MAC Pro Store VS. MAC Store VS. MAC Counter

[NikkiHorror]

Which is the better environment to work in and why? Is it harder to get accepted into the team of a MAC Store vs. a MAC Counter?

I would figure working just for MAC rather than working for MAC and Nordstrom/Macy*s would be better; less strict as far as dress code goes, the MAC store gets collections that counters don't get, etc, etc etc. But I'd like to hear your thoughts!

[giz2000]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NikkiHorror

Which is the better environment to work in and why? Is it harder to get accepted into the team of a MAC Store vs. a MAC Counter?

I would figure working just for MAC rather than working for MAC and Nordstrom/Macy*s would be better; less strict as far as dress code goes, the MAC store gets collections that counters don't get, etc, etc etc. But I'd like to hear your thoughts!

Just from my experiences with the PRO store here in South Beach (I freelance there a lot)...most of the MAs there have been there FOREVER...a lot of them have outside gigs besides MAC and also work for agencies. They do a lot of fashion shows, music award shows, etc. This means that their talent level is considered very high by MAC (plus..it's always who you know that helps you open doors). I am not sure how regular MAC stores work, but this is just my experience with this particular PRO store.

[MACGoddess]

It is easier to get hired by a Counter than a Store, and the same KIND OF goes for the Pro store...

The level of skill and experience in stores and pro stores is much higher than counters in most cases. I am NOT putting down those who work in counters!! Trust me, I know there are a LOT of kick ass artists that work at counters, but if you are an unknown quantity for MAC they are more likely to start you out there so they can see what you can do first.

I LOVE working at my store, I would never trade it...

[MisStarrlight]

I don't know if it's necessairly easier to get hired at a counter than a store. I'm sure by now everyone knows my hiring story, but I started out at a store, but then got called to work a counter (my current location) and although they have called, have never returned to my original store.
My differences are basically in the personalities of the management/staff of the two places. The counter was much more laid back and welcoming. Even though the sales goals are exactly the same, I didn't feel that my job was in jeopardy if I had one off day a month or whatever. And besides, working at a partnered location, you get the MAC discount as well as the discount of the store you're working in.

I would think it's near impossible to get hired in a pro store without "proving yourself" in the company for a while...but I really wouldn't have a clue. I've only been to my Pro Store once to shop & once for Update (but next week is Basic...yay!!)

[FacesbyNiki]

I truely enjoy working at a counter. I don't see nothing wrong with it. It's all in what experience YOU make it.

[shabdebaz]

It depends on your personality. I personally like working at a counter because of all the different types of people you work within that particular department store. It puts a little variety in your day to talk to people about something other than MAC. I also feel that the counter is less stressful than stores and that everyone is a little more laid back.

[NikkiHorror]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shabdebaz

I personally like working at a counter because of all the different types of people you work within that particular department store. It puts a little variety in your day to talk to people about something other than MAC.

I agree with you there!!! Since I already work for Nordstrom I guess it would be easier just to transfer when I'm ready, plus it'd be nice to get the discount from both MAC and Nordies . The only thing is, the cosmetic managers at the Nordstrom I would transfer to are pure E-VIL.

What's the difference in pay at a counter vs. a store? I heard that at a MAC Store you get high hourly, and only get comission from doing the $45.00 booked appointments ($8.00 per appointment that shows up.) True or False?

[shabdebaz]

The hourly pay is the same here for stores and counters. We don't get commission either.

[MisStarrlight]

^^
Not at my counter/former store....I get paid exactly the same in both places. It may vary depending on region, but it's my understanding that you only get commission at Nordstroms (and consequently get paid less per hour, but I guess it evens out).

[FacesbyNiki]

Nordies is salary plus commission. My checks look lovely and I only work weekends.

[bebs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MACGoddess

It is easier to get hired by a Counter than a Store, and the same KIND OF goes for the Pro store...

The level of skill and experience in stores and pro stores is much higher than counters in most cases. I am NOT putting down those who work in counters!! Trust me, I know there are a LOT of kick ass artists that work at counters, but if you are an unknown quantity for MAC they are more likely to start you out there so they can see what you can do first.

I LOVE working at my store, I would never trade it...

I dont know about counters, but Pro store MA's have to have worked at a mac store for at least 2 years before applying to the pro store.

[MACGoddess]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bebs

I dont know about counters, but Pro store MA's have to have worked at a mac store for at least 2 years before applying to the pro store.

Are you sure? We had an employee who worked for us for 1 yr and applied for a full time position at the Pro store and got it. He transferred there about a month or so ago.

[NikkiHorror]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FacesbyNiki

Nordies is salary plus commission. My checks look lovely and I only work weekends.

Maybe it's different at each store. I work at Nordstrom Horton Plaza in San Diego (reputation for being the slowest store out of all), and our MAC counter gets salary and comission. I heard rumour that our much bigger, busier, sister store, Fashion Valley only gets hourly, but not comission. I don't know!!! Can someone clarify?

But, we've concluded for sure that the MAC Store Employees only get high hourly, right?

[MACGoddess]

MAC Store employees ONLY get hourly pay and we do get a commission of $8 for each appt we do.

[bebs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MACGoddess

Are you sure? We had an employee who worked for us for 1 yr and applied for a full time position at the Pro store and got it. He transferred there about a month or so ago.

thats what I've been told by a few friends that work there, included the manager rob (mac pro store in LA) that everybody that works there has at least 2 years of working for MAC and then they can transfer, I guess if they were really looking for people they might take others with really good numbers I donno though I guess anything can happen then.

