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MA Rudeness/Bad MAC experiences/Rants

post #1 of 499
5/26/05 at 4:54pm
Thread Starter 
Awhile back i was at a Mac counter browsing and wondering about some of the eye stuff. The MAC SA are always very enthusiastic and you just know they will help you and know about most of the products really well and will definetly know about every product.
I was wondering if the Shadesticks were better than Paints at keeping creasing away and asked an SA. She hardly had any makeup on and the stuff she did have on was very poorly applied which straight away doesn't give you a good impression. When i asked her my questions she had no idea what i meant by Paint. She said ''what? you mean can you paint your eyes with our eyeshadows?''. I repeated what i meant over and over even pointing to the Paints that were down the counter and she hadn't a clue what i was talking about.
Is it just me or is this really shocking! I expect the Mac SAs to know about all their products and especially a product like Paint which is so popular. It's like going to Starbucks and the people not knowing what a Latte is!

Today i went back and i wasn't very thrilled when i ended up being served by her again. I was wanting to buy an eyeshadow brush after making my thread asking you guys which is best. I told her the 3 brushes i wanted to look at and she looked at all the brushes and turned to me and said "i don't know which is which, can you just look for yourself"... I am the customer! And one which doesn't know anything about the brushes at that and should be advised by you! She found them one by one after a lot of looking and getting help by another SA and then when i asked her questions about the brushes she hadn't a clue about them. I was so glad when a cool looking SA swooped in and in about 10 seconds gave me enough information to help me decided as she was so enthusiastic and knew what she was talking about. I also ended up buying a Blot powder as she told me about it really well.
If i had been left alone with that other SA i would've become really annoyed and would have probably left with the wrong products and with no information.
How did she get the job?!?!?
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post #2 of 499
5/26/05 at 5:42pm
well there is a thing in the magical work world where they dont judge you on your background or looks- maybe she is new and very nervous. everyone is new at one time. i worked at a Stila counter w.o any makeup training whatsoever, i got my License there for 25$...i worked there for 2 years and the first few weeks there i was very shy and had to remember alot of names and do inventory alot, but i got nervous with intimidating customers who told me straight out what they wanted like I WANT THIS CERTIAN CREME, OR I WANT THIS CERTIAN COLOUR AND THIS SHIMMER blah blah blah no hello or goodbye. but it takes time to adjust to the new job and learn your way around, so even though she was stupid and rude with the brushes and didn't help you the way you wanted to be helped one day she will serve another person, or even you in a appropriate and professional fashion... but if she was THAT bad complain, but dont complain about how she looked, thats just wrong, complain about her preformance was and her being rude about the brushes..

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post #3 of 499
5/26/05 at 5:46pm
I would have refused to let her help me and complained to the counter manager. If the counter manager wasn't there I would have asked for the sales floor manager and let them know what a frustrating experience it was for you. Also the Counter Managers NEED to know when one of their employees needs more training, etc.

We tend to turn into victims when we go to counters, you need to know that you are empowering yourself by researching products here BEFORE you go to the counter. So don't let an MA who is rude/clueless/etc dampen your MAC experience. Politely ask the MA if there is someone else available to help you, if not tell the MA you would like the Counter Managers name and the counter phone number. It's ridiculous a counter manager would put an inexperienced MA on the floor without a seasoned MA to help.

