MAC artists make a commission?

[wikdwich]

OK! SO I LEFT THE MAC BOUTIQUE TOTALLY EMPTY HANDED! Crazy right?First the question? Am I mistaken thinking that the girls at the MAC boutiques make some sort of commission? One gal I really liked told me to always ask for her when I came in, and also asked that my girlfriend and I make our purchases together if possible (so that it appeared as a larger purchase), I assumed that these things meant they made some kind of commission? Am I wrong, can someone let me know how this works assuming it isnt a secret? Its perfectly ok with me because I am loyal to the girls that actually do help me, so if they make a commission I will continue these practices.
BUT! Now the situation, and the problem... The closest MAC boutique is an hour drive away from me in sacramento, so I made a special trip last week because there was some stuff I not only wanted, but also some stuff I needed (cuz we all know that theres a difference). I was a sure fire sale and a potential big sale, I always like to sorta make that clear when I come in because I seem to get more help that way and Im easy.
When I went in I asked for my favorite girl, the answer I got was "shes not in". PERIOD. There was no "can I help you with anything?" STRIKE 1. I looked for about 10 mins at a few things and was never even approached by one of the 3 very board looking artists standing around gossiping, so finally I had to ask for help! STRIKE 2. Then when I finally got one of the the gals to help to me, (I was trying to choose the correct concealer) she just sorta picked one put a dot on the back of my hand and handed me the tube. So I asked if she could apply it so I could actually see it under my eye, mind you this was like a thursday afternoon and I was the ONLY person in the store with 3 "artists". GET THIS; her reply was I'm sorry but in order for me to actually apply makeup to your face its a $50 application fee. OUCH! I said that Ive never paid before to have help choosing a product or two and that I wasnt there for a full face application, she said "we all charge it to apply ANY makeup" and then wanted to know who usually helped me because they should have been charging me! MOTHER F+ING STRIKE 3 homegirl! I asked if there was a supervisor that I could speak to and she said there wasnt one in that day. Not sure how thats possible but I said nevermind, I'll take my business to Nordstroms or purchase off the internet and left. EMPTYHANDED! So pissed that I didnt even go get my haul at nordstroms!
I really dont wanna have to order from the net so eventually I'll have to go back, but I'll call to see if my girls gonna be there this time.
WAS I WRONG? IS THIS A PRACTICE I DIDNT KNOW ABOUT OR WAS SHE AS RIDICULOUS AS I THOUGHT? SOMEONE WEIGH IN PLEASE!!!!

[MACForME]

OMG- Honey.. the first thing i wanna say is I was sorry to hear such an experience. I definately would have been OUT OF THERE!!!!
You know, I never understood rudeness. These days, you can't tell how much someone is or IS NOT going to spend by they way they "look" I too have been subjected to these antics and I hate it. And you know whats worse? Once I whip out my MACPro card, the attitude changes, but then, the damage is done. Anyway.. I would write to MAC and let them know whats going on, especially since you ASKED for a supervisor. Write them, seriously.
2ndly, i was told that they have a "sales goal". Some stores like Nordstrom give a commission also. So, I'm not sure HOW to answer your question. But, at this point, I'd write MAC and complain. Being treated like crap is unacceptable.

Here's the link: MAC Cosmetics | Contact Us

[SkylarV217]

I would have left too... I don't think you were out of line at all and I would defiantly contact MAC about the experience .

[MissVivaMac]

We do have sales goals but no commission, unless you work for a MAC @ Nordies because their paycheck comes from Nordies not MAC. The reason we sometimes ring up separately is to make sure the appropriate parties get credit for the sale. Sorry about what happened at the store! There should be no charge whatsoever for a product demo! If I were you, I would write in a letter on the website because our senior managers get everything that comes in on that website! complaint or compliment!

[addictedtomac85]

I am sooooo happy that you left! $50 to try any product on well if that was the case then what you be the difference between going to MAC and going to a drug store! You should definitely contact MAC and let them know about your experience. I would also included the MUA's name if you happened to catch it.

