MAC FAQ: Back2MAC (B2M)

[user3]

I am going to go with no on that one Barbie but I would call the place you will be returning it to because some do take glass IIRC

[mspixieears]

Please note that this is copied from a thread in MAC Chat: http://www.specktra.net/forum/showthread.php?t=42219

in regards to change in their policy:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cdjax

I went to a MAC counter today today to purchase a couple items and trade in my 6 empties for a lippie. When I gave the MA the empties, she told me that MAC no longer accepts eyeshadow/blush containers if they don't have the silver pan in them. I told her I had done this many times before and never had any problem, but she said it is a new MAC Policy that came down from corporate headquarters.
I'm REALLY hoping this is just a mix-up, because depotting is the only way I can do B2M, since I never use anything up. Has anybody else heard of this new policy?

Just copying these posts for reference.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawna

Alright, I finally got a response to my email from MAC, and it is totally useless. They don't even mention the metal bits although that is specifically what I emailed about. I have a feeling they just fired off a general response, but here it is anyhow.

Thank you for taking the time to contact us and for your interest in M.A.C.

Because we share your concern about our environment, with the Brand's
inception in 1985 we established the "Back to M.A.C" program: When you have
finished using M.A.C plastic packaged cosmetic items purchased from us,
please bring the containers back to a M.A.C location near you.

Although we cannot reuse these containers for our products, we can make
sure the packaging materials are properly recycled. To credit you for your
good deed, the accumulation of six (6) recyclable plastic containers
entitles you to select one free M.A.C lipstick as our thanks.

Please note: Since 100% of the retail selling price of Viva Glam Lipsticks
is provided to organizations that help people living with HIV/AIDS,
Lipsticks in this series are excluded from this program.

Also, the "Back To M.A.C" program is not available where regulations
prohibit.

We trust the above addresses your concern. We hope that we have the
opportunity to serve you in the near future.

Sincerely,

Tiffany Soriente
Global Consumer Communications

[astronaut]

Quote:

Originally Posted by holliedavis

I have tried not once, but twice to turn in depotted e/s for Back2Mac. I was DENIED! Bothe the free-standing store and the Dilliard's counter here in the Tampa Bay area will no longer accept pots that are missing the metal e/s pan portion. ????? They claim that because the pro pans are also accepted as Bck2Mac items, a person could essentially return he 2 seperate parts and get 2 credits for one item. Anyone have any advice???? I have 30+ depotted shadows, and I want my lippies!!!!! If I mailed the items in, would I get credit that way? And if so, does anyone have the mailing addy?

Wait... so the 9.50 pans are accepted for back to mac?

[noteventherain]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pimptress

Thanks..... I was wondering the same thing... now I know.... crap I would definately be getting my free l/s soon if that were the case

Actually, I guess it really depends which counter/store you go to. I always assumed that the answer was no, but recently I've heard several SAs tell customers that the stubs/lids of pencils can be used for B2M. I've heard it at more than one counter too. so, don't shoot the messenger, but I guess it's all on your region and what they're willing to accept, but they told me they'll accept it my counter. I haven't actually tried to exchange them though yet. I probably won't.

[holliedavis]

After finding that none of my local counters would accept depotted eyeshadows, I visited the Mac website and downloaded the Back2Mac mail-in form. I sent 24 empties along with the completed forms. I only paid postage to send the empties, and none was recquired for return of the lipsticks. I received the exact same 4 shades I requested within 14 days from the ship date. And shipping was FREE!!! Ereka! I have found a way!

[llucidity]

I just returned 6 e/s pot empties without the metal pan. No problems at all.

A quick question - empty lipstick containers do count as well right?

[LittleOne]

what about the container that the brush cleanser is in?

[Holstrom4]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleOne

what about the container that the brush cleanser is in?

I've used those several times with no trouble at all!

[martygreene]

Quote:

Originally Posted by llucidity

I just returned 6 e/s pot empties without the metal pan. No problems at all.