/end rant
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post #4 of 499
5/26/05 at 6:06pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lo-Fi_Thriller
well there is a thing in the magical work world where they dont judge you on your background or looks- maybe she is new and very nervous. everyone is new at one time. i worked at a Stila counter w.o any makeup training whatsoever, i got my License there for 25$...i worked there for 2 years and the first few weeks there i was very shy and had to remember alot of names and do inventory alot, but i got nervous with intimidating customers who told me straight out what they wanted like I WANT THIS CERTIAN CREME, OR I WANT THIS CERTIAN COLOUR AND THIS SHIMMER blah blah blah no hello or goodbye. but it takes time to adjust to the new job and learn your way around, so even though she was stupid and rude with the brushes and didn't help you the way you wanted to be helped one day she will serve another person, or even you in a appropriate and professional fashion... but if she was THAT bad complain, but dont complain about how she looked, thats just wrong, complain about her preformance was and her being rude about the brushes..
I don't want to be seen as being nasty about her, please don't take it that way, i'm sorry if it came across like that. I just don't get the impression that a SA would know much about what they were talking about if they're working on a makeup counter that has such a good reputation, with poorly applied makeup. In my case i was right in my impression of her and have had 2 bad experiences with her which are quiet spaced out timewise and so her knowledge/service hasn't improved. Ofcourse i feel for her if she is new but i can't imajine how she would've been given a job not knowing anything. And if she was then i don't think that is right at all, i would expect some level of training before being allowed to serve real customer. I was perfectly polite and patient with her but as a customer i expect a good level of service and an SA who actually can advise me on products or even find them for me. I think that's a minimum requirement at a counter.
She wasn't rude in the blatant sense but i did find it very strange and awkward when she just looked at the brushes for 2 seconds, gave up and then told me to look myself. I shouldn't even be there behind the counter anyway!

I don't want to complain as she wasn't actually rude and i felt sorry for her when she was confused but it was just frustrating not being able to get any information/help.
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post #5 of 499
5/26/05 at 6:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sushi_Flower
I don't want to complain .... but it was just frustrating not being able to get any information/help.
Huh? That's not a valid reason to complain?! Her manager needs to know that she needs more training or at least a seasoned MA with her at all times until she gets the hang on things.
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post #6 of 499
5/26/05 at 6:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sushi_Flower
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lo-Fi_Thriller
well there is a thing in the magical work world where they dont judge you on your background or looks- maybe she is new and very nervous. everyone is new at one time. i worked at a Stila counter w.o any makeup training whatsoever, i got my License there for 25$...i worked there for 2 years and the first few weeks there i was very shy and had to remember alot of names and do inventory alot, but i got nervous with intimidating customers who told me straight out what they wanted like I WANT THIS CERTIAN CREME, OR I WANT THIS CERTIAN COLOUR AND THIS SHIMMER blah blah blah no hello or goodbye. but it takes time to adjust to the new job and learn your way around, so even though she was stupid and rude with the brushes and didn't help you the way you wanted to be helped one day she will serve another person, or even you in a appropriate and professional fashion... but if she was THAT bad complain, but dont complain about how she looked, thats just wrong, complain about her preformance was and her being rude about the brushes..
I don't want to be seen as being nasty about her, please don't take it that way, i'm sorry if it came across like that. I just don't get the impression that a SA would know much about what they were talking about if they're working on a makeup counter that has such a good reputation, with poorly applied makeup. In my case i was right in my impression of her and have had 2 bad experiences with her which are quiet spaced out timewise and so her knowledge/service hasn't improved. Ofcourse i feel for her if she is new but i can't imajine how she would've been given a job not knowing anything. And if she was then i don't think that is right at all, i would expect some level of training before being allowed to serve real customer. I was perfectly polite and patient with her but as a customer i expect a good level of service and an SA who actually can advise me on products or even find them for me. I think that's a minimum requirement at a counter.
She wasn't rude in the blatant sense but i did find it very strange and awkward when she just looked at the brushes for 2 seconds, gave up and then told me to look myself. I shouldn't even be there behind the counter anyway!