[kyustman]

omg I'm really sorry to hear about this experience you had!
As for the $50 application, that girl was so rude about it, even if it was true. I've had demos done for free...when I bought my first foundation, the MUA applied studio fix fluid on my whole face for free....


I hate when a shopping experience turns bad because of horrible customer service.

[Shaquille]

I hope you got her name and you can report her to whoever in charge..
She doesn't know what the f she was talking about..

[mac*lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaquille

I hope you got her name and you can report her to whoever in charge..
She doesn't know what the f she was talking about..

i agree

[Lapis]

I think the MAC here which is in a Belks doesn't do whole face/make overs unless you buy $50 in product, but I've never had an issue when I go in.

[amoona]

I know that MAC stores do charge a fee of $50 for any make-up done but that doesn't mean trying on a freakin concealer to make sure it's the right color! I think you should not only write to MAC on their website but also called the store directly and speak to the manager. Either the girl who helped you was a biatch or she's a biatch who nobody told the rules to. Either way it'll be in your best interest, and it'll help out whoever else goes in that store trying to get a color match.

Like it's been said, we don't make commission at MAC but we do have sales goals. Those are more important to us then commission because our job depends on making those goals. The reason why your girl had you guys ring up the sale all together is because we have this stupid thing called AUS and the average of all your sales has to be at least $40 (I believe $50 at MAC stores).

So advice to everyone, please don't come in to buy just one item! haha

[nursee81]

i have had this type of experience at the mac counter in macy's. the mua artist were so b*tchy. i just recently started wearing mac again when i went to a local mac free standing store. i say report her.

[nursie]

hell no, she was just a total bitch (and so am i today!). this pissed me off reading it, i am so glad you got out of there!

here my mac counter is in a belk, and they do have the $50 for total face on the weekends, but never ever ever EVER is there a charge for them to match you/help you choose the best shade

please send exactly what you posted here to the mac customer service on the mac website, they will respond! (and i hope you can find out that particular associate's name to include)

oh and i hope you can get your haul on soon with the one you already have good service with!

[xtiffineyx]

You definitely need to contact them. The way you was treated was horrible. Maybe it would be a good idea to write down the day and the time you was there so its possible they can track down who was working when you went in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by amoona

So advice to everyone, please don't come in to buy just one item! haha

I just have to say this. And please don't think I'm attacking you, because that was not my intent.

First off, I don't have all kinds of money to just drop by the store and drop $200 on makeup every few weeks. My foundation and powder I bought the other day (My first MAC purchase actually) Cost me $50, AND on top of that I have to put $40 in my car to get to the nearest MAC store. I spent $90 that day just to get over there to buy some face makeup. And yes, I wanted to buy and buy and buy but it's just not financially possible for me. I had to SAVE every penny I got for the last few weeks to be able to make that trip over there. I shouldn't be made to feel like if I go in there and don't do a huge haul then I won't get treated with the same service as people who CAN go and drop major amounts of cash. I already felt like a poor kid in the rich part of the neighborhood anyways. However, I wasn't coming in and only buying one or two things because I don't care about your job or your AUS. I highly doubt I'm the only other person that feels this way.

[sparklingmuse]

you mentioned that you drove an hour to go to the one in sacramento? the freestanding store?

cuz i too have had the SAME PROBLEM with the girls at the arden freestanding store. and ive walked out of there empty handed and just bought stuff online or at nordies cuz the girls at arden are just super rude. the only girl there that is nice and that actually helps me is the manager, and the petite blonde that works there. the short hispanic brunette gives me major attitude and refuses to help me also. she does the same thing to my friend that shops there. i wish i knew her name so i could blast her but i dont.

i say, write a letter and complain! they really have a serious problem.

