TRUE and FALSE.
To become a Mary Kay Consultant, you must sign an agreement and pay $100 for your “starter kit.”
However, in order to stay “active,” you must place a $200 wholesale product order with the company every three months.
Now, it makes sense that you can’t just sign up and never place a product order. That would be silly, since the whole point is to sell the product. And it makes sense that in order to be considered a Consultant that you would have to order certain minimums to be able to represent the products.
What doesn’t make sense is the big presentation on “initial inventory packages” that comes after one has signed the agreement, and the sudden push by your Director to start your Mary Kay venture with hundreds, even thousands, of dollars worth of inventory.
The problem is that in my observation and experience, Directors almost always emphasized the $100 starting figure and never mentioned what came after that: a hard push to buy an “initial inventory package.”
Many women know nothing of the impending “Inventory Interview” they will be subjected to once they join MK and many current consultants feel guilty recruiting women with what they feel is only half of the story.
wow lipstick, you must have had a really bad experience!! you seem to be on a mission here. i still love my mk. i have for 7 years and have had good and bad experiences but apparently nothing like what you seem to have had. i hope you get past it, honestly. take care.
I signed my first Mary Kay agreement and got my
starter kit when I was 30 years old I’m 55 years old and I’m going back into the business I have to say it is the most supportive company I have ever come across . I earned my car and I became a director do to situations in my life I had to let that go but that was my Choice not Mary Kay.
My family has encouraged me to go back into Mary Kay because in their words I was happier working my business and Mary Kay and working with other women in the community.
But you do have to work it as a business every day five days a week in the evenings it’s not easy to run your own business and Mary Kay is no different… So it is what you make of it it can be a hobby it can be a business it can be a lifestyle it’s up to you and that is what is so wonderful about this company
I totally agree with you. I was a consultant over thrifty years ago. I received my red jacket upon my first order. I stopped because my children was very young and spouse worked offshore. I was the top seller in my group fir many weeks. I am 56 now and is in the process of becoming a consultant again. I have my people in order. I will be be starting within the next two weeks with 3 consultants
Just to clarify, one receives their red jacket because of order size and the orders of recruits, not sales.
What difference dies that make? I don’t team build, therefore I won’t be receiving my red jacket, but I still make good money. I sell about 3-4 thousand a month. I profit 1/2. Pottery good to me to be able to have a flexible schedule and be my own boss!
False. You need to sell products to remain active and recruit.
That is true, and it is misleading to imply that you can just start selling for the cost of your kit. The person that recruited me, pushed immed. for me to purchase 600.00 in stock, and the direcrtor and her both pushed me and pushed me. I got into it for the wrong reason, I was lo0king for some friends as a widow,. And the push to recruit is major . the saying Every woman is a customer, or a potential recruit was upper most. We were ask how many women did we talk to each week about coming on with us. Mary Kay is the best skin care line I have ever used, and the women mostly were wonderful. But I was pushed right out of it.
Looking for free samples
As a 45-year old man who joined Avon, I’m glad I made the choice I did. For $10, I got my starter supplies and was in business for myself. If I never placed another order, it would have been no big deal. I actually have a downline rep who ordered 2 bottles of Skin So Soft and never ordered again.
For me, Avon’s been fantastic. I’ve sold over $10,200 worth of products in less than the first 5 months of joining. Seem’s like MK and Avon are vastly different in their treatment of reps.
I have just recently joined Mary Kay, and I don’t believe Avon is a bad company, but I do believe it is nothing in comparison to Mary Kay. I did my research well before deciding to join Mary Kay as oposed to Avon. Mary Kay products were a little more expensive, but according to research as well as user reviews, their products were also well worth the higher expense and I wanted to provide women with products that actually help them and that they love! I also found that avon has a 10% commission rate, but can chage according to the amount of the order placed. Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants make 50% commissions right from the start no matter how big or small the order. Also, I loved the incentives Mary Kay offers. Many women I know personally have retired off Mary Kay, and all of them went kicking and screaming. We love what we do, not just for the great money we make, but for the fun we have, the prizes we can gain that show our success, the people we meet, and most importantly for the experiences we gain. Mary Kay and Avon simply are not similar companies in my eyes and I am so glad I made the right choice.
I completely agree. I just recently joined Mary Kay and I absolutely LOVE it. And they don’t REQUIRE you to purchase the inventory packages after you pay the $100 for the started kit. It’s recommended so that you can have products on hand and satisfy your customers sooner. If you choose NOT to purchase the Inventory, then you just have to order the products when customers order from you. We do get a 50% commission which is BOMB and I have not heard of the $200 minimum order, but even if it IS required, that’s like three orders every three months. If you can’t do that, then why waste your time selling? And on top of all of this, if you DO decide to sell Mary Kay but then do poorly, or get too busy to sell or just decide that it’s not for you, Mary Kay will reimburse you for 90% of the inventory you purchased as long as its within the first year of you becoming a consultant. They make it very affordable and flexible to sell and give you every chance to succeed.
Kirsten, you’re correct that they don’t REQUIRE you to buy inventory, but it’s strongly encouraged to come in at a certain level. You don’t get any prizes (and your SD doesn’t get any bonuses) if you don’t place a “qualified” order. If this really was about selling – and then ordering product to meet that demand – why are big prizes only awarded when new consultants buy huge inventory?
Also, while you do get a 50% commission, your expenses will eat into that very quickly. Shipping costs, gifts with purchase, pretty packaging, discounts (because MK is expensive), gas, meeting costs, conference costs, etc.
Don’t you think it’s odd that you weren’t told of the $200 minimum order? And you also have your facts incorrect about the 90% inventory return. You can send back ANY products you’ve purchased in the previous 12 months – no matter how long you’ve been a consultant. Pretty big distinction, right? And BTW – Mary Kay does not do that out of the goodness of their hearts. The corporation is REQUIRED to do that by Texas state law as a member of the Direct Sales Organization.
If you’re already operating with a lack of correct information, isn’t it possible that there’s more you don’t know?
So what happens if you sign up and don’t make a sale or meet the $200 quota? So you just send your kit back?
Susan, there is no “quota” per se. You purchase the starter kit for $100.00 (plus tax, handling and shipping) and then you will need to purchase $400.00 retail ($200.00 wholesale) to be active for 3 months. After those 3 months are up, you need to purchase another $400.00 retail to stay active for another 3 months. If you go inactive for too long, you lose your personal recruits and hence any commissions you may earn from them and would have to start over building your “team.” More details here:
http://www.pinklighthouse.com/2008/04/mary-kay-career-essentials-consultant-activity/
Everyone’s making a valid point., however, if you feel pressured to do something against your better judgment, them you need to ask yourself if you are capable of beinga MK Rep. I am a Senior Consultant, became a senior consultant within30 days of joining and at times it is challenging but I stay focused on what I want out of life. If I never sell anything else my products would be greatly appreciated by me, there is nothing like MK. I’ve tried MAC, Sephoria, L’Oreal just to namea few and I always, like a humbled child, come back to what I know is best. So do you,but don’t do yourself in.