A quick question - empty lipstick containers do count as well right?

yes they do

[M.A.C*Attack]

anyone who is wondering i was told that there is no limit on b2m at least theres not supposed to be ...... i returned enough for 6 lippies today at a counter in a dillards and they were actualy happy to see i was b2m-ing...lol and i got all the ones my husband choose..lmao!

and he asked the girl if lip stick counted to and she said yes they do so hes like good now u have enough for one for when ur done with these...


anyhow just wanted to let u know !
take care

[M.A.C*Attack]

p/s.........ohh and metal pan or not it doesnt matter ur still supposed to be able to b2m them

[asteffey]

yeah they count.

glass, metal or plastic.

[M.A.C*Attack]

Quote:

Originally Posted by asteffey

yeah they count.

glass, metal or plastic.

.... ok i meant that even if the pots have the metal pan or not u can still b2m ....


because someone said that their mac store or counter denied them because they depotted them and didnt have the metal pan that holds the actual shadow in the pot..... when just today they told me i didnt have to have the metal pan and because thats why we depot them and the sticker we keep to know what shadows we have... and i turned in 36 pots with out the metal pan and got my 6 lip sticks yay !...lol

well hopes this explaies what i meant sorry for the confusion...

take care

[Ambonee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by barbie_doll_713

Quick question. I was getting ready to throw away an old MAC nail polish the other night. (The kind in the square bottles with ridged cap) And i was wondering if they'd be accepted as B2M??

I've turned in my empty nail polish and wasn't given a hard time I really think it depends on where you go...my MAC counter has NEVER given me a hard time about anything. I love it there =)

[tinkerbelle]

Wow, I had no idea. I am going to save my empties from now on.

[Steel]

Does anyone know if Italy's MAC stores participate in B2M?

[midgetfury74]

Im about to start a depotting frenzy so i can get ready for the new lipsticks that are coming out this month! holy jesus mother, there is so m uch to buy, hope this helps my budget even if its just a little bit!

[sewpunk]

Does B2M include just the pan versions on the product I shop a freestanding MAC store in my local mall, and have decided to stop buying pots and just use pans from now on, so I can return the empty pan as part of the program right?

The pans have lables on the bottom so they know they weren't broken up from a pot...

[midgetfury74]

i would imagine that it would since B2M includes all primary packaging and in the case of pans that is the only packaging and like u stated its obvious a pan that was bought in a pan versus one that was depotted. I would say try it and make that sam point. Worst that can happen is that they tell you no. On another note i have all my empties ready for thursday so that i can get 4 of the lipsticks from Untamed( i already have blankety) so i am excited. And plus m y MAs always find it so funny that i come in with my special little bag that i save them in and have everything all ready.

[MACreation]

My stand won't take lipglass or mascara with some product in it. Can anyone help me on how i can empty these?

[sewpunk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by midgetfury74

i would imagine that it would since B2M includes all primary packaging and in the case of pans that is the only packaging and like u stated its obvious a pan that was bought in a pan versus one that was depotted. I would say try it and make that same point. Worst that can happen is that they tell you no.

That's what I am hoping, that they'll accept it that is! Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by midgetfury74

On another note i have all my empties ready for thursday so that i can get 4 of the lipsticks from Untamed( i already have blankety) so i am excited. And plus m y MAs always find it so funny that i come in with my special little bag that i save them in and have everything all ready.

Cute!

[queenofdisaster]

as long as the packaging that the original item comes in says back2mac on it somewhere they have to accept it, right?

[MzEmo]

i have a question. what if the brand on my fibrelash came off. will they accept it still becuase you wont be able to read it?

[charismaticlime]

Quote:

Originally Posted by holliedavis

I called the customer service number, and I was informed by the customer service representative that the official policy of Back 2 Mac excludes depotted shadows that are missing the pan. The items must be COMPLETE. This SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well maybe you can finish one of your depotted e/s, put it back in the pot, and use it to claim your B2M lipstick. It's not like they open the e/s to check whether all the parts are intact, right?

[sugaxbayb]

I will have 11 empties, how many lipsticks can I get?!