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Mary Kay

reviewed by ShortStack08

ShortStack08
11/11/2008

Mary Kay 3

I am slowly starting my Mary Kay business. The Timewise Products worked very well for me. I became a consultant thinking that it'd be easy and stress free. I'm now not as convinced. I love the "make your own schedule" and "doing it for an extra income", however I am noticing that I am MK biggest consumer. My husband, who knows a lot about business, pointed out that to get the career started you buy their start up kit. Then to help make things easier on you and the consumer- YOU have to pay for the online profile and the "ProPay" credit card processing service on line. Then YOU have to buy any and all of the extras such as catalogs, samples, fill in business cards, order forms, hostess cards and gifts, applicators... I though OK- I will do it for the 50% discount. That way I can get the Timewise products and Satin Hands cheaper. Apparently not. I have to buy the inventory (which the cheapest is $600) to get my discount. Oh- as far as the inventory... It is written that you don't have to have one, but I am being pushed several times that "Why open the store with a can of tomatoes and a 5 pond bag of sugar?" Why is it written that I don't have to have an inventory, yet, you are trying to force it onto my like it'll cost me my career? Then they sent me a packet of information to not use my own money, but to seek a person loan from a bank or asking friends and family. Have they seen the economy lately? No one can afford to give large sums of money away to help a friend or family member- they have to take care of their own. As for a bank, with the interest rates climbing... Need I say more. Let's do the math shall we to see how this "career opportunity" holds up? Starter Kit- $100 plus tax Online Profile- $50 per year plus tax ProPay (so that you can process credit cards and get your income) $29.00 per a year, plus tax The Inventory (to get the discount) run between $600-$3,600 Then and extra run as cheap as $0.99 to $15.00 per each item So for me to start up the true MK business I have to spend between $779.99 (plus tax) up to $3,794 (plus tax). I am a poor recently graduated college student trying to pay off loans, buy a house and making my car last me another couple years. I am just able to make ends meet, hence why I started a Mark Kay business for extra income. However, the numbers show that you're more likely to put yourself into more debt. Mary Kay are a multi-billion dollar industry. They donate more to amazing charities. They have a "team/family" feel to them. With all this going, why can't they give their "team" anything for free and sell from there? I am still going to give this company a try. If it fails, I got my Timewise Mirical (that runs $104),a second set of Timewise Basic ($45), eye make up remover ($14), 11 foundations ($154), mascara ($15) 2 cute totes, 8 clear zipper bags, 4 mirrors, a some samples for $100. I can continue to get my Mary Kay products, but my consultant will be Ebay. Either way- I got what I wanted and more.

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marykayteamleader commented 327 days ago.
Hi! I saw this post and I just had to respond. I am a team leader with mary kay and I just have to say that you are starting a business as a consultant. The average startup for a company is $30,000 with a success rate of 1 out of 3. Also, every business will have expenses that are paid for upfront, like the example you used of look books. I encourage you to really consider that. Also, $600 is a recommended inventory level, but all you need to do to maintain your discount is a minimum of $200 wholesale a quarter. You can make that by hosting one skincare class. I'd been a consultant for about a year before I really started working my business and I've gone from consultant to team leader in 2 short months. I encourage you to believe in yourself, the dream, and to work your business. You are in control of your success and I recommend you give it your all! This is the only thing thats been able to help me pay off my debt. Thats an honest testimonial. I'm also young like you, just 26.

triciakos commented 132 days ago.
I just have to comment on the above regarding the $200 wholesale order requirements. Per the contract agreements - to stay active and not loose anything you have built, you need to place a $200 wholesale order every quarter. But if one is not actively working their business, this would be an insane thing to do (even if it is for the discount). The company knows this, so if one reads further into the contract they will find this:

"It is not necessary to submit a new Agreement (or purchase a new Starter Kit) if reinstating within one year of last order month (anniversary month, if no last order) as the terms and conditions of the then current Independent Beauty Consultant Agreement will continue in full force and effect. For record purposes,a Consultant must have a minimum $200 wholesale Section 1 product order to update her last order date."

So basically, you only have to place 1 wholesale order of $200 per year (cannot be broken down into multiple orders) to continue getting the benefits of the 50% discount without having to resign up. If this is one's sole intention of becoming or remaining a consultant - just for the discount.

I do not promote this, but sometimes life happens and we have to put things on hold for a bit. To keep our position under our directors and be able to purchase at the discount until we are able to resume our business practices, then I woud definately recommend this to someone.

Remember, Mary Kay Inc. is about helping people to grow and become the best they can be. In doing so, be smart about it. Sure, people will try to encourage you to do more than you are willing - BUT, IT IS YOUR BUSINESS so just let them know if it is possible and what your goals are. If your goal is just to sell $500 a month for an extra $175 spending money (taking out for taxes and supplies), then let your director know this. They will motivate you to the level you want to be at and that is all. I know that if I don't make my goals, I do not make a purchase just to keep my status.

This is a business and like any other business, it takes time to build and grow. I want to build a strong stable foundation, not a shakey one that could tumble at any moment. It is possible if you just use your head and gut instincts and avoid getting caught in the Hype. Hype is good - just don't let it cloud your better judgement.

Your Friend and
Independent Senior Consultant
Tricia Kos
www.marykay.com/triciakos
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By the Numbers