Charging money for a sales party (Mary Kay)

[jkljkl]

I attend a weekly womens group, and one of the women has a friend who sells Mary Kay cosmetics. She wants to do a party with all of us, and give us make-up tips and facials, but wants to charge everyone $5 or $10 for attending the party. She would also be trying to sell us cosmetics and skin care products.

I have been to many of these (Mary Kay headquarters is in my city), and have never been asked to pay a fee to attend. Its a sales pitch, so it seems kind of nervy to ask people to pay. I would like to tell her I don't feel its appropriate to be charging money for this.

[kremsh]

I've attended Mary Kay parties in the past as well and have never been charged just to attend. They should be thankful if I purchase something!

I wonder what the MK powers that be would think about this, somehow I imagine this is against policy.

[meggers]

Wow! I'm officially one step closer to having heard it all!

[cheynesnana]

I've attended Mary Kay parties in the past as well and have never been charged just to attend. They should be thankful if I purchase something!

I wonder what the MK powers that be would think about this, somehow I imagine this is against policy.

That's what I was thinking too!

[Smee]

Tell her you'd love to, but you just wrote a check to P&G for the privilege of viewing their commercials. At least P&G has coupons. I wonder if she price matches. Bizarre all the way around.

[TeePee]

I guess if she was having a *spa type* party where she used products other than samples, I might consider. But I have honestly never had a *make-over* or been to a MK party but I sure do order a lot from my go to gal!

[jkljkl]

I guess if she was having a *spa type* party where she used products other than samples, I might consider. But I have honestly never had a *make-over* or been to a MK party but I sure do order a lot from my go to gal!

They actually don't do the makeover for you. They give you sample cards and you try on the makeup yourself. Which is fine with me. I know that Mary Kay reps have to purchase all their samples, but its certainly not $5 for each person.

I'm guessing this woman has held lots of sales parties where she didn't sell anything, and she wants some compensation for her time. But the fact she isn't selling much should be a red flag that this is not the best business to be in.

[joshmamabear]

If they're charging for snacks, drinks, finger foods so that they don't have to shoulder that expense whether or not anyone buys MK from them, that may be the reason. But it doesn't mean people will pay to join their "party".

From what one MK consultant told me, she'd advertised giving away samples and a make-over, and still not get any attendees Maybe its just the area? Others may be doing well for them to go as far as charging

[rheavon]

Yea... that doesn't sound right. I'd politely decline to participate, especially if it would be a standard Mary Kay party. I've never had to pay to attend any sales pitch-type party ever.

[jkljkl]

If they're charging for snacks, drinks, finger foods so that they don't have to shoulder that expense whether or not anyone buys MK from them, that may be the reason. But it doesn't mean people will pay to join their "party".

I can't imagine paying for food at any type of party. The MK parties I've been to had really cheap snacks. We're talking a bowl of chips and dip on the table, and some sodas.