[abbyquack]

I agree with the above, I don't want to feel all this pressure every time I go to the MAC store that the MAs are going to be snooty behind my back if I just want a lipstick or something. I already feel pressured about how if I return something I'm inconveniencing the company/salesperson, so now i feel i can not return anything or they'll hate me. Maybe MAC needs to re-evaluate their sales strategies so employees can focus on the customer instead of $$? I dunno...

Nonetheless, that girl was totally out of line, there's no way it's $50 to test a foundation!!! And yes, sometimes they charge $50 for a makeover that can then be applied to a purchase, but look, then u ended up buying nothing! so she lost out!!

[erine1881]

the $50 charge applies to fridays-sundays only on any makeup application, whether its a full face or just eyes. there is no charge during the week, and there's no charge anytime to match you to any product.

i think that bitch was just bored and didn't wanna do anything but chat with the other girls, so she told you some lame-ass excuse that could get her written up (and should!).

for her to treat you the way she did was/is uncalled for. you definately need to call and speak to the manager (there isn't always a manager on duty everyday btw) and you should also contact corporate. they love hearing about how great an artist is, and how bad they are too. they don't want rude people representing the brand, so if you contact them, they will make sure something is done so she won't do it again (you can bet you aren't the only one she treats this way).

[TDoll]

I'm so sorry you had such a horrible experience! I got pissed off just reading it! I would have whipped out a pen and piece of paper and started taking names and asking for supervisor's names and numbers...lol. OOOOH I'm serious. It's happened.
Thats total bs about the $50 fee. The experiences I've had with MAC makeovers is that in order to get a full-face makeover, you must spend $50 on products. Not just a flat fee. At least thats how it works at several MAC's I've been to in Atlanta. About matching the concealer...they are totally supposed to do that, no questions asked. You shouldn't have to ask them to help you find your shade. They should suggest it. Good lord, there have been several times when MA's have been like, "Want me to put some on you to try it?" talking about lip products or eye shadows or blush. That's their job. They aren't there for hire (only helping you if you shell out $50), they are supposed to provide you with excellent customer service. I would definitely send an email through the mac website with details about the day and time of your visit, and everything you told us. Even if they don't know their names, they can figure it out if you know approximate times and I would even provide descriptions. MAC usually has excellent customer service and if I know how they operate, you'll probably be compensated in some way for such a bad experience.

[ms.marymac]

Quote:

Originally Posted by abbyquack

I agree with the above, I don't want to feel all this pressure every time I go to the MAC store that the MAs are going to be snooty behind my back if I just want a lipstick or something. I already feel pressured about how if I return something I'm inconveniencing the company/salesperson, so now i feel i can not return anything or they'll hate me. Maybe MAC needs to re-evaluate their sales strategies so employees can focus on the customer instead of $$? I dunno...

Nonetheless, that girl was totally out of line, there's no way it's $50 to test a foundation!!! And yes, sometimes they charge $50 for a makeover that can then be applied to a purchase, but look, then u ended up buying nothing! so she lost out!!

I agree. This whole situation and what you and xtiffineyx posted is exactly why I think AUS is a bad idea. It's good in theory, but it affects customer service! MAC has been through this before.

And yes, to the OP-the MA probably has you and your friend ring up together to boost her AUS.

And now I should just e-keep my mouth shut...lol

[lainz]

if you're ever in corte madera (marin county in norcal), come visit me at the nordstrom counter. i can guarantee you no one there will treat you this way

[amoona]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtiffineyx

I just have to say this. And please don't think I'm attacking you, because that was not my intent.

First off, I don't have all kinds of money to just drop by the store and drop $200 on makeup every few weeks. My foundation and powder I bought the other day (My first MAC purchase actually) Cost me $50, AND on top of that I have to put $40 in my car to get to the nearest MAC store. I spent $90 that day just to get over there to buy some face makeup. And yes, I wanted to buy and buy and buy but it's just not financially possible for me. I had to SAVE every penny I got for the last few weeks to be able to make that trip over there. I shouldn't be made to feel like if I go in there and don't do a huge haul then I won't get treated with the same service as people who CAN go and drop major amounts of cash. I already felt like a poor kid in the rich part of the neighborhood anyways. However, I wasn't coming in and only buying one or two things because I don't care about your job or your AUS. I highly doubt I'm the only other person that feels this way.

