How do you feel about being invited to Mary Kay parties?

1. 74

   ExpectGreatThingsposted 11 years ago

   How do you feel about being invited to Mary Kay parties?
   
   Or Scentsy, Tastefully Simple, 31, Tupperware, Avon, Just Jewelry, etc.
   
   

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2. 0

   RTalloniposted 11 years ago

   To be blunt, I have issues with them being called parties for they are sales events and the dishonesty makes me suspect the whole business.

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      ExpectGreatThingsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      That is a great point. They are definitely sales events. I have turned down the last 4 invitations to "parties" and started feeling guilty. So I agreed to host one. I do love the products (It's 31), but I don't want my friends to feel pressured.

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3. 83

   heidithorneposted 11 years ago

   While, in theory, the multilevel marketing model makes sense, in the real world it is quite awkward on an interpersonal level. No, I don't go to "parties," but do purchase products if it makes sense for me.

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   1. 74

      ExpectGreatThingsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      It is definitely awkward for me to invite friends to a "party." But I was wondering if I was the only one. If we all feel the same way, I wonder why these business continue to increase.

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   cre8ivOneposted 11 years ago

   I was very aggressively talked into becoming a Mary Kay rep when I was first married.  It was the most unlikely thing I could have done being unassuming and shy.  After that, I was quite resentful about that particular company.  I don't go to the "parties" either.  Often times, if I have been invited to some party I like, let's say Pampered Chef then I simply order from the hostess and pick it up later.

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   1. 74

      ExpectGreatThingsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I'm sorry for your experience. I was guessing the responses to the question would be similar and you confirmed it. I don't understand why they are so popular.

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   2. 59

      CynthiAnnposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      My sister had a similar experience with Mary Kay. She is fairly shy and reserved so intensive selling of all the merchandise they made her buy was not her forte. I think the attraction of parties is mainly for fellowship and socializing.

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5. 59

   christee123posted 11 years ago

   I hate it! As others have said, it isn't a party it is a sales event and I hate people trying to sell me things. I won't got to any such parties. If I want to buy something I'll contact the person on my own. The only direct marketing thing I can stand is pampered chef because they really do have some unique things,

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   1. 74

      ExpectGreatThingsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for sharing your opinion! I also like a few of the Pampered Chef items. I am surprised that no one has commented saying they are a consultant.

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6. 0

   lisasuniquevoiceposted 11 years ago

   I really like the three step hand scrub that Mary Kay offers, but since I haven't been to a party in some time I use sugar and liquid soap to take off the dry and chapped skin, then I apply a thick moisturizer and put my hands in gloves for an hour or so while I'm doing something else.
   
   When it comes to other parties, I like to go to the ones where you can get things you can find at other parties. If you ask me the Pure Romance parties are the best.
   Lisa

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   1. 74

      ExpectGreatThingsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You are the first one to be pro-party! I kept thinking there had to be some people who enjoyed them. Thank you for answering!

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      Bill Batemanposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Don't imagine you'll have a lot of men responding. Thought I'd "chime in". While going to my office this week I stumbled into a Mary Kay "party" in the common meeting room. All the ladies were dressed like Wall Street and all the noise was enthusiasm

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7. 84

   Efficient Adminposted 11 years ago

   It depends if I need the product or not.  I have been to several Mary Kay skin care parties and have hosted and taught a few myself since I used to be a consultant with them. The last sales party I went to was a Pampered Chef party and it was a lot of fun and I needed a few items and bought them there at the party to help out the Hostess.
   
   Recently I needed to replace some really old Tupperware so I went directly to their website and ordered online.  I didn't feel like dealing with a consultant when I could just order myself and be done with it in 10 minutes.
   
   Same thing with candles.  Someone at work was selling candles and offered the opportunity to have a candle party.  No, I just didn't feel like it but did order directly from them some candles because I did need some.
   
   I'm not so sure that home parties are convenient for a lot of busy people nowadays.

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   1. 74

      ExpectGreatThingsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I think you're right. Parties are not convenient for a lot of people. When we need something it is so much simpler (and usually cheaper) to hop on the internet and order it or run out to the store and pick it up. Thank you for your perspective.

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      CynthiAnnposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I guess a big new thing (at least with Avon) is eParties.  It's basically a time you designate to invited people to browse your eStore.

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      arenglishposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I do the same thing with candles. Sometimes, I'll even have a book only party. I do enjoy the book only parties because I can look through the book, see new items, and order. Friends enjoy the "No sales pitch" also.

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8. 72

   lburmasterposted 11 years ago

   It depends who will be there and who invited me and what the product is. These are assumptions given that the individuals there are decent to be around. Tupperware, up for debate. Avon, out of curiousity, yes. Tastefully Simple, yes. Scentsy, if there are samples, yes. Just Jewelry, I have never been to a jewelry one so yes. Mary Kay, no.

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      ExpectGreatThingsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I appreciate that you took the time to go through each of the potential parties. The jewelry ones seem to have become really popular in Illinois in the last few years.

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9. 60

   AlliOopposted 11 years ago

   I've been to a some parties like this that have been lots of fun and some where I felt like I was in some sort of crazy nightmare where I had to sit in a room with a telemarketer for an hour. In my opinion, a lot depends on the style of the salesperson. When you get one that is low-key and doesn't try to light the coals under your feet and MAKE you buy, it can be a good time with good friends (especially if they give samples). The worst are the ones who try to guilt you into buying something; i.e, "Your friend only needs $20 more in sales to get free products. You can afford $20 to help out your good friend." The sad thing is, these are the techniques that are sometimes taught by the companies. As a former Mary Kay consultant, I know for a fact that they encourage that behavior.

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   1. 74

      ExpectGreatThingsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thankfully I have never been to one where the hostess used those techniques. That is crazy!!

