge you tax on the order that should be more than 50 dollars, because shipping is A LOT..for a 10 dollar item you get charge 8 dollars shipping…. that you have to charge your customer. So another thing, when you sell the product you charge the customer for tax, so then, the items you already bought from Mary Kay, that you already paid taxes on, you charge it again, so you have to inform the gorvernment for tax filling, and you loose money by paying tax on a product and paying what you get back, so that also tells you how you would DEFINITELY loose! money….. and a product does not charge twice, but i called the tax government and they said that if the company policy is so, that they would charge to out of state, is ok to do! so i gues that’s legal, but they do not have to … so in case you do not file taxes and you dont pay then the income tax may be a problem for the individual .
I DO NOT RECOMMEND MARY KAY NO ANYONE, YOUNG THAT HAS MONEY.
RATHER HELP IN ORGANIZATIONS TO HELP FIND A CURE FOR CANCER AND TO HELP
RATHER THAN MARY KAY, CUZ YOU WILL LOOSE MONEY. LIKE I DID AND I DID THE
RIGHT THING. BUT BECAUSE I WAS LIED ON I WOULDN LET MY FRIENDS JOIN JUST SO THAT
I GET MONEY FOR THEM DOING SO….
BYE !
THANKS.
BE SAFE ! GREAT COMMENT UP THERE…LJ
I LOVE LOVE LOVE my MK Business…and I love the product…and my customers love the product…I have read all the comments…some good and some not so good and I wonder for the ones who left the nasty comments…why do you sit at your computer and look for things to nag and complain about…get a life…and live…geez…oh and did I mention I love Mary Kay?…oh yes I did…and I may not b making enough money to support my family …thank goodness my husband and I make enough money for that…I get to travel and visit so many wonderful ladies…and I wouldn’t trade that for anything…
Marge,
Key words are: ” I may not be making enough money to support my family”
This site is also for active IBC ( I am one) I have learned more here than you can imagine…good, bad and indifferent…
Have a life and living it! =)
There are 4 types. The 4th is a person is so busy trying to make something happen she doesn’t bother to look wherr she is posting and leaves her address all over an anti-MK web site…won’t get many customers here darlin’.
Most of us chose to opt out of MK because we found it wasn’t to be a great opportunity to make money (after deductions for business expenses, there was very little left).
Take my advice, I quit my full time job to do MK too. One of 2 things will happen to you:
1) you will not be disciplined to work your business 24/7 (that’s what it takes to make anything)
2) You will find out how much work there is and how little time left for your family and how little money you do make and wish you had that full time job back with a regular paycheck and your free time for your family!
Do yourself a big favor and enter the forum and read around to find out what real life is like in MK. You can bet your 23 y/o SD with the 2nd car is making it because she is a great recruiter ( she sells the “dream” well) and and even better inventory frontloader!
She doesn’t make a dime or earn the USE of a car unless she has lots of people purchasing and believe me that MK doesn’t just jump off your shelves and people won’t be beating your door down to buy it. In fact by the time you pester them a few times to buy or hold a SCC they will be running from you and avoiding your phone calls!
Hey everybody “]
Like Melissa I accidentally came upon this site. Well my mother joined Mary Kay a year ago but then was unable to continue due to lack of support. Recently she started again and YES it does require time and money but if you’re good at it, then you’re made if not, it wille hard. Not eveyone is cut out to sell. My mom is an outgoing and friendly person and so far she is happy with her Mary Kay job, just yesterday she debuted as red jacket consultant. She seems so happy with it all I am considering to join the Mary Kay family myself =].
As for the people who sy so much abot MK being bad, maybe it was just your bad experience,(sorry if that sounds rude, that was not my intention)
Once again if you are a people person, this job can be your thing, you just have to be positive and over look the hindrences in life.
New thread. Advice. For those just starting, don’t purchase product for your ‘free’ gifts. The gifts they give you, if you really want them can be purchased on your own and save you a ton of money. My daughter gave me an espresso machine she got ‘free’ from MK. come to find out, the value was around $50, but she spent $2,000 to get it!!! Research the value of the free gift before you shell out thousands of dollars. Direct sales is a hustle, to use a rather derogatory term. It is no 9 to 5 and you may be home with the kids during the day, because evenings and nights are spent hosting events. Great for side money, not for full time. How many MK cars do you see daily? weekly? monthly? Yearly? When was the last time you saw a pink Caddy? How many people in your group have cars? Is it there first, second, third you know where I’m going with this. Good luck to those who really believe. May 28, 2008 post should really be taken to heart.