Wow – I am considering returning as a consultant. Previously my bookkeeper said I had a huge inventory and since we moved out of the area I was not able to continue selling to former customers (they do choose a consultant closer no matter what MK says). I wish I would have known about MK taking back the $3,000.00 worth of inventory that I was encouraged to donate to a shelter!
I want to be a consultant for “ME” and relatives. I don’t anticipate earning prizes or a car – I already tried that – but I do like the MK products. I wonder — will I be allowed to be a “low level” consultant.. I am ready to return today if I can avoid being pressured.
I was also never told that I had to have a minimum order to stay active and get the wholesale prices. I wouldn’t have ordered a large inventory upfront if I had known. Now returning most of the inventory. Nice ladies in the group but that incomplete information up front is disappointing.
I am so confused so is there a good possibility to be successful in Mary Kay or no I’m just wondering because I am thinking of joining
Hi Sara,
It depends on what you define as successful. You can have fun, you can make a little spare money. But don’t go into it thinking you will make a full-time income.
mary kay established the 90% buy back and now it is standard in the industry! So much more to correct you on, but I have better things to do….like serve my customers after being in this business for 42 years now!!!
$200 every three months pays for my family’s personal skin care products and birthday gifts to family and friends. I would spend a lot more than $800 on those cosmetics if I were not a rep. Getting to sell these great products in addition to being a committed brand representative and enthusiastic Mary Kay user is just a plus.
My family’s skin cleared up so quickly when we started using the Clearproof and Timewise antiaging lines.
My neice just started Mary Kay her lady made her buy 1800.00 worth of product on the credit card and also her web site won’t work. Is it tipical of Mary Kay to do this? We are trying to get rid of it for her and get the credit card paid off.
This is mostly in response to Carol Kulhman from August. If you haven’t signed up again, I wanted to answer your question. I don’t see that anyone has done so yet. Yes, You can be a consultant for just you. I was a consultant for almost 7 years and placed an order about once a year, just when my agreement would have expired. Now, you have to place a $225 wholesale order every 3 months to be considered “active” and receive 50% discount. I ordered for myself, my mother and sister. I should have ordered gifts as well. It would have helped. After 3 months of not ordering, I would lose my discount, but I didn’t care because I had what I needed. I stocked up on what we all used. When you are inactive for a full year, your agreement becomes inactive completely and you can no longer order until you renew your agreement. This worked for me for 7 years, and now I have been working my business for nearly 2 years and I still love the products, but now I am sharing them with others. I have never purchased a huge quantity of product. Apparently you had a director that was not looking out for your best interest. Good luck in finding one that will. If you need a team to join, feel free to contact me. 🙂
Thank you for all the replies but I will come to my own conclusions.I did do Avon.You only make 20% off of each entire order. Products are a ?. I signed up with MK and just did my first party- on my own . My customers were thrilled with what they saw and how they felt afterwards.. I’m satisfied that I made them feel like a million $$$$$
But what about the guilt of knowingly telling people half truths.
Folks, there are some uninformed, bad consultants out there and there are some good, professional consultants. The only person who has control of your credit card is you! If you don’t want to buy a large inventory, don’t buy it!
‘But what about the guilt of knowingly telling people half truths.’
The individual decides to tell the ‘half truth’. With that in mind I doubt that it bothers the minority that works that way. Most of us tell the truth and don’t have to feel guilty about how we represented the company. Mary Kay Ash did not set this company for people to be lied too.
It’s not the company it is the individual.
Amen I have been in Mary Kay three times and the first consultant I signed up under was a neighbor…she was great and taught me everything I needed to know to succeed. Within my first year I had $3,00.00 profit classes. My classes were so big I had to try to get help from other consultants to service all that came . I had to quit due to a divorce and accident injury or I would still be doing MK.. I absolutely love the opportunity and would recommend it for any woman to build her confidence and I will be starting up again this coming month.
Bah-loney to $3,000 profit classes…or is it $300.00? Can’t tell as you didn’t type a valid dollar amount.
That’s only 2000 dollars a month and I bet dollar to donuts you didn’t factor in expenses. So, if you keep at it for another 7 months you’ll be making a whoppin 24, 000/yr…before expenses. Wow…you can work full time in retail and make that amount. I don’t see why anyone would brag about this.
Because for some of us 24k a year just great part-time work money especially when you don’t have to punch a clock and you can go to every kid’s game and event!!!! I only work 8 hrs a week and make that!!!
I have a hugely difficult time believing that you make 24,000 a year working mk part-time but if you do, go girl!
It’s nearly impossible to make 500 a month. And I mean make, not bring in
I made $400.00 in one day. But I did hustle, I had a lot of inventory and I knew I could not return it so I just started calling friends and offered a gift with purchase. For every 50$ they would get a sample size mascara or eye makeup remover. I was amazed at how supporting my friends were. I may not order again until I sell all my inventory and that’s ok. Because with MK I can place an order once a year and still get my discount.
Its you business work it any way you want. I have been in retail sales. Can you make a thousand dollars an hour working for someone else> if you can let me know where I will be there. ASAP
You don’t make $1,000 an hour selling Mary Kay. Get real. If you believe that, you’ve been inhaling dangerous fumes. Retail sales amounts do not equal earnings.
Mary kay is about taking care of your skin.
And helping others do the same in response to T Edwards
I have been in Mk for years and i Love it….. Lol i am very far from being successful in my buisness but i know it is because of my own faults. I read August story and for her to WARN women of MaryKar is just pure ignorance.
( Its like going to your local McDonalds having a bad experience and saying that all McDonalds are horrible 🙂 lol in most cases they are.) Lol, Not all MEN are dogs and not all MK directors are angels (like mine) Warn women abt making wiser choices and knowing their limits, im sure if you told ur director there was no way in this world were you going to spend that much money on something you wasnt sure was going to work she would have found other options. Unfortuantely not all directors are as honest as they should be. My director however, gave me her own personal samples and books to get enough money to place my first order. Since then she has never forced me to do anything……….From attending God knows how many events, I know that your success in the buisness depends on you. Mk is not for everybody. As far as the history and the beliefs that MK has they are truly the best. GOD, Family Career just that statement says it all. Im 24 and i have met some wonderful christian ladies in mk, its never the church thats bad its the people in it. Lipstick just seems like a str8 hater. So many women fail in this buisness cause they see it as a way to end all finicial problems by selling LIPSTICK. Its the oppurtunity of a lifetime for a WOMAN who has a VISION and DRIVE to get there. lol i got my vision just need the car.
My director has taken the time to learn about my lifestyle habits, what I have time to sell and my available clientele. She has NEVER pushed me to purchase more than I can handle.
I agree with all that and you can make it what you want it to be, as with all of life’s challenges . Trust in GOD FAMILY AND CAREER- never quit make the experience what you need it to be…and most of all have fun watching the growth spiritually as you DO right always, remember God is the most important watch you need to make him/her proud.
