QOTD 2/23

[annarose]

YES!!!! After months of doing this I finally thought of a questions

What is your opinion of Mary Kay? Do you use any of the products?


Here is where this question comes from: On Friday night a girlfriend called me up to come over for food, wine, dinner and a Mary Kay party. Now I don't really care about the MK part of it, my opion is/was pretty netural about the stuff, but who doesn't love drinking and playing with skin care/make up stuff. The party was fun, products where good but of course part of the pitch of these parties is trying to get more people to sign up and be reps. Theres a part of me that thinks thats crazy but there is a small part of me that thinks "what if i could bring in just a small portion of extra money?" This lady does it as her full time job, surley I could bring in an extra 5K a year or something to help with daycare and other expenses? So now Im just curious what the S13 ladies think

[annarose]

Feb 23, 2015 9:08:27 GMT -5 jnetx said:

I don't have an opinion on the products themselves as I have never used them. I like the history of the company and that Mary Kay gave women a way to bring in some income and take charge of their lives in a way that wasn't really an option before she started the company. However, I hate when my friends are sales reps for companies like this. I don't want to feel pressured into buying something just because you are my friend. I have friends that have turned their Facebooks into their main advertising method and they get unfriended. I want to see pictures of your kids and find out how you are doing, not hear about how if you sell 20 mascaras today you get free concert tickets. I don't think there is anything wrong with any of it, I just personally find it annoying and choose not to support those businesses.

As far as the money goes, I don't think it's easy money. I think you make what you put into it and I know you have to invest up front to get your samples and stuff. If it's something you have the time and energy to dedicate yourself to it, you can make some decent money, but if you have a half-hearted approach, it's not going to work. (Not saying you can't do it part time, just that you have to give it your all.) I would think it would be easier to make the equivalent amount of money waiting tables or working retail one day a week. But, all of this is just my opinion.

I hate this as well. There is some newer company that is just skin care (i think) that a few of my friends are all sales reps for. They aren't too bad with the posts but the post are my news feed all the time.

[Unknown]

I think they have some decent products, but I don't normally shop through them. I agree I hate when friends are reps for these kind of sales. Some are pushy and it makes me not want to be friends with them, and that's sad. I know who sells what products and if I want anything I know where to find you.

ETA: This makes me want to look at a catalogue, it's been awhile.

[happymama]

My sister used to love MK so I tried a few products back in the day, they seemed fine but no more special than other products I could pick up at the drugstore.
Lately I have been switching all my products to natural options to avoid chemical exposure and reduce skin irritation, so it's not something I would try again. But if that doesn't matter to you I guess it just depends on you and your personality. As a consumer, I prefer to use things I can easily pick up at the store rather than having to order. I am also spoiled by amazon prime, so if I do order something I expect it to be on my doorstep within 1-2 days. And I hate trying to sell things, so it's not something I would ever have any interest in. I feel like there are better ways to supplement your income that are both easier and also give you a consistent paycheck.

ETA if it's something you want to do for fun or are in love with the product, then go for it! I just wouldn't look into it as an easy income source.

[lilqt3929]

Feb 23, 2015 9:56:43 GMT -5 happymama said:

ETA if it's something you want to do for fun or are in love with the product, then go for it! I just wouldn't look into it as an easy income source.

This. It would just be a huge PIA if it wasn't something you enjoyed and if you dont make the money you thought you would it would just be a waste of time IMO.

[Deleted]

I have a neutral opinion on the actual products/company. I really don't think that hard about makeup in general though - I'm a basic blush, mascara, eyeliner girl, concealer if I have a zit or something. That's it.

I can't speak to the "parties" as I have never, and will never, attend a party which exists solely to sell me things.

[annarose]

so it seems just off the inital few of you responding, that a lot of people think the same way - They know MK, maybe used a few products at one time but don't really buy it. Where are all the people who buy it lol When you listen to the person running the party they go on and on about how succesful people are in the business yada yada yada I to would usually rather go to the store and just pick up what I need but it's so easy to get sucked in and think "what if" as you listen to the hostess go on and on about the company(and the MK person was in her 30's somewhere with a 4 month old baby girl)

[af1004]

I like the products but I'm a cheapo.... I sold Avon for a few years and quit just before having DD. I quit because I didn't think I'd have the time with a newborn and hadn't invested enough off myself in it to begin with to make any real money. So like pp said you really need to commit to earn. There are tons of products out there that are direct sales though so find a company that you like and like their products, Something you will use yourself.

[legitsince86]

I never really used it myself although my aunt sold it for a brief time. I always figured that you would have to have a lot of girlfriends that would be willing to buy to make any $ off of it.

[redfraggle]

I've used the Miracle Set and other MK products for years. I honestly love them.

As for doing direct sales, here's my take because I sell direct sales: If you are really motivated to do it, there can be money in it. I know people who make 6 figures off direct sales. But most people aren't willing to talk to people beyond friends and family, put in full-time hours (they all require a lot more than just the parties. If the party takes 2 hours, you'll need another 2-4 hours to spend on hostess coaching, ordering, sending invitations, traveling, attending meetings with your upline, etc.), recruit new reps, etc. and don't wind up making much money. I love direct sales and buy a lot of stuff (so sad that Lia Sophia went out of business!) from different DS companies, but not everyone does, and even I get irritated by constant invitations to parties as my friends who sell trade parties with other sellers, even when I really like the products.

ETA: Also be aware that the tax deductions are only deductible if you do enough business to file as a business (I think it is schedule C that includes all your purchases, expenses, and sales). If you do it as a hobby (you don't need the income, don't make much money, you are your best/only customer, etc.), you file differently (add in all sales to your income without accounting for expenses or other deductions), and it can affect your return. I've filed both ways, and while it isn't my make or break, it is something to consider.

[fiveohfive]

I'm not big on makeup, so I have no opinion on the actual products MK sells.

I don't have Facebook, but I get bombarded by people from work who are having tastefully simple, thirty one, Tupperware, scentsy, royal canyon, yadda yadda yadda. Then I get the boxes of chocolates for dance class and poinsettias/bulbs for this band trip, etc. I honestly have given up on helping people out because it eats a hole in my pocket. The only one I will buy quarterly or semi annually is a few scentsy bars.

If it's something you might like to do, try it!

[ajaan113]

Never used Mary Kay products.