Amanda won a fake Coach wallet

Name: Amanda

Are You Active or Inactive? Recently Inactive

If Inactive, Date You Left MK: 10/4/2011

Amount of Initial Inventory You Purchased: $600

How were you recruited? Tell us all the details.
I went to a small party hosted by my friend and was impressed by a few of the products. I met with the Sales Rep, who is actually the Sales Director in the St. Louis area, and loved the idea of getting products at 50% off. The Sales Director (Amanda) also persuaded me with stories about prizes she gives out – Coach bags, designer sunglasses, etc. Because there were no sales quotas, I took the bait. BUT HOLY CRAP THAT WAS A MISTAKE.
Do you have a memorable experience from your time in Mary Kay? If so, please tell us about it.
Two weeks after signing the papers to be a MaryKay rep, my sales director pressured me into asking friends to host parties. I felt so sleezy asking my friends to come and spend money, or rather give me their money. I was so embarrassed, and found the only “customers” I was comfortable with was a couple ladies I worked with.

Anyway, a month or so into my MK experience, I won a contest our Sales Director has put on. The prize was to be a Coach wallet. She had even told me that they were from the new Spring line, and I’d have my choice of pink or lime green. I spent more on inventory so that I would meet the criteria for earning the Coach wallet, justifying in my mind as “I’ll be getting a $100 gift, and work harder to sell the product.” Problem was SHE GAVE ME A FAKE COACH WALLET. And not even a good fake! I emailed her to let her know it was fake (in case she didn’t know) and that I expected to still receive the Coach Wallet I had been promised – from the new Spring line. She replied saying that “the contest was just for fun.” And that she knew they were fake; she had bought the wallets off a friend who sells them. I was furious! SHE LIED TO ME! And it’s ILLEGAL TO BUY AND DISTRIBUTE fake Coach products (Trademark infringement!). So I had my lawyer write up a letter, and informed MaryKay’s legal department, but in short, they really didn’t care.

Additionally, they totally screwed me on my inventory repurchase. The retail price was $248, and they sent me a check for $26 plus tax. REALLY? Such bullcrap. I’ve just called to figured out why I didn’t get more back. Now I just have to wait and hear their excuse.

What are you doing now?
I have a full time job working in Marketing for one of America’s Most Admired Companies – and they actually say what they do, and do what they say.

Feel free to include any additional comments here:
Bottom Line, this company has no integrity. How does lying to your associates empower them? I will continue to spread my distaste to friends and family….