No God I want to trust in wants women to sell cosmetics.
mkSlacker, I respectfully disagree with your assessment of my feelings. there is no hatred in this body, i speak simply from the truth of my 8.5 yrs of experience in MK. Your experience may have been different from mine, but mine is just as valid as yours.
Your response and judgment of me is typical MK speak, anyone who doesn’t agree with MK’s manufactured picture of all roses, pink stars and dreams is an automatic LOSER who failed to work their business and treat it as a business.
I would invite you to read more on the front page and realize that I am not the only one who had these experiences and the overwhelming majority of posters here had a “negative” experience. Then enter the forum by clicking on the FORUM button in the tan toolbar at the top of this page and read more.
One more comment, you compared negative comments about MK to having a bad experience at McDonald’s and judging all McDonald’s to be the same. We are not talking 1 negative experience, we are talking many negative experiences Just read a bit more to get a full picture. I once looked through those same “rose colored” glasses you are wearing for a total of 8.5 years. I worked my business and believed I too could be one of those who worked over, under, around and through all those obstacles to be a MK SD…sadly only 2% of women in MK ever achieve SD status and their income is hardly 6 figures after expenses are deducted.
As they say in MK the numbers don’t lie. Please pay particular attention to the rules of the MK program or you may be stuck with a co-payment for that car that isn’t really yours. It is incredibly hard to keep all those recruits active and make your required minimums at the same time. Good luck to you.
Quoting MK slacker “GOD, Family Career just that statement says it all. Im 24 and i have met some wonderful christian ladies in mk, its never the church thats bad its the people in it. Lipstick just seems like a str8 hater.”
How wonderfully Christian of you to Judge so quickly! Very GO GIVE!
You will not meet a more wonderful Christian lady than Lipstick! We are stating our experience in MK, if it doesn’t parallel yours, then be thankful.
My NSD wanted me to re-schedule my only child’s birthday party because it clashed with an event she had planned! Sitting in Church does not mean people are Christians any more than standing in your garage makes you a car!
^^^^^hahaha “…..any more than standing in your garage makes you a car!” hahahahahahahahahahaha
OMG lol
Anyway, Thanks for the laugh! I’m just here because I’m trying to weigh the pro and cons of becoming a MK consultant. lol its not looking so good.. but I’m enjoying the laughs along the way! lol
I just wanted to say I chose Avon because of the low start up and prices my family and friends can afford avon and I personally love avon and their product.
I need recruits and if u decide on avon or anyone here decide u are more than welcome to sign up through me.
I wish everyone luck in what ever u choose
Jamie
Avon ISR
Here is something you should think about before you decide to join the Mary Kay team. Not all reps are thinking of your best interests. My 19 year old daughter thought she could make some money selling Mary Kay so she went to 1 of their meetings and met a Mary Kay rep that ran her credit report and found out she had excellent credit thanks to her father and me so she opened a Mary Kay credit card with a $7,000.00 limit then proceeded to pressure her into ordering $4,200.00 worth of products she said she would need to start her so called “business” and I don’t understand this but some of the things she ordered were multipals of 15 and 21 how many things did she think a teenager was going to sell. We found out about it when 8 big boxes of products got delivered to out house by UPS. And all of this was done before my daughter even thought having party. There is 1 thing I want all of you that order “inventory” as reps call it. If you do and change your mind you have 30 days to return it for a 100% refund. You have to call Mary Kay not the rep you have and tell them you want to do a cold feet return and send back ALL your inventory unopened, the shipping you have to pay yourself (fed ex is the cheapest) to get 100% back or they will only refund 90% to you which is a 10% profit for Mary Kay and they get the products back to sell to another unsuspecting person just trying to make a little money. The rep that my daughter had was Lisa Campisi and when we called her she told us about the 90% buy back but nothing about the cold feet return policy, then proceeded to say my daughter should keep the products to sell so she could make her money back. That was so she could keep her commission on the inventory sale she made. PLEASE BE VERY SURE BEFORE YOU ORDER ANY INVENTORY AND DON’T LET ANYBODY PRESSURE YOU TO ORDER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO OTHER WISE THEY DON’T HAVE YOUR INTEREST IN MIND ONLY THEIR OWN BECAUSE THEY MAKE MONEY SINGING YOU UP AND SELLING YOU THE INVENTORY!!!!
There will always be pressure to order inventory. It’s the only way that people above you and the directors make money.
Hang in there MK Slaker! 🙂 I am 22 have been in business 6 months, and finished my car qualifications November 30th! 🙂 Cant wait to get it! I dont know whats going to happen, I may have to make a co-op payment one month, or two, or whatever, but Im ok with that, cause I have no problem paying for a car that im driving. The payments for a 2010 Chevy Malibu would be WAY higher then any co-op I would have to pay! This company has blessed my life, as it will continue to do. I would much rather be wearing those pink “fogged” glasses, then living a miserable life with LIPSTICK. 🙂
Just believe in yourself, you can do it! 🙂
All my blessings,
MK Girl! 🙂
P.S. Ashley = MK Girl = 🙂
This site assigns monster avatars to commenters based on I.P. address/email address so while Ashley may think she’s appearing to be many people, the monster knows the truth! 🙂
I just signed up for Mary Kay and have to comment on the article above. I am almost 22 years old. I have been selling Mary Kay for about a month. I just received my pearl bracelet, earrings and Perfect Start pin on Monday. I am working hard to receive my PowerStart Plus pin in 2 weeks. I want to say that if you work hard it seems that you will get what you want out of this business. My director is a sweetheart. She is not pushy and has never pushed me to get that inventory. I think it is a plus to get the inventory because I truly believe you are more likely to sell the product if you can give it to your customer when they pay for it, as in right now.
I am just starting out but I am having a lot of fun. I also think that sometimes in businesses like these you can be your worst customer. We get everything at half price so we may be the ones buying a bunch of stuff for ourselves and then of course you won’t be making any money.
If you have a director that is pushing you, then I feel sorry for you. Mine is wonderful and is doing everything to help me get my inventory at the discounted price for just signing up and she is super nice and friendly. Never pushy and never calls you out for not doing things as she thinks they should be done.!!!!!
love to see that credit card bill that’s mounting to make that care payment. my my my…talke about fogged.
MK Girl 🙂
I wish you success in your “business” but perhaps to be successful you should curb your sarcastic fingers? These are our PERSONAL experiences in MK. I, personally, don’t believe your 6 month career with MK compares to Lipstick’s 8 1/2 YEARS!
I found your comment rude and hateful to Lippie and to the rest of us! What a wonderful “go give” attitude! 🙂
LMAO! Love that! Love these monsters!
tee hee!
The monsters know all! Can’t fool the monsters!
