When you think of Mary Kay, an image of a pink Caddy might pop up in your head. Mary Kay is well-recognized name across the world, best known for its cosmetics. It is based in Addison, Texas, and was established in 1963. Mary Kay is one of the top names in cosmetics direct sales, as well as being one of the “top dog” MLM companies today.
Mary Kay has around 3.5 million independent beauty consultants around the world. Several women owe their millionaire lifestyles to Mary Kay. Mary Kay is also known for its charity arm, the Mary Kay Foundation, which has goals to cure cancer and end domestic violence.
Products
Mary Kay is known for their beauty products. And because they only focus on beauty products, they have large research and product development teams who work hard to make sure that the beauty products they carry are top-notch.
Mary Kay beauty products have stood the test of time – they have classic favorites that have been used by women for decades.
Some of their best-sellers include their TimeWise 3-in-1 cleanser, their Lash Love Mascara, eyeliner, and their Mineral Powder Foundation. They also have a skincare line by the name of Clear Proof that sells very well.
Their products are in the range of $12 to $18, which is not much considering skincare and makeup these days costs upwards of $20 easily.
Mary Kay also carries fragrances, men’s products, and other body products that smell divine and sell like hotcakes.
Compensation Plan
A lot of women are attracted to Mary Kay because of the products – they are an easy sell because they’re so great. In addition, the lifestyle offered to Mary Kay beauty consultants is very attractive; you tell your girlfriends about Mary Kay products, you all use them, you’re all glowing and happy… and on top of that, you’re rich – because you have made sales (from home, by hanging out with your friends), and because now your friends want to do what you’re doing.
But wait – it’s not that simple, is it?
In order to become a Mary Kay independent beauty consultant, you have to buy a $100 starter kit. Then, in order to remain active and qualified for the commission plan, you have to sell at least $200 of product every 3 months.
If you are selling well, you have the opportunity to move up to becoming an Independent Sales Director and a National Sales Director. This is where you have a shot at making good money.
When you apply to become an independent beauty consultant, they give you a startup kit, which provides you with some materials to start: a business announcement eCard, a custom color book, 40% off a business kit (which you need), and 50% off Mary Kay products purchased online.
This means that when you purchase Mary Kay products online at half off, you can resell them at full price. In this way you’re making 50% commissions on your own personal sales.
Once you move up in rank (to an independent sales consultant), you can start earning 4% on the sales of your downline. You could potentially reach as high as 13% commissions on sales that your downline makes for you.
But how can you get that pink Caddy?
If you reach about $100,000 per year in sales, you have the option of getting the pink Cadillac. This works great to attract more people to your downline, because people wonder where you got that customized car, and when you share the business opportunity with them, they’re excited to jump on-board and get themselves a Caddy too.
But wait – there’s more.
The car bonus incentive program looks great at first, but you have to understand that if you somehow manage to make 6 figures in sales, you don’t get the car fully paid. Instead, Mary Kay pays lease payments on your car for 2 years. However, if you fall below the six figure sales mark, Mary Kay stops paying your lease and you are the one who has to pay for the lease out of your own pocket.
Just something to keep in mind before you start dreaming of that Caddy.
What’s Great About Mary Kay
You can get started quickly as an independent beauty contractor with Mary Kay. You just have to sign the agreement and pay the $100 startup fee. Another beautiful thing about working for an MLM like Mary Kay is that you get to set your own hours and work according to your own level of commitment.
Furthermore, you get to polish your selling and networking skills. 50% commissions are one of the highest in the business.
What’s Not To Love About Mary Kay
Like any other work-from-home type of opportunity, your success is largely based on the amount of commitment and time you put in. The more you put in, the more you get out. Furthermore, when you start with Mary Kay, the payment is non-refundable. So if you’re in, you’re in – there’s no going back.
Also, it’s not just the $100 fee at the front in that you will spend. Once you decide to become a consultant, you’re going to need business cards, a credit card processing program, and other incidentals. You’ll also need to purchase inventory, and your director may encourage you to buy a significant amount to get started.
Additionally, you must place $400 in retail orders every quarter to remain in an active status. If you don’t place those orders, then you lose the Earned Discount Privilege. This of course means you’d need to purchase new inventory at retail instead of wholesale prices, so you aren’t earning your 50% commissions any longer.
Recap
If you’re into beauty, and you’re entrepreneurial, then Mary Kay could be the right fit for you.
Not everyone is successful with Mary Kay, but those that are doing well are definitely enjoying a rich (pink Caddy) lifestyle.
You can read about what you can do to be successful with MLMs such as Mary Kay here.
Before you go, here are some frequently asked questions about Mary Kay:
1. What is Mary Kay’s BBB rating?
A+
2. How long has Mary Kay been in business?
Almost 60 years – since 1963.
3. What is Mary Kay’s revenue?
3.25 billion, as of 2018
4. What does Mary Kay sell?
Skin care, cosmetics, body care, fragrance, and men’s grooming products.
5. What are Mary Kay’s most popular products?
Mary Kay’s flagship product is their skincare line, especially their TimeWise Repair age-fighting set, which contains a foaming cleanser, lifting serum, day cream sunscreen, night treatment with Retinol, eye renewal cream, wrinkle filler, and a facial peel.
6. How much does it cost to join Mary Kay?
The starter kit costs $100, and the Mary Kay personal website program which you would use to order your products from is an additional $30.
7. Is Mary Kay a scam?
No, Mary Kay is legitimate, and they sell quality skin care and makeup. Like in any business, you have to put in the effort to become successful with it.
8. How many Mary Kay distributors are there?
More than 3.5 million
9. Comparable companies: Arbonne, Jeunesse, Rodan + Fields
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