Mary Kay: Inventory

I had several years experience working high up in management for Mary Kay. While I was very excited during the first three years of my business, once I became a sales director I found out what the real deal was.

Before a woman (or man - hey there are some in MK!) signs up for Mary Kay she is told that it only costs $100 to start her own business. Once she becomes a consultant the “option” to purchase inventory is laid out for her with the highest inventory level being approximately $4,200 and the lowest level for $200. If a woman asks before signing up if she is going to need to purchase inventory, the recruiter is instructed to tell her that “inventory is a consultant decision. Once you are a consultant we can discuss that avenue.” This is a way to appease the prospect without scaring her off. The recruiter’s goal is to get her signed up. Then once that happens the pressure to purchase inventory is laid on to her.

New consultants are told that everything is “optional”, yet they are made to feel that if they don’t do what Mary Kay says should be done they are not working their business. More to come on this marketing plan later.