Well, I just have to say that I am a consultant, with Mary Kay. My sister is a director after 7 mths, and yes for any business you have to make business discisions. You cant open a store without going to the bank. But with Mary kay if I want to join for 50 percent off, or the tax breaks you can do that to.However, if you are really wanting to make money, then you have to purchase inventory. However, when you start, the company gives you extra product for free, when you purchase your first order. I dont know another company that would give you somthing for free when you order from them. HUMMM!!! So I am just saying, this company does have alot of great opportunity’s. My sister got a $8000.00 credit for right offs just from aug to dec of last year. Because you can write of portion of mortage, cable, clothes, haircuts, and etc. However, my sister just earned her car.Actully , it easy to stay in a car, if you have been thought how to teambuild. We are being thought by a national, which I have seen her cheaks, and they are some like 13,000 for the month. My sister just got her first directors cheak, and it was over 2,000. So, there is money to be made, and for me my first commision cheak from the company was 369.00 but that is not including my sales from parties. You know I just have to say that everybody has the freedom of speech, and I have to say that its what you put into it, and all about your teaching. So, if you are in MK and not feeling like its all what you signed up for maybe you need to look and your teacher. You have to see the entire vision. It is all of work, but what is worth having is worth working for. I love what I do, and look forward to moving forward behind my siters footsteps in MK. I do wish all you who read this the very best, and I enjoy my teaching frommy national, who was taught by Mary Kay herself. So if you see that you may not be getting the information that you need to move forward in your business, then please let me know and I will try to help you. God bless all readers.
I am considering the mary kay opportunity,,,,please email me any and all info both positive and negative I need to consider before making my decision…..janetheresaboudreaux@yahoo,com…..thank you very much
All of you have reasons to feel the way you do. Whats good for one may not be good for another. However, I think I’m going out on that limb and sign up.
God Bless!
have u joined yet
Skeptical – watch your inventory purchases and beware of pushy recruiters! Best of luck!
I think that maybe some directors may be very geared toward that, but I honest believe those women aren’t sensitive to those who simply can’t afford it. Many directors state that having inventory is good because people like “instant gratification” when they order something and it gives you, as a consultant, more leverage with customers. HOWEVER, many also tell their new consultants that you do NOT need to order inventory in order to sell. If people are willing to wait for the products and it works for you, then by all means order as needed. I found that I enjoy having product to give to people right away. I know other consultants who order a little bit of inventory each time they place an order. Mary Kay uses the rule that you put 10% into an account to use for seminars or training, 20% back into your business and 20% as your own. Of course you can take what you want..it’s YOUR business 🙂
I recently joint MK. I paid $100 plus taxes for sale kit. So far so good until I was pushed really pushed by my Director to make an order of $1200 or more. She wanted me to place my first order in less that a week of my signed contract as a Independent Consultant. She even told me to open a MK credit card. She told me if I don’t make the order in 15 days I will not have the bonuses. I call MK corporate and they told me that I have a month and 15 days to make my first order and it is not necessary to put so much money.
In this business like every other business you will find honest people and like me dishonest ones. But I just recommend to you guys… get inform before you make a decision because if your money and your time that you are putting into these companies. When my Director was pushing me I started to do my research and I found this site. My Director hates my guts now
I’ve been in MK for 3 yrs. My National Sales Director has earned her 13th car. She never pressured me about inventory. She has only encouraged me.
MK is a rip off. I’ve learned that if something sounds too good to be true, it is. I have wasted sooo much time trying to earn the thousands of dollars back that i have already put into it. And you really don’t make that much money. I was definitly tricked.
I somewhat did the same thing ordering too many products, but it was my fault and nobody else’s. I kept buying but wasn’t selling due to procrastination. I’ve been in MK for 5 years and now I practice greater self-control about how much I purchase. If I don’t plan on working so much, I don’t need to purchase so much, but it is hard to sell from an empty wagon, so I purchase what my regular customers use. I like having what they need just like the stores do and I like being able to get it to them quickly. I can’t tell you how many calls I get from sister consultants looking for products because they don’t have a store and/or they are not active. It’s a business and you have to disciplined to run a business. Selling is not for everybody and MK is not for everybody. Some of my customers also use AVON for certain purchases. It’s a lot less start-up and most AVON customers are okay with waiting for their products. I’m sorry you had a bad experience, but don’t give up on the dream or reason that you joined MK. Maybe there’s another path to achieving your goal.
I have been doing odd & end work-from-home type jobs since 1999. It used to be a hobby for me, but now I do it because I NEED to. It doesn’t seem like this would be my new adventure to get into due to most comments being pretty negative. Does anyone have any ideas for people like me who need extra income? I am open to anything!!!! Thanks!
Kristi,
This may give you some hope. I have been in and out of Mary Kay 4 times dating back more than 20 years when I was in college. At each stage I started differently based on where I was as an individual. I was a poor college student with a credit card. I was so excited about earning a free car that I took my stipend money, bought my kit, and used my only credit card and purchased $600 in inventory so that I could sell to my friends on campus,. It was fun, great and I learned alot. Well I got pregnant after finishing my master’s degree and moved back home where I stopped the business. I joined again when my son was about 1. I came in and this time i started with $2400 inventory. I was teaching elementary school and very busy as a single mom so i wanted to have products on hand. All was great, I had built a team, had a solid customer base, then I was called into the ministry, and I quit Mary Kay again. I didn’t quit because I had to, I just chose to. I then rejoined in 1999 after my dear aunt died in dedication to her as a victim cancer. I love that Mary Kay has the charitable foundation that raises money to give toward research on cancers that affect women and to help stop domestic violence. I came in with $3000 inventory this time because I was still teaching and I knew the business worked because I was successful before I had no reservations investing. Well i went on part time to earn my car and become a sales director. I also helped 3 other women become sales directors and earned the use of 3 career cars. in 2006 after 6 years of a wonderful experience, I got married and moved to a location that is not supported as a Mary Kay international market. I had to put down m business, relinquish my unit and leave the US with my son and new husband. Well here I am now in 2013 as a brand new senior sales director after only 10 months back int the company driving a 2013 Chevy Cruze that I earned in December, but waiting for the call that my Chevy Equinox is at the dealership ready for me to take delivery. As a Sales Director reading these stories really hurts my heart. After just returning from New Director Education week in Dallas where the entire corporate staff welcomed us as we entered the headquarters building with pompoms and clapping; after having the huge pleasure and honor of going into Mary Kay’s office, sitting at her desk and having my picture made; standing with the president of Mary Kay US and having my picture made along with engaging in conversation with him about my long history with the company; it saddens me to hear the negative experiences that my fellow beauty consultants have had. I think the biggest killer of a Mary Kay business is discouragement. I am not here to judge anyone because the fact is if you are sharing this experiences they happened and they are real. I do not believe that these experiences, however, are the ‘norm’ Here on this site is forum for all to share. I believe that here you may hear more of the negative than the positive but in the end you have to make your own choice. It is important with any business you engage in to do research and determine just how you will achieve your goals. Mary Kay may be the answer for you, or it may not. All I can say is that when my teaching job ended last June, and I decided along with my husband that I would go back to the US and restart my business, I had no other choice that I felt would give me the flexibility I needed to travel back and forth to see him as we are still living apart. But as he transitions back to the US next month, I can tell you that it was absolutely worth the short term sacrifice. Did I have disappointments, setbacks, and losses. Absolutely, but I also had victories, triumphs, and wins too! Just remember “as you make your decision: people will always be people and they do disappoint you. Not all MK Directors operate with a level of ethics that Mary Kay herself would, but just know that after 50 years of working to improve, I believe that there is no better company out there for women to work for! My final thoughts: The voice you hear in your head, and the vision you see for yourself must be more clear than the opinions on the outside or you’ll never master discouragement. You can get very discouraged by reading the negative and you can also be very encouraged when you read the positive comments about Mary Kay. At the end of the day it’s the clear picture you see for yourself that will drown out what everyone else is saying and you will make your choice. This is only my testimony, but you have one too waiting to be told. God bless you with whatever you decide to do. To those that have have negative experiences, I sincerely apologize and hope that you can find a way to forgive those who have misled, misguided, persuaded, pushed, or made you feel anything less than important which our founder has always told us to do. You did not deserve that type of experience, but because we are in the people business, these types of situations are sometimes more common than not. God bless you in your journey now, and may God continue to ease the pain and hurt and bitterness you may still feel today.