[FacesbyNiki]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NikkiHorror

Maybe it's different at each store. I work at Nordstrom Horton Plaza in San Diego (reputation for being the slowest store out of all), and our MAC counter gets salary and comission. I heard rumour that our much bigger, busier, sister store, Fashion Valley only gets hourly, but not comission. I don't know!!! Can someone clarify?

But, we've concluded for sure that the MAC Store Employees only get high hourly, right?

I know in my area, all the Nordies MAC gals and guys get salary plus commission.

[calbear]

Well I'm a store employee now but I freelanced for quite a bit at every location type in my area (stores, Nordies and Macy's). I can truly say that the real difference is in management and the staff. If the staff and management is laid back then that's the environment you get. I worked in some locations where everyone was a 'family' and at others where I thought someone was gonna catch a beat down every day I was there.

Now the pay can be pretty equal with the commision of Nordies versus the higher base salary of the other locations. They try to keep it around the same. MAC store employees can get commision on PMU appointments (they are not just regular floor appointments but done usually in a private room one on one with the customer) and on lessons if there are certified.

Now the only drama in my area that kinda separated the various employees was that MAC did not consider the Nordies employees as MAC employees and would not let them apply for things such as Passport fashion shows. We think it might have had something to do with the fact that Nordies exerts so much power over the hiring process regardless of which counter you work for and MAC wasn't happy with that. But that's the only place that ever has come up - they get the same discount as everyone else so that was really the only drama.

[NikkiHorror]

Quote:

Originally Posted by calbear

Well I'm a store employee now but I freelanced for quite a bit at every location type in my area (stores, Nordies and Macy's). I can truly say that the real difference is in management and the staff. If the staff and management is laid back then that's the environment you get. I worked in some locations where everyone was a 'family' and at others where I thought someone was gonna catch a beat down every day I was there.

Now the pay can be pretty equal with the commision of Nordies versus the higher base salary of the other locations. They try to keep it around the same. MAC store employees can get commision on PMU appointments (they are not just regular floor appointments but done usually in a private room one on one with the customer) and on lessons if there are certified.

Now the only drama in my area that kinda separated the various employees was that MAC did not consider the Nordies employees as MAC employees and would not let them apply for things such as Passport fashion shows. We think it might have had something to do with the fact that Nordies exerts so much power over the hiring process regardless of which counter you work for and MAC wasn't happy with that. But that's the only place that ever has come up - they get the same discount as everyone else so that was really the only drama.

Wow that's quite controversial: Not allowing MAC Nordstrom or MAC Macy's artists the previlage of doing makeup for fashion shows AND not considering them true MAC artists? That's pretty scary.

[FacesbyNiki]

Quote:

Originally Posted by calbear

Well I'm a store employee now but I freelanced for quite a bit at every location type in my area (stores, Nordies and Macy's). I can truly say that the real difference is in management and the staff. If the staff and management is laid back then that's the environment you get. I worked in some locations where everyone was a 'family' and at others where I thought someone was gonna catch a beat down every day I was there.

Now the pay can be pretty equal with the commision of Nordies versus the higher base salary of the other locations. They try to keep it around the same. MAC store employees can get commision on PMU appointments (they are not just regular floor appointments but done usually in a private room one on one with the customer) and on lessons if there are certified.

Now the only drama in my area that kinda separated the various employees was that MAC did not consider the Nordies employees as MAC employees and would not let them apply for things such as Passport fashion shows. We think it might have had something to do with the fact that Nordies exerts so much power over the hiring process regardless of which counter you work for and MAC wasn't happy with that. But that's the only place that ever has come up - they get the same discount as everyone else so that was really the only drama.

This is funny because at basic, when I would answer questions correctly, and would be the only one that knew the answer (big example knowing who certain make up artist were. I mean if you don't know who Gordon Espinet is - whew - sorry, my opinion). My trainers would be so proud and would give me high praise for it. MAC store employees would kinda roll their eyes at me. LMAO.

But also, in my area, our MRO picked who she wanted basically. I've heard of her interviewing folks for Nordies but placing them elsewhere.

[MisStarrlight]

I feel like Nordstroms is a weird situation. I dunno if I'll ever understand it...but since I only know of one Nordstroms' MAC in my area, I can promise you that I will never work there. Hehe

Nordstoms is considered a Federated Location (I think Saks is too, but don't quoe me on that) so that's even completely different from regular Partnered Locations (Macy*s, etc)

In my Basic class there is one girl that works at Norstroms-so at least they go to Basic. I dunno about their fashion show certification, but at least at Macy*s we definitely can get FS certified.

[NikkiHorror]

I thought Macy*s was a Federated store, not Nords...

[giz2000]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NikkiHorror

Wow that's quite controversial: Not allowing MAC Nordstrom or MAC Macy's artists the previlage of doing makeup for fashion shows AND not considering them true MAC artists? That's pretty scary.

That must be a regional thing, because here in So. Fla, it doesn't matter what counter/store you're at...if you're FS certified, you can do fashion shows/work PRO Store events/launches, etc.

[FacesbyNiki]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NikkiHorror

I thought Macy*s was a Federated store, not Nords...

That is correct.

[MisStarrlight]

Hmmm...maybe I'm wrong. They've always referred to Macy*s as a "partnered location" so I just figured that since that was partnered, Nordstroms was federated.

[FacesbyNiki]

They put us all together if we aren't working in a store.