There are several types of MK cars, not just pink. You probably wouldn’t know it when you drove by one
I am taken back by all the hostility on this website. The truth is that any business will require an initial investment. If you wanted to start a tennis company tomorrow, you would need a store front, inventory, a CC machine, bags, products, etc., etc. With Mary Kay you have the option to purchase inventory OR work off of sales and invest only money you make. Your direct profit is 50%. But for those ladies who say that you only end up with 10% or in debt, there is much to be learned about how finance and debt management work. If you take your Retail sales, for example, a $90 miracle set, you invest half of that to restock (or buy new) inventory. Then you take the other 50% (this is $45 ladies) and take 5% to pay off any debt, 5% to invest in wholesale, samples, etc. (things anyone would want if they were on the buying end, things that will actually increase your sales). And you can even take 5% for gas and food (even though these things can also be used as a tax deductin). This still leaves you with a farily admirable profit in comparison to other business. Many small businesses will remain at a less than profit level for the first 3-5 years, but you can choose to work your Mary kay business as vigourously or as slowly as you like. That’s the point in it being yours! Honestly, if you worked just 10 bookings a month, that’s way less than a 40 hour work week including time for travel. etc., but you are likely to make as much money as the time you invest, even if you don’t initially invest in product. Think about it ladies, it might not have worked for you, but for others, this is a profitable opportunity. I’ve been in Mary Kay now since October. I sell to a cold market (because I did not want to rely on my friends and family) and it works well for me. Just last week my waitress commented on how much she liked my lipstick and I booked an appointment with her and sold it. Now this might have just been a $13 product, but because I am wiling to take the time to ask about her needs and what she wants, I found out that she really wants good skincare but hasn’t found one yet, and that she doesn’t wear a lot of makeup except for when she’s at work, so we found some professional colors for work and since she did not want to spend too much at one time I sold her the one-month travel miracle set instead of the full sized set. All in all, a $13 lipstick turned into an $80 day. No, this doesn’t happen everytime, but YES it does happen a lot. It doesn’t require excrusiating amounts of time away from home, or $$ in your eyes, it just takes some common sense, integrity, and the desire to HAVE FUN. If you’re not happy or comfortable with what you are doing then you are in the wrong business, but moreso, if you aren’t happy, then neither are your customers. If you feel like you HAVE TO CALL and pressure them, then they are going to sense your reluctance, but if you know that you’re running low on skincare so they probably are too, then calling them to see if they’re running low is simple. Then you can order it with the money they give you and have it delivered around the time they’re just about to run out. And YES, I do throw in little samples because it makes them feel like I took the time to care about making them smile, and I know I have a customer for life. No pressure here.
I’m going into my Red Jacket this month and ALL FOUR of my recruits asked how to join, and were coached on inventory options, re-orders, taxes, section 2 products, company events, meetings, and the real fact that it is not a hobby, it is a business. $200 orders are there for personal use- those girls who want to get 50% but don’t want to sell. But IF you decide to sell like I did, you will eventually need to have inventory on hand so that you don’t get behind on sales and delivery. This is something I realized when I started having to order multiple times when I could have done one large order and not had to worry about tracking many small orders. As it stands, I bought my starter kit and then bought $600 inventory, I kept half of that product just for myself and sold the other half, making my $600 BACK. So I decided bravely to reinvest that money and I have now made my initial investment back 3 times over and am working purely off of profit. I do not put any of my own money into any retail, section 2 products, or even company events. I love the Mary kay opportunity and what it can do for women. But please be advised that some people like working a business and some people like buying. It’s okay either way, but don’t think that it’s not work. You just have to work smart.
WOW!!!!DiDi I could not have said it better. I have read all the comments on here and I have seen it all, but I have decided NOT to run my business the way some of the woman have experienced. I am in DIQ right now with 12 happy recruits and I make sure they are being trained properly and with integrity. I almost lost a 2 recruits and lost one due to a pushy SD trying to force my recruits to sell their first born to buy inventory. (they did not have the money at the time). I said this will not happen again, not in my unit. I truly believe in GOD first and if that means I have to give a commission check back or give up my car because a recruit decide this was not for them than so be it. I trust in GOD to provide for me not MK or my day job, cuz as we all have seen day jobs are laying people off left and right. I don’t chase ppl down and I am not pushy. I have happy customers who enjoy my customer service. I let them try the product, if they like it they buy it, if not great thanks for trying the product. Lipstick I feel you all the way and understand where you are coming from. I just think people should be able to try MK and experience it for themselves. There is not a blog for evey bad job and life choices out there so some may have to learn the hard way and some the smart way, but we all have to learn so we can grow. DiDi I agree this is work and I worked very hard for everyone else, so working smart is key. With Love always
Didi, I like your comment. I’m just want to throw something out there…I have been participating on this site for I don’t know how long, and it seems that some current and ex consultants have a lot of trouble w/getting customers. I just want to say that this has got to do with the area you live in (at least in part.) I live in the burbs of a TX metro area. I have not had trouble as of yet getting customers. Now, granted I’m just starting and this may change, but I just haven’t experienced it. I find that there are plenty of women that want to try the product. I also find that contrary to the type of person I used to be (found only the cheapest at the drugstore,) that there are lots of women (and even men!) that WILL pay for quality products. When I first signed up in March, I was very skeptical and so was my husband about this venture. So far though it hasn’t been bad. Now, I wouldn’t recommend this to someone who is solely responsible for their family’s budget (too much what if and ups and downs), but so far I do see it as a good opportunity to supplement a budget. So in summary. If you live in a small town, or an area where the economy has been particularly affected then I would wait or even not do this biz. Same goes if you live in a medium sized town and there is a consultant on every corner. However, if those don’t apply you might have a shot.
First of I want to see MK looks and sounds like a great business. I have been selling MK for the last four years and I mean working hard at it. Within this time period I have tried to sell to everyone I know and don’t know. I just could not make ends meat with the business. I stayed in it because I really like my director she is sweet and very helpful. I really love my MK sisters too. I love sales, make up, and skincare. MK its just was not for me. So now I am going to school to be an esthetician. I feel like you can not really be a skincare expert without knowing the basics. With so much brands out now you need to be equipped with knowledge.
nlovely, Girl I agree 100% I looked into going to be an esthetician but I have 3 degrees and a certificate so the thought of school again.( I love skin care and makeup too!!) I just found that learning the product that I selling and educating myself in that area is really working. Some people just want to know what does your product and how can it help me. You can’t help but learn about skin along the way. But if that works for you great I wish you all the best I really do cuz If I could do it I would.