I know you said its not an attack on me but seriously ... it was a joke. That's why I said "haha". I don't care if you're coming to spend $14 or $400. As long as you treat me with respect I'll do the same for you. Don't think that every MA is putting a dollar sign on your forehead while you walk in the door. And remember when someone online says "haha" it wasn't mean as a serious statement.

[xtiffineyx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by amoona

I know you said its not an attack on me but seriously ... it was a joke. That's why I said "haha". I don't care if you're coming to spend $14 or $400. As long as you treat me with respect I'll do the same for you. Don't think that every MA is putting a dollar sign on your forehead while you walk in the door. And remember when someone online says "haha" it wasn't mean as a serious statement.

Actually it wasn't just what you said that made me say that. It was also what MACforME said when she stated that they treat her different when they see she has a pro card.

I didn't say every MA was putting a dollar sign on anyones forehead but apparently a lot of them do, and I was just stating that I don't think that's right.

[Jinni]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtiffineyx

I didn't say every MA was putting a dollar sign on anyones forehead but apparently a lot of them do, and I was just stating that I don't think that's right.

I agree that it's not right, but it's easy to understand why it happens. When people's job depend on something, it's hard to be objective.

It's really up to MAC to change their policy. I thought they'd gotten rid of the AUS anyway?

[meanjeanster]

I always wondered if they made commission.

I too have been ignored and treated unfavorably by MAC artists especially when you're not all dressed up with makeup on. If you go in with a lot of makeup on and look pretty and are dressed well USUALLY...they 'll come right up to you. But if you're in an ol' t shirt and shorts with no makeup and your hair in a pony tail, they will ignore you or talk down to you like you know nothing about makeup. Sometimes they'll even condescend to you and treat you like dirt the way you were treated.

I have been through this with my little social experiment at 5 different MAC stores, 1 in Hawaii and 4 in the US mainland when I was there visiting. When you dress up and put your "Face" on, you get better treatment than if you go in there looking like you've been cleaning house.

They definitely do put $$ on every person that enters the door and try to go and get the business of the people who look like they'll buy more makeup.

I've gone in and spent 20 bucks at times and 200 bucks at other times. The REALLY bad experience I had where this chick was such a %#$ to me, I went and asked for her supervisors name and the number for MAC corp. She still talked down to me and tried to BS me and then I went and grabbed all the makeup I wanted and told her that she really fked up because I was going to buy close to 200 bucks of makeup. She just huffed and acted like she didn't care. I went and ordered it all online and reported her TWICE and she STILL Works there...

I just don't know, some people are so rude. I went in there all made up and pretty a few months ago and the same woman approached me and I told her no, thanks, I want a GOOD makeup artist. Guess she didn't recognize me LOL.

Report the chick , there's NO excuse for treatment like that.

[redambition]

not on - that was really rude. a complaint is justified in your situation as it's part of the service to be matched to products like foundation and concealer.

[MAC_Whore]

Just my general thoughts on the topic, not necessarily directed at anyone.

I walk in the store with the understanding that the MAs deserve respect and I do too. I will not accept poor customer service and address it up front if it happens (i.e. I have no patience for CS folks who can't be bothered from to break away from their chat to help you).

If an MA is illogical with their treatment of you, address it with logic. Call them on it, but do so matter-of-factly and without emotion (i.e. without sarcasm or name calling).

If you always expect people to treat you nicely and in a manner like you would treat them, you will often be disappointed.

There are people in this world who are just jerks and will treat you rudely. What matters, what you can control, is how you deal with it and how you let it affect you.

To the OP: Most counters do demos, or product focus areas (i.e. a lip product or a foundation or a concealer) free of charge. It is only a full face that they charge for.