I must say I enjoyed reading your feedback,I for one am a single mom of three and live in a place where there is Mary Kay around and I’m just tryin to find my “nitch” I think it’s a good decision that I made as of the first orderI just submitted,I like yourself am in ministry and wanting to make right business desicions based on what GOD is telling me to do. I do see myself in a vehilcle very soon. I was told two shows a week would get me a car!!!I pray and hope there is truth. I love doing make up and am very familiar with the product I have been using Mary Kay on and off since I was 16,from my mom introducing me. I just want to make money and bless others in the process.
You may not read this since it is now 2017 and you wrote yours in 2013- but if you do then thank you for saying what you said. You are so right. It is what we make of it. I will be rejoining for the third time and have not been successful in the past but I know why and will work to overcome those things. I was in a much different place and am older, wiser, and more mature now. I can do this! I’ll start slow but steadily make it what I envision it to be. Thank you and God bless you:)
went to my first meeting yesterday and i signed up. i was always skeptical about things like this but after talking to the Dir and sales consultant i think that it may work out. only one way to find out. it takes money to make money and time=money thats how business goes but i will keep you updated and let you know next week how things go!!
Good luck. But do you think the sales director and consultant would really tell you not to sign up?
I attended a meeting last night and yes, there was the pitch to join, but guess what… at the end, the SD went around the room and said are you an A) Ready to sign up now, B) Need to ask more questions, or C) a Customer and Cheerleader (for your rep). When people sheepishly said a C, she said, don’t worry, we love our Customer’s because they are the reason we are in business and because this business isn’t for everyone. I jokingly told her I wanted to join just to come to the meetings and she said even if I don’t join to come to the meetings. The meetings are uplifting and fun and if you are like me, new to the area and only really know the people in my VERY small church, it is helpful for me to go to a group of women that are uplifting. Also, the lady that introduced me to MK (which I have not yet signed up) said that she would help me with sales and getting out there. I know it helps her just like it helps me.
I do believe that selling isn’t for everyone. I’ve tried with KitsyLane and had negative thoughts about the company myself because they don’t have the jewelry in stock, yet it is still online as in stock, poor company communication, pieces not sent to me in my order, never received my business cards from them, purchasing an item and it isn’t correctly marked in the catalog (stating that it is sterling silver when only a portion of it is sterling silver – the ear wires weren’t thus creating an allergic reaction and I had to change them out myself – I liked the earrings and wanted to keep them. I don’t believe they every fixed the catalog with the correct description even after I called it to their attention.)
I also believe you have to believe in the company for which you work as well as the product that you sell.
I signed up for MK about 2 weeks ago! I have been in several of these direct sales businesses. It takes time and effort to make money. I bought the cheapest inventory option there was it was 600 dollars for 1200 dollars worth of product and since I ordered within the same month I signed up I also got 115 dollars worth of product for my own personal look. I also got several bonus!!! I was in absolutely NO WAY pressured into buying inventory, I was simply told the positive things about ordering an inventory. But put your feet in the shoes of the director, it is a business and everyone in business has to make money or its pointless to be in it. They are obviously not going to bash the products (or inventory options). That would be like you booking a consult with customer and walking in saying well this product is great it does this and this and this but it also heavy and makes you feel greasy and it kinda has a funky odor to it (not that I can think of a single product MK sells that has any of those attributes) but obviously you would not sell anything. So they are just trying to make money, just like you. That is the reason you signed up I am sure. But MK is not for everyone. Just like Avon is not for everyone, I personally have a strong dislike for the Avon company but that doesn’t mean someone else hasn’t had HUGE success with it. All business decisions take research on your part. That being said if you tell your director that their is just absolutely no way you could come up with funds to purchase an inventory they should be satisfied with that answer and support your in your decisions and help you in every way possible to make your business successful without inventory. I wish luck to everyone in all their direct sales ventures. And if you are looking into joing a direct sales company be it make-up, jeans, adult novelties or whatever… RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH… ASK AS MANY QUESTIONS AS YOU CAN POSSIBLY THINK OF!!!
I’m confused about one of the above comments. “Mary Kay” said that she knows people who have retired from MK and went “kicking and screaming” because they loved it so much. Based on conflicting information I’ve run across, here are my questions:
1. When you’re in the higher levels of MK and miss your production quotas for the 2nd month in a row, you lose your units. If this is true, how could anyone retire?
2. If you love it that much, why retire at all? It’s your business, you should be able to do or not do what you want.
Mary Kay has forced retirement at the age of 65 for NSDs. They are still paid by MK corporate, which is their retirement package, but I know a couple of ladies that had to leave, and they definitely would have LOVED to continue working because of the opportunities to travel and meet new people, etc.
Other than that, anyone else who leaves the company, would do so on their own accord, I believe…
I once heard the saying that you have to have money to make money.
Very true. You can not do this business without inventory. My experience
Is not that great, so I am leaving all the jumping, running, hair pulling Mary Kay
Marathon to the others who are willing to waste their money, energy, and time on it cause I dont have it.
My friend and have been talking about signing up with MK, the director that talked to us said that after we bought out $100 starter kits (plus shipping and handeling of course) that we did not have to be active in selling and that we could just use it to buy ourselves stuff with the discount. But now I have been reading that if you don’t sell $200 every few months that they end your contract. So I am trying to figure out what is true and what isn’t.
I apologize for my horrible grammar and spelling issues in that….
The 200.00 minimum order every 3 months is just for the 50% discount. Otherwise you would have to pay the full retail value of the products. Keep in mind the 3 months is calendar months not 90 days from your purchase. In otherwords, if you buy inventory on Nov 29, your discount for the 50% is only good for Nov 30, the month of December, and the month of January, not 90 days from Nov 29. To stay an IBC or independent beauty consultant you only need to purchase $200/year.