I don't want to complain as she wasn't actually rude and i felt sorry for her when she was confused but it was just frustrating not being able to get any information/help.
i know you wernt being nasty, i just been in her shoes before, i did have a experienced MA with me for a month helping me, all i was trying to put out is everyone is new sometimes
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post #7 of 499
5/26/05 at 6:16pm
Thread Starter 
Janice - I know and although i was very frustrated with it all i still feel sorry for her so i would feel bad. But i guess she would probably benefit from feedback so I think i'll mention it to another SA when i go back.
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post #8 of 499
5/26/05 at 6:31pm
I'm not trying to pressure you into complaining. In all honesty, and this is NOT personal so please do not interpet it as such, I would rather not hear people complain if they aren't going to at least give the counter manager a "heads up" on a situation. If you do decide to mention these "episodes" I would only tell the counter manager. If you tell another MA the situation it might or might not get back to the CM and who knows if it will be accurate at the point it does.
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post #9 of 499
5/26/05 at 7:02pm
I had a similar problem the other day- I went to redeems some empties for B2M and the girl didn't even know her product lines... I asked for deceptive (from the textures) and retrodaze (from d'bohemia) and she had no clue where to look for them, didnt even know what lines they were in.. so I waited while she looked for them, and when she told me they were out of deceptive (which sucked, cuz they had it on display, grr) I asked for Pink Apertif, and again, I had to TELL her what line it was from, she had no clue- there was another customer there, and I gave her more information about the product she was interested in than the MA did... I dunno.. but I dont think Ill be going back to that counter..
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post #10 of 499
5/26/05 at 7:03pm
How frustrating. I think Janice's advice is good.
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post #11 of 499
5/26/05 at 7:21pm
I dont think you were being nasty either,... I do think that when you apply to work for a high profile makeup company that you should go in knowing your stuff,..I wouldnt have been bothered by her inability to "find" things,... but to completely not be able to give you recommendations or help you differentiate between what the brushes were for? And to be that way more than once. That would raise a flag for me,...the people who work there are supposed to be knowledgable enough to do that,...it doesnt sound like a matter of shy or new,...I have read the employee manual,.. (Yes I am that sad) and if she had taken the time to do so it gives a basic knowledge of everything and as a MAC employee you are expected to have some kind of makeup knowledge,... like application. Trust me I have had some Noobs at the counters here tell me"I'm sorry, I am new and not tried out everything yet but I will do my best,.." and sure enough,.. I was happy and they helped me or ran to get help if a question was beyond their experience. If her makeup was bad then that also is a red flag,... if she can't even apply it successfully on herself,.. then how is she going to help a customer who needs to know how to use it and wants a demonstration. I would say something,..I feel bad but I would complain. MAC attracts customers who are expecting a certain standard,.... the employees need to make sure they meet that,..or it makes MAC look bad and loses customers,.. then MAC goes under and we'll all be flinging ourselves off of bridges,...I would talk to the store manager,.. that way she can hook that girl up with some training and make her read her MANUAL. It even tells you how to greet the customer and handle situations where you cannot find product/know enough about the product or what to say if you do not recommend something for a customer,....
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post #12 of 499
5/26/05 at 7:30pm
the 'finding stuff' wasnt what upset me, it was the fact that she knew absolutely NOTHING about their products.. that really bugged me, because I spend A LOT of money there, and when i go in, I sometimes like suggestions, etc...
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post #13 of 499
5/26/05 at 9:42pm
Wow- I had posted what happened to me at a NJ MAC Freestanding store, I think i would rther have a kind person with no clue make SOME sort of effort then the SA who YELLED at me, rushed me and refused to help me AT ALL.
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post #14 of 499
5/26/05 at 11:00pm
I wish I could just bring you all here to my freestanding,.... If anyone from Indy ever has a bad experience,... I think I would march up there and get whomever fired immediately,.. but we have such good MA's that I don't see that happening,.. I really feel lucky,...
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post #15 of 499
5/27/05 at 7:49am
Thread Starter 
Ok you guys have convinced me to have a word with the manager, it'll be for her own good if not for the customers. Do i ask for the manager of the Mac counter or the whole shop? Sometimes it's really busy and sometimes there's just 2 SA on so i don't know if there would be a manager present most times.
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post #16 of 499
5/27/05 at 11:39am

Where to complain about a bad MA?

