Valerie’s Story

In August of 2005, my husband attended a Chamber of Commerce event and was elected judge, among others, to choose the best looking booths. My husband chose a Mary Kay booth due to the array of product sets and gift baskets (glitter & glam). He knew I used Mary Kay products in the past and mentioned that to my soon to be Director. She called him a few weeks later and came over with my soon to be Recruiter. At the time, I only wanted to order eye makeup remover, but was considering ordering a gift basket for my sister. The Director immediately jumped to mention an upcoming meeting, the ability to earn $50K a year, and so on. I agreed to go to the Unit meeting for a facial and place an order (retail).

At the time, I was at a crossroads between getting a part-time job after work or going back to school.

Their "world" captivated me and instead of ordering eye makeup remover, I signed up.

Let's talk about inventory. My Director was in a huge hurry for me to place an order, so much so that I only had 2 weeks before HER deadline. Now, after further research, she received some kind of bonus or other. When she sat me down to order, her inventory sheet listed orders of $1200 and up. She started rattling numbers about travel roll up sets and how many you need. She kept stressing the fact, that the lower priced order were not complete. What did I know? Included on the bottom, a credit union (be aware: some National Sales Directors use the same credit union as an "option"). I didn't have cash or credit cards with a high limit.

She told me taking out a business loan is considered positive debt cause you can write off the interest on your taxes and a $4200 start up will open a "complete store".

I ordered $4200 worth of product. I had a debut and made $660. After that, no one wanted to order or have parties. I never knew about $200 start up wholesale orders or $600 orders. I never knew I could've taken up to 2 months to place my initial order. Had I known, I would've broken even at the debut and kept ordering as a "personal use consultant" (another term I wasn’t aware of at the time).

While I catalogued my inventory for return, I noticed I didn’t even have one complete “look” for the makeup cases; she worked on my order without me. That’s because she was banking on me having to order A LOT more for the next quarter. So much for that. I quit because of the following: told to change my circle of friends because they didn’t want to attend her stupid meetings or raffles (very insulted by that comment); told over and over to pick a date for warm chatter (I could never do that); borderline SCOLDING for not bringing “guests” (ready to punch her face); Director lying on UnitNet about my “numbers” and “referrals”; meetings were about the “opportunities”, not the products (heavy sigh); and the Car Program made my stomach churn.

Every Sunday at church, I placed my MK doubts in His hands. I found forums with complaints from women who were stalked, pressured, etc. I found this website and the answers are here. First I felt a letdown, then deep embarrassment. I received the Return Order Form, will apply refund check to bank loan’s principal and call it a day. My notice to the Director/Recruiter was very direct and in point. I did not expect to hear from them, but ‘Lo and Behold’, I received a Christmas card pleading for me to hold a “MK Jamboree to sell my products”. Yeah, right. As far as my husband and I are concerned, I was taken advantaged of. Legal eagles & pinkies out there may say…"too bad so sad, no one put a gun to your head, you didn’t work your business." I don’t care, I know the truth and I’m moving on.

Thank you for this site, you are a true blessing,
and now, a REAL part-time job for me!