These two facts are often co-mingled when women are recruited into this scam. It’s the begining of half-truths, lies of omission, and out right lies with this company. My advise…don’t get involved..get a real job with steady income, health insurance, and a 401k plan..non of which MK offers. You will spend more than you ever will make.
I have been to many meetings & have signed up today. But I must say some of these comments are false. After you reach a certain place in your sells, you do get insurance. Family security and disability. I personally know a BC that has gotten 2 cars, put 2 of her kids through college and goes on all kinds of trips just with Mary Kay.to each his own but if u work hard you can go far.
U have to make inventory every 3 months? How does it work?
Hello
I dont normally post but this is someth8ng that since I have done the research I can give some great facts. My research has been gathered through theast year.
I am a business owner, not of mary kay, but in senior photograpny. My reason for researching MK is to help my business. Give my senior girls a little thanks for purchasing my services. And yes the businesses MUST be seperate. If I join MK its for the “hobby” status.
Hello,
Here are the facts as of 03-30-14:
Dont be afraid to ask questions. Ignorance is bliss, right? Would you buy a house before getting the numbers? Do you wash your clothes before reading the instructions? Always ask questions.
Starter kit =$100 (+tax&shipping)
Inventory-do you go to the store to make a pie and ask for the store to delivery the ingredients to you on a later date? You can but not usually. The idea behind inventory, and I’m a big culprit, if you dont have it, I will convince myself I dont really need it. I can stop on by walgreens and get my liner or mascara in 10min. Studies show you are more likely to make a sale if a person can hold the object.
Inventory-To stay an active consultant you need to purchase $250/year(+s/h). $250 will allow you to purchase any size order at 50% (whole sale) for three months. IF you go over your three months and need to purchase 3 mascaras, you have to pay retail and shipping. TIP: IF you buy $250 at the end of January, wait till Feb. Your active discount will count for jan. Waiting till Feb allows you the next three months. TIP: you pay the same shipping cost whether you purchase a single mascara or full facial kit.
Sales-The trick is to stay active. If you are active, here is how the idea of the sales works; You sell a satin lip set for $18. It cost $9 to replenish your inventory. You can put the other $9 into pocket, back into more inventory or as a post said earlier 10% meeting, 20% pocket, 20% back into the business.
Hobby Vs Business: I want a hooby, I want girl time, I want positivity, I want to make women feel beautiful. That is why my photography is number one on my must succeed list. MK is the perk, the benefits. I will work enough to reap the rewards I want. BUSINESS: everything is an investment, car, home, marriage, career, even your friends. You want to put something, to get something back. Not even the lottery is free.
Director-everyone is different some people are willing to give you the minimal information, to help you take the chance. Once you jump, they should honestly tell you, help you, and guide you, to be successful. Their pay and success is based on your success. If no one joined, they wouldnt be where they were, and if everyone could do it, there would be no one to sell it to.
SUMMERY-Look before you leap. My photography business is run very very simmilar to the sales aspect, word of mouth and refferals, with a sideof free items. I just dont have inventory. It took me a year before I was sure to star my photography business. I RESEARCHED and READ and INVESTIGATED and ASK QUESTIONS, before making any sort of life changing decisions. You should be doing the same.
TIP: Be honest with your consultant or directory. Tell them you want to know all the financials. Tell them you want to see a business model. Many of them want you to get the starter kit to know you are semi serious, cant blame them. They dont want to invest in a dead end. But, if you are interested and dont like the way your consultant or director is responding to questions, simply ask a third party, ask someone who has no factor to your decision. I was lucky to have an amazing great, friend and team to get advise from.
Amen. Ignorance is bliss only when you’re a small child.
Is the 50% off after the $200 wholesale purchase or including?
So glad you posted Photo Facts! I was a consultant for nine years. I enjoyed it but the spot in my life at the time was not good financially so I decided to quit. Iam glad you posted the true facts. It’s interesting that some will worry about $200. To be frank, I have tried other products and left the store with a bill over $250! That was for one face! I still use Mary Kay and prefer it.
I have just realized the same issue. My first 3 months I had a death and didn’t get a chance to sell. When I went on – it said retail price. They advertise half off for life- apparently small print said if you purchase enough. Not the kind of company I want to be part of if they can’t tell u things up front.
Hi I’m a Mary Kay beauty consultant , and I’m happy with this fantastic company, Mary Kay is a great business and you can go as far as you want to, nobody force you to do nothing , and the $100 that you spend to start your business you receive $500 dollars in products so you make your money back guarantee in no time, and in a sales business you have to have products to sell , so yes is faster and easier if you have inventory on hand , but if you don’t , your customers can order from the catalog . So if you are not successful in your Mary Kay business is not the company fault, maybe you didn’t had the right person to guide you as a ditector , but the only person to blame is yourself for not trying , Mary Kay is a great company with great products, is all about having the right team to help you, I didn’t have no friends or knew people to start my business and that just an excuse to fail, also my English is not the best but I’m trying , I’m about to win my first car , and I keep encourage others to be successful, because you are not good in this business don’t blame the company because you gave up , faith without action don’t go anywhere
This is a ” revenge” site. Mary Kay has been a member of the Fortune Five Hundred and is very respected and is one of the only companies that puts God first. If you have had a bad experience please don’t put poison on others who have heard from God about this. You may be causing them to miss a very good, positive experience. If it helps only one woman it is worth trying. Keep your negative opinions to yourself. Mary Kay has helps countless women. Just because you couldn’t make it work is not the companies fault!! Seriously get a life and let others have theirs! This negative bitter site needs to be shut down!
MK was in the Fortune 500 but then took the company private again a long time ago.
This is NOT a revenge site. This is simply a site for women and men to talk openly and honestly about their experiences with MK without the “sales speak” and intimidation that the company and its reps yes.
I suppose someone like you, who has nothing better to do but leave nasty comments on a website should take your own advice and get yourself a life. Your exclamation-littered negative comment has been seen here so many times that it’s boring and laughable.
I have interests in both Mary Kay and Avon. My mother in law has sold Avon for 46 years. She has been a director and been nationally recognized. She is 70 and still sells. She loves it and it is how she provided for her family.
I sell Mary Kay. Here is my advice for you regarding MK, however it can be taken for ANY type of business you wish to start.
-You get into it what you put out of it
-Have a skill-set for sales and marketing
-Never start a business by putting yourself into debt you cannot recover from if you fail.
-Know what your business entails. Recruiting is not for everyone.
-Be comfortable expanding your clientele – friends and family can’t buy forever
-Money management is KEY. If you cannot manage money well (or have someone do it for you) you are setting yourself up for failure.
-Manage your time responsibly.
I started off with an inventory of $2800. I did parties but I also did not hound my friends or family. That gets annoying. I had the 100% support of my husband. I also reached out to local companies and promoted myself with great marketing tactics. I pursued each lead. I heard “no” more than I heard “yes” but that is sales!
I have a BA in Education and a BA in Engineering. I left my “career” to go into sales. I grew up with my dad in sales (now he’s a global VP of sales) and he supported my career change (yet again). Bottom line: work hard, keep your head above water, manage smart… but most of all BE HAPPY.
