Business Focus: Mary Kay
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When you think of the top at home businesses for women Mary Kay is probably near the top of your list. Started in 1963 by Mary Kay Ash for $5,000 it now has over 1.7 million consultants around the world. Sales topped $2.25 Billion in 2006. Mary Kay is a cosmetics company that focuses on beauty for women.
I remember being at a convention hall once and seeing a bunch of pink Cadillacs in the parking lot. I knew there had to be a Mary Kay convention going on. It is one of the only direct sales companies that reward their consultants with a car when they reach a specific level of sales and leadership. I believe it was also the first company to do so. The custom pink paint color is exclusive to Mary Kay.
If you love skincare and cosmetics than you may want to look into this company. Chances are that you know someone who is a consultant or uses the products. One of my friends has been with the company for several years now and always had good things to say about it. She credits the company with helping her to be more outgoing and giving her an income while being able to stay home with her children.
I have heard some complaints about the company though, so do your research. Most of them stem from the fact that the market may be oversaturated with consultants in some areas. Some people also complain of uplines that push them to buy large amounts of inventory in order to have product on hand so customers do not have to wait. You may be stuck with a bunch of items that you do not want if you decide the company is not for you.
Are you a consultant with Mary Kay? What do you think of the company? Mary Kay certainly revolutionized direct sales and has helped many women over the years.
Warmly,
Mia
May 21st, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Hi!
Yes, I have been a Mary Kay business owner for about 3.5 years. Working very part time, but consistently, I was able to earn a car in 2 years (the Pontiac Vibe, but we chose the cash option, because we had a new car that we liked.)
I did opt for inventory ($3,000), because I knew that women like to get there products on the spot….and it has tremendously helped me build a very loyal customer base. But I can see how some folks may complain about that aspect. But what I thought was cool, was that if I gave this business a try, and if I didn’t like it, I could have mailed back all of those products and get 90% back……but the company gave me $600 in free products with my inventory order, and I would have been able to keep that regardless, so I would have actually made out on the deal.
I was able to leave my stressful corporate job, and get out of the daily grind and the commute! Now I’m able to stay at home with my two-year old son, and earn an awesome income! With a job that I love!
It’s like anything else, though…you get out of it, what you put into it. I treat it like a job, so I get a full-time income…but it’s so much more fun and less stressful than my corporate job. I couldn’t be happier!
If anyone has any questions about the business that I can help with, please let me know: 919-749-1865. Thanks for listening!