Hi!
I was treated a little bit rough at a MAC counter in a very famous department store over here (its like Barneys or Saks) and now I dont know where to complain! Should I take it to the Consumer Communications?
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post #17 of 499
5/27/05 at 11:40am
I had that happen once, and that is just what I did. They take it very seriously. Sorry that happened to you
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post #18 of 499
5/27/05 at 12:07pm
Its OK I can deal with those *itches and dont buy from them...hopefully they can deal with a reminder from their boss...*g*
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post #19 of 499
5/27/05 at 12:25pm
in the past when i have had problems, i used the "email an artist" option on the website - they direct it where it needs to go. you could also write a letter to the counter manager.
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post #20 of 499
5/27/05 at 1:00pm
I had a MA yell at me after she ignored me for awhile. Another friend had complained to me that the MA was "rough" with makeup application. I just wrot to MAC via their website.
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post #21 of 499
5/27/05 at 1:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MACForME
I had a MA yell at me after she ignored me for awhile. Another friend had complained to me that the MA was "rough" with makeup application. I just wrot to MAC via their website.
WHAT?! She yelled at you? OMG I would've asked to speak with the supervisor or whatever they have there that's higher than her as soon as possible. I can't believe they let people like that in MAC. I had one lady "lecture" me about forgetting my Studio Fix number. That had me heated.
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post #22 of 499
5/27/05 at 2:18pm
Yep-She yelled at me, the short version of the story is, i went to my local MAC Store, not counter, with list in hand. On list was a request for chicaboom l/s from my friend who knew i was going. I get there, this woman is fussing, fidgeting, talking to others, looking at me, continuing to ignore me, Finally, i guess when she realized i was there long enough, asked what i wanted, I read the list, when i came to the l/s, she YELLED AT ME "NO! We do NOT have THAT! YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWN thats a LIMITED EDITION ITEM!!!!" Whoa.. my face must have been BEET RED! yep, she yelled at me JUST LIKE THAT! I asked if there was anything LIKE that l/s shes like "no, but you can look if you want"--- IF I WANT??? She kept asking me "is that it? is THAT it?" talk about the bums rush. She refused to help me find other items, with answers like "no, dont have it" or "out of it".. NICE FRICKIN ATTITUDE! Well, i sent an email to MAC. I dont know what they are gonna say, probably a generic "sorry". I haven't heard anything yet, its been a few days too.
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post #23 of 499
5/27/05 at 2:34pm
Honestly...I would kill her and buy nothing from her!! Bad *itch!!!
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post #24 of 499
5/27/05 at 2:48pm
IMHO a nice, short letter to customer service is the very least that is in order. I think I would have asked her nicely, not to yell at me.
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post #25 of 499
5/27/05 at 3:39pm
I'm surprised at how many people have been getting bad service from MAC. Nobody has been mean to me yet, sometimes I see girls that act like they're hot shit, but I've never had to deal with them, I go find someone else.
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post #26 of 499
5/27/05 at 3:40pm
I should have, but i was so shocked that it even happened, i was like, WHOA NELLY! Let me get what i need and GET OUT OF HERE!
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post #27 of 499
5/27/05 at 3:43pm
You should call in and ask for a manager first to see if they are there. If not, they can check the schedule to see when she/he will be there.
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post #28 of 499
5/27/05 at 3:49pm
WOW. That is terrible. Having worked in retail, I of course understand that you can have a bad day with customers, but I don't care how bad of a day you are having, you should NEVER treat a customer like that.
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post #29 of 499
5/27/05 at 4:10pm
I have written to CS on MAC's site. The counter at the dept. store near work has the snottiest girls working there and one day I took a friend of mine to check out lipglass and the girl there was completely rude. She did not want to buy anything because we were treated bad.

So I went to MAC's site and wrote where it was, the date and the girls who were there.

I got a reply back from MAC stating they were sorry and thanks for telilng them and they sent me a free eye shadow.
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post #30 of 499
5/27/05 at 4:34pm
I couldn't get the womans name... she didn't ring me up either, so it wasn't on the receipt, but i put the time and store number down.
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