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      CynthiAnnposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I just started selling Avon. I haven't done any parties yet, but I want to. My thing is that I want my customers to know that they are getting a good deal. At a party, my approach would be to give discounts and and free items as prizes for games.

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10. 64

    greenchaposted 11 years ago

    Well if its all ladies there then I will go...ha..

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    1. 64

       greenchaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       ok then at least I could be the doorman!

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    2. 74

       ExpectGreatThingsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Lol! Thanks for making me laugh

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11. 59

    CynthiAnnposted 11 years ago

    My sister sold Mary Kay (for a very short amount of time) and threw a Mary Kay party. I thought that was fun. I think it is fun to get together with friends (and probably some acquaintances) for fellowship, laughs, and learning about something that you may not have much knowledge. I mentioned it in one of my responses to a comment, but I recently started selling Avon. I have yet to throw a party, but I would like to. It's good to get an idea though of the preconceptions people have of events like these though! :-) The new rage right now is eParties, which in my opinion just completely defeats the purpose of a party, but I still may try it to see if it has any success.

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    1. 74

       ExpectGreatThingsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you for your perspective CynthiAnn! I'm so glad you enjoy the parties. The one good thing about eParties is that you don't feel any pressure to buy things . But it does defeat the purpose of a girls' night.

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12. 72

    ArtzGirlposted 11 years ago

    How do you feel about being "invited" to an exclusive trunk show during the holidays?  There are special events by a number of top name retailers that pull out the red carpet for their clientele and serve champagne or your choice of wine, with the expectation that you will be able to view their new trunk collections, meet the designers, and will desire to purchase pieces from their collections.  This is an honor.  You are being selected to participate in a members only type event, or something that honors their top clientele.
    
    Ok, then-- if retailers can do this at a mall, then why can't your local home based retailer do the same thing?
    
    Maybe I'm biased, I have a background as a make up artist and image consultant and for years I hosted these "parties" and carted my cosmetics and makeup... color drapes, refreshments, etc... in order to entertain women for 2 1/2 - 3 hours -- and these were typically great social events where people came together to learn new makeup techniques and to try products that they would not have been able to have tried without booking a private appointment.
    
    I'll admit, I'm NOT your average bear.  I simply LOVE cosmetics and find it a treat to learn new techniques and find a product that will do a better job in the performance category... where you get more for your money and the product works better.
    
    Also, I have an advertising background where I appreciate the savings that some of these home based businesses can provide which would cost two to three times more, for their over inflated retail real estate for their makeup bays, packaging, and employment staff.
    
    Also, there are products sold in the home market which rival that of spas and allow women to set their own hours, manage their families, and create a viable income without having to directly work for a demanding employer.
    
    Plus, I've never attended a home party where I didn't learn something new, meet a new friend, or have fun in the process.  They are actually a treat! 
    
    But then again - I value learning a new makeup technique, and taking the time to be pampered!
    
    Shut up and eat your cupcake!  Smile, you were invited to a PARTY!  Wear your party hat with pride!

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13. 61

    arenglishposted 11 years ago

    I have gone to MK parties in the past, however the last party I attended was over a year ago. Let me tell you, it will be the end of any "partying" with MK! I am a fan of "book parties" because there is no pushy sales or too long demos.
    
    So the consultant attempts to begin the demo,  with a screaming baby ON the table and the other four kids running around the table like a race track. I was sure it would end in disaster. The consultant's attitude steadily declined. The kids were wrangled into the play room. Baby was still bawling on the table in front of his mom. Meanwhile, the consultant continues to ramble and demonstrate her stuff.
    
    I know she was informed that the attendants would be more interested in items that didn't require much time or effort. She chose to do an hour and half demo on make up and face care. An hour and half!! I don't spend an hour and half getting ready for anything. Thirty minutes? Maybe. She constantly told us how wrong our application process and techniques were. That was more than a little demeaning. Instead of criticizing, she should have been showing us HER way to do things. Also, not only did the group basically quit participating, they refused to order from her. I am not sure if they refused to order simply because of her personality or if it was because they are more than a little "eBay addicted." The sale prices she was offering the group were more than triple the prices offered online.
    
    The consultant has since failed to understand that no means NO! She continues to send DAILY texts and emails to those of us that attended this party in efforts to recruit new sales consultants. After that "party" (yes, the word party is used very loosely), there is absolutely no way that I would consider signing up. Especially, seeing her attitude fall so quickly with the children, I do not want to be "under" her!
    
    Needless to say, I haven't been to another MK demo. I do not have plans to attend one at any time in the near future either. On a seriously personal note, when I hear the words Mary Kay, I immediately think MiMi (face plastered with thick make up and too much blue, green, or purple eyeshadow) from the Drew Carey Show.

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14. 0

    swilliamsposted 10 years ago

    Personally EpectGreatThings, I don' like it. I remember way back when I was invited to a Mary Kay party and when I walked out I was signed up to sell their product in hopes of winning a pink car. The outcome was not good. I think they push their merchandise on you. And if you sale Mary Kay personally I'm not knocking the product it's just a little pushy.Yet, I could have said no. I like their shimmering concealer tho.

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    1. 74

       ExpectGreatThingsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Since writing this question it seems like half if my friends are now consultants for some company or another. Most of the things they sell I really like, but it's just too much stuff and too much money. Thanks for your answer.

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    Bill Batemanposted 9 years ago

    Don't imagine you'll have a lot of men responding. Thought I'd "chime in". While going to my office this week I stumbled into a Mary Kay "party" in the common meeting room. All the ladies were dressed like Wall Street and all the "noise" was enthusiastic.
    
    I was just "eavesdropping" while going back and forth to the copy machine a couple of times but the message of professional marketing of quality products came through loud and clear.

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