veruca

alright ladies...I want to hear some pro's and con's of selling Mary Kay products. I realize, as a smart person, that what they tell you and what it is actually like are 2 differant things. I have talked to other people on other boards, and freinds who sell it part time or did in the past, and noone has anything bad to say really...if they aren't doing it anymore, they just felt it wasn't for them(kinda like me and being a realtor..lol).

I personally enjoy thier products, and don't find them to be "shady"....but I just want to see the whole picture.

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Grasshopper Green

If you work your butt off, Mary Kay works. My cousin is a ... leader consultant (forgot what they are called) and was the first woman in Wyoming to win a pink cadillac. She does it full time though, and most women just do it part time for spare money. The key is, you have to be aggressive in talking and attracting clients, and you have to be willing to hear "I'm not interested" A LOT. I did Mary Kay for a year and a half, and worked with some outstanding women who did it full time and made good money. However, it's much more difficult to be successful if you aren't willing to put money upfront, because no one wants to wait several weeks for her order.

I don't think it's shady at all; they have a great business plan IMO. It's just not a miracle way to make fast money, and I think a lot of people go into it thinking that. It does require a lot of effort.

Hope this helped you a little.

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hunnychile

My friend Julie tried MK - but she quit after two long hard years. She had to put lots of money up front for the sample products set up. And so she was stuck selling the samples (in the end) at a discount price. Plus, it helps if you have tons of friends willing to have those parties at their house. She didn't. I've met 1 or 2 ladies who were quite successful with MK but they were very aggressive & totally unwilling to take "not interested" as an answer...from any one.

Oh & Body Shop is exactly the same type of business structure. They expect you to give several parties a month, every month with no excuses, or else they get medievel on you!

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Sage

if you plan on doing it, it's good to check out some books on marketing strategy and selling techniques- just as a way for you to be totally 100% aware of how to "work" a client. Sounds bad, but truth is it happens to everyone who walks into a retail store.

I say, if it sounds interesting, try it! Worst that could happen is it doesn't work out!

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uptown

I used to be a loyal Mary Kay customer but the stuff is too spendy particularly with Avon products being much more reasonably priced. Sell Avon, they give a lot of support for online sales and for "book parties where guests don't actually have to gather at somebody's home.

maleficent

Was just reading in a magazine about home based businesses... MaryKay was one of the top ten, but the start up costs were listed at 100 dollars and up... (so figure double that to be reasonable)

MaryKay products are OK, they are overpriced and there's as good a quality or better at a much more reasonable price, without the hard sell attitude at the local CVS

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raeanna74

Ask about all the extra costs. I sold Avon and they ask you to buy their flyers every month or more often. I was also working at the time and was not able to sell a whole lot. With the cost of shipping and flyers and stuff I ended up in the red some months. Unless you get out there and hit it hard and heavy it's a lot of work and can get costly until a year or so after you're into it.

I tried selling Tupperware - I got into it for next to nothing so went for it. Still a 'consultant' but not actively trying to sell because they hit you for shipping, extra fees if the party order is less than $75, and for the flyers. The only consolation for tupperware's flyers is that they only put out new ones quarterly.

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maleficent

the magazine article I read also mentioned tupperware, and pampered chef and a few other home businesses... the added costs you might run into tiwth them are for hosting the parties... One woman said the parties she holds to unload these products can run her 100 - 150 a month... That can be expensive.. plus finding people to invite to these parties...

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Lucky Girl

I think it all depends on why you want to sell Mary Kay. I sell the product, but mainly I do it for family and friends and personal use. So it you want to make lots of money, then yeah I would say attend the meetings that they have, because the women will energize you, and motivate you.

But if you are just getting in it for personal use. Then that is great too, just look thru a book and have your family and friends look thru a book. Meaning only order what you use and what your family uses. I bought big in the beginning and now I am trying to sell the products that we don't use. But when you do order, make sure you do order the full amount to get the 50% off. I place an order about every 3 months and I stock up on the products that my people use.

Start up cost yeah is a about $100, but the samples are great. You get to try the new colors and new product. But then when you place that first order, don't feel pressured to buy the huge package.

I have been selling Mary Kay for over 4 years and have been using for more than 7. I love the products and the fact that if your customers don't like a product or color, you trade it out. So your customers are always happy.

Hope that helps you.

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Lucky Girl

veruca

thanks!!
I was thinking of doing it part time at first, and on an order only basis. How long does it take to get the product?

And then, if I still feel it's somethign I want to do, I will make a bigger invesment. I, of course, would love to be a national director..lol..who wouldn't.

__________________
How you turned my world, you precious thing
You starve and near exhaust me
Everything I've done, I've done for you
I move the stars for no one

Sage

Have you thought about doing the sex toy selling thing, like Tupperware but with sex toys? Could be a lot more interesting than makeup!

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hunnychile

Sage is right! I bet selling sex toys would be waaaaay more fun than makeup!!

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"I need compassion, understanding and chocolate." - NJB

Lucky Girl

Depends on what day of the month you order. I placed an order and rec'd the order under a week. I love receiving the package, because it's like Christmas! Remembering what you order or if you are ordering something new. It's good.

Sounds like you have a good plan. Just remember even when investing in a small amount make sure you get the 50% off. SO you will make a profit.

Yeah my director is driving a pink cadillac and has a huge unit. Our unit is in the top ten of our area.

I think the good thing with Mary Kay, is that if you buy big and decide it's not for you. Then you can get out. The company does buy back the product. But if that happens then you can't sign back up, say 5 years down the road.

Hope that helps your decision.

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Lucky Girl