Calculated risks are a part of life.
I love mary kay , I did before avon, and for me was no good, here and mk they recognize the good people, they give you rewards and training , and the money is much better , my goal is to get the car .
Why would anyone spend their time discouraging other people?? I have been in Mary Kay a few times in my life and I know for sure God told me to do it. The only time I didn’t do well is when I was too lazy or when I listened to negative people. I think there is a very hot place in hell for people who throw cold water on other peoples dreams, using an excuse that they are “warning them”. Let people make their own decisions and quit trying to control what others do. If you don’t like it then leave it and let others have their dream. I hope you find a dream you can believe in again!!!
I’m sorry you believe in a higher being that would tell you what to do. I heard such talk come out of women’s mouths when I was in MK.
Also, how the heck do YOU know what people your god is going to put in “hell” or even that there really is a hell. Please save this nonsense for another site. Your rantings are just if not more negative as the people you are yelling at with your multiple exclamation points.
Why don’t they just tell the beginner exactly what to expect, upfront?
I just became a consultant today and am not feeling too good about it. It all sounded really great at first, but the more I think about it and read about it, the more I regret my decision. I figure it’s a $100 investment though and if I don’t like it, I didn’t wate too much money. We’ll see what happens.
I hope you enjoy your Mary Kay Business. I’m really having fun with mine. I wear a lot of hats and juggling this in has admittedly been a struggle. However, I can’t deny that when I’m working with and helping women through Mary Kay it’s a rewarding experience that I don’t regret at all. My advice: 1) stay connected with positive successful women in the business. My director has not only been upfront with me but is always giving awesome advice on how to maximize every dollar I’ve invested in Mary Kay. Yes, there are women like that in the business, and I feel so blessed to have connected with her. 2) Sell what you love. Your sincerity will be rewarding for both you and your customers and create and experience that you both will want to duplicate 🙂
I have a question. Is it really possible to actually sell Mary Kay online only? I really like the products but HATE doing the parties I’ve done some research but all I keep finding is people looking to get paid to give me information. Can anyone recommend a site or course that teaches online marketing?
Thanks.
I am currently a Mary Kay IBC. I purchased my kit which at the time was $85 special + tax. I was not forced into a large first order. It was encouraged so I would have inventory and would be able to provide my clients with products right then. I did make about a $1,200 order. I have the website I have the propay account (like the square basically) I love Mary Kay, I love having my clients, I do however have a full time job so I am not able to spend as much time as I wish I could on Mary Kay. I have the website and it’s great as especially good for family or friends who live out of town. I have only been an IBC since the end of October. Honestly when I have people come to the meetings (when I can actually go bc of my schedule) bc of the “Refferal Game” I have gained customers. Have I made a lot of money? No. Do I think Mary Kay is awful. No. I love the products I will admit to being one who has a roll up bag full for personal use by me which did I loose money on yes but the way I look at it is what I pay wholesale price for MK Make up as well as the clear proof system week before “Aunt Flow” visits and during and then I use the regular timewise the rest of the time. I would be paying more going and getting Clinique, and proactive, plus cheap fash wash then what I pay wholesale for Mary Kay. I did today get my notice that I need to place an order of $220 wholesale to stay an active member. You can’t resign the wheel. Product on faces ladies (If your in MK you will understand what I’m saying) is what makes the business work. I have slacked and honestly don’t have enough time bc I work a full time job to make huge kick backs. Before starting a website I would build your client base. I did everything at once and honestly my site has only been purchased through twice. Who wants to order things they don’t know will match or will be right for their skin without trying first. So that goes back to “you can’t reinvent the wheel” I’m hoping that I will be able to get some orders in so I can stay active but if not its my fault for not taking the time to put into the MK business. Also I suggest (from my personal expierence) get a propay account. Seriously! I love the fact that I can manually type in the cost of I left my swiper and that it goes into my account where if I need to make an order the propay account will pay for orders through in touch. I won’t accept checks. Too risky! Everyone always has their card or cash on them. So I would wait on the website until you know you have a cliential base who will gladly log on and order.
I think the problem with Mary Kay is that there are tooo many reps. Same goes for Avon, they are over saturated and their products are products that anyone can get anywhere. My company sells a products that women buy on impulse because there’s a need and a want for it. I think this will be the next Avon or Mary Kay as it’s growing at a rapid rate but because of the special unique product there’s always going to be a competitive edge.
I get that they have to have the inventory order quota otherwise everyone would just get that discount starter kit and walk away but here’s my problem with MK promotional language. I’ve been to 6 meetings where sales directors were speaking based on a MK script and in all those discussions even during Q&A when asked detailed questions the directors specifically said NO QUOTA’S….I’m sorry but that is misleading to say that and then tell someone they need to order more inventory every 3 months or they will take away the discount meaning you don’t break even at that point because you pay retail PLUS shipping on orders. I can understand not bogging prospective newbies down with all the info at initial meeting but the second someone says they Might be interested they should pull them aside and show them realistic expectations. For instance….what your first year business plan as a consultant might look like showing a slow growth of sales AND the required minimum inventory orders. Its great that women see success and they publish all these high earnings but I’d also like to know how many women quit in the first 3 months or first 6 months because their recruiter was just trying to get a warm body to sign up instead of making sure the person was informed and had a decent understanding of all the inner workings, not just the sales pitch.
I believe people should choose what they want to buy and what they want to sell. If people love Mary Kay, let them. If they like Clenique instead, let them buy it at the store and get nothing in return for it it. As for being able to work and make the same amount, that is absolutely not true, since you get a job and no matter how hard you work, not matter how much you sell, your salary stays always the same. However in direct sells, commissions will increase exponentially with the people you sponsor and personal sales volume. So, no, that is not a true statement. One can never make the same amount in a retail job, even in an insurance business the commissions don’t amount to the same exponential as in direct sales.
It is sad to see some of the negative comments on here. I definitely feel these women just weren’t supported by the right people.
I used to be a MK rep, but I only invested in it to get the product for discounted prices for myself. I wasn’t aware of any quotas or anything (at first), so it had not been a big concern for me. When I originally signed up, I was upfront about my intentions, and she never pressured me, nor did the director. Once I did find out about a “quota,” I think the figure was an order of $180-ish per month (back in 2001-ish), or they wanted it to average out to about that over a 3-month period.
After a couple months, I did decide to do a large order (maybe around $600 wholesale), and I did have a couple “parties.” My best night was $500 in sales, but it was bittersweet because I wasn’t assertive enough to control the flow of the timing, etc. I was out of my comfort zone and decided I would stick to book orders, etc. However, I did not put much time into working the business, and I eventually decided to just let it fizzle out. Eventually I sold off my excess inventory at a loss, but it was better than wasting away in storage. (I told myself I would return it to corporate, but didn’t follow through.)
With all of that being said, I had at one point gone to the annual MK convention in Dallas, and I really enjoyed myself and all the women I met. I just never saw myself in that sales role, and it was for my own reasons that I backed away. I never tried to recruit anyone, but I did let people know that I liked the products, and I got a lot of positive feedback from people who felt the same way.
Hopefully these women with the bad experiences can just chalk it up to poor leadership and/or realizing that (in some cases), they allowed themselves to be taken advantage of. I hope they move past it and have a better experience the next time they run into a MK rep/director/etc.
Lynn, I hope you haven’t given up. It takes awhile to get the hang of it, but create games to help you not feel as awkward about approaching people. They can make it much more fun. I like the idea of a scavenger hunt. Yup, you heard me. lol. Make a list of types of people…. by hair color, wearing glasses, wearing a certain color, dressed to the nines, dressed in jeans, expecting, pushing a stroller, has freckles, wearing a hat, wearing boots, etc. add space for a name and their phone number… pack a bag with some of the newest mags with your card attached to the front, or have a little goodie bag with some smarties, lifesavers and a hershey’s kiss plus your card. plus your datebook and a clip board and off you go.. This will help you to not feel as afraid to cross the chatting line. Smile at them, then approach and explain that you are on a Mary Kay scavenger hunt. You are new to selling this wonderful product and that you need some faces to practice on. Would they be so kind as to help you get the training you need? There will most likely be a more seasoned sales person there to help you out. It would be helpful to see what people really think of the skin care and it’s free to try it. It’s ok if the person says no. You will get the word no. In fact, that brings us to another game. Collect a hundred “no’s”. Yup. The idea is to turn a no into a normal thing. Thing is, amongst all of those no’s there will be plenty of yeses. So, enjoy! I hope this has helped you to rethink quitting and given you a different look at sales. By the way, you are not alone. We are all part of the same group. Always feel free to look to the person who sold you the starting kit, see if they have weekly meetings, mingle with those from the same unit. If your unit isn’t helpful, see if another will take you under their wing. Stay positive, keep your chin up and feel free to keep on trying. You have all you need to start out… watch the DVD and read the start book. Mostly, keep in mind that fear holds us back from excelling. I made a vision board. Where I was and where I want to be. I put a bunch of positive and helpful sayings on the board as well, as well as images of my future dreams. I’m heading to my goals. Things are looking up and getting better. I began in Aug. There’s nothing to fear by fear itself.
I have been asked to join Mary Kay, and there is a sale on the starter for $75, plus you get bonus free stuff. I just tried a few of the products and I am very impressed. But I have been doing some online research and found this site to hear much more about what all is involved. I really appreciate the honesty from pro and con. Having sold almost everything there is to sell – Avon, Pampered Chef, Amway, etc. etc. my entire life, I can’t think of one thing I sold where I actually came out ahead financially. I had to keep buying the product in order to sample it and then sell it. With Avon, I spent more on the catalogues than I actually made, and I had to buy product every month to stay in the business. Amway was the same — I added it up at the end of the year, and bought more than I actually sold. I wonder if MK will be the same? I don’t like that MK will switch out products that people may have begun using, and then disontinue them (like Avon so often does). Also, I can’t think of anyone who would have a party now-adays. Times have changed, but selling online might work. For someone wanting to sell MK or anything else – be prepared for 2 big investments — time and money. Best to pick something you enjoy and have fun with it to make it worthwhile.
Hello everyone,
I started my Mary Kay and at it seem like a good idea but I started to do the research and it just wasn’t working for me. I never got any of the gifts that was offered for one and I didn’t feel like I had a support system. My director was up north and I live down south. I went to another group meetings but no never remembered who I was. Every time I went to a meeting I was always asked if I was a guest. Thats not reassuring so I slowly lost interested, here I am trying to sell my products back.
Very interesting website. My daughter-in-law recently signed up to be a MK consultant. We were in Amway years ago and warned her to be careful, without getting on the bad side of DIL (want to see those grandbabies!!!). After her initial kit, her director urged her to purchase inventory. One person recommended she put it on a credit card, she did, but smaller inventory pkg. After 6 weeks she just broke even, which is music to our ears and she paid off the credit card. I agree it is what you put into it. I will be supportive and buy things I normally purchase, but won’t make extra purchases to help her meet goals. I think she will quickly realize on her own that there will always be another “goal”, that the initial huge sales amounts she made will for sure taper off if she doesn’t find new leads, and that friends and family have parties and purchase extras to get her started but typically won’t keep purchasing high amounts on a regular basis. That is reality. Nothing in life is for free – it all takes effort and the income/perks you earn will be a direct result of the time and effort you put into it. I pray that my DIL doesn’t get sucked into the pressure of purchasing more personal products than she would normally buy just to make the quarterly minimum to get her “discount”. If MK consultant is not going to sell products, then it would be less expensive for the typical mk customer to purchase your MK at retail from a different actively-selling MK consultant. Just saying. You have to sell to make money.
Yes it is $100 to start with the start up kit (which is needed in order to show customers what you have, by doing a few (20-30) facials/makeovers, If you need more inventory you could always just order $67+ worth of product monthly, which equals the $200/ 3 months. You can then slowly build a small inventory of most requested items.
And what woman doesn’t use at least $67 monthly on beauty products, so even if you cant get anyone to order for a few months it would be quite easy to stay active.
It sounds me, that most people with the bad experiences just didn’t realize that this is a job/career. Some people don’t like the WORK associated with working to get and keep a job or a career. I have not ever heard of a company where you don’t have to meet a specific requirement in order to stay employed. From minimum wage jobs to million dollar careers you have to sign a ‘contract’ per say that states you will follow rules, regulations, and everything else the company requires in order to stay with the company. If you don’t then they either lay you off or fire you. Mary Kay in a way has to follow the same standards, they can’t allow a consultant or higher to just sit not making minimum sales but still getting the Mary Kay discounts and acting as a rep/consultant.
FYI all it’s $225 every three months to stay active not $200 a month. I have also found recently that some people are just being brought in and left to do it alone, which is crazy. I feel for these women because they never get to see what the business can really do because of lack of training and being pushed to get an over abundance of product. I started small and kept on my shelf what customers wanted as my base grew, and such has kept me from getting into any debt like so many women do. However, if these new members were actually trained correctly in money and time management, online approved options, and face to face customer service there would not be so much internet hating on MK.. Yes Some reps are out to make money, abuse the system, and others… but many actually want to build a business and a good team of women that want to do the same so it is unfair to group all MK women in a negative light.
Okay so I signed up to sell Mary Kay last month without knowing that you havd to order supplies before your an active member! So 100 for the starter kit, 30 for website, 39 to take credit cards on the website, 38 for business cards before they hit you with 600 inventory. Once I told the mentor I wasn’t sitting on 600 after I paid for the other items she went ghost on me.
Our most successful President did MK and she’s broken all records in bookings which are same clients monthly with her one hour shows between $75-$125. Other cities are at $125 for the hour. Refer to Silver Derby Horse Races on the web for more info to this patented 19 year turn-key activity created specifically for seniors in senior communities to better understand. Affordable and on purpose.