tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716666792083573252.post1848918820478184824..comments2023-10-14T05:42:23.964-07:00Comments on The Truth About Mary Kay: Question about retail sales trackingJon Bironhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398467008484819674noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716666792083573252.post-58642699307126272512007-12-02T03:16:00.000-08:002007-12-02T03:16:00.000-08:00When I started my MK one year ago, my SD said "#1 ...When I started my MK one year ago, my SD said "#1 in the US". Now she says "and in Sweden too", which I know is a lie. But about the US claim, I decided to explore a bit. I started with the information (then) available at marykay.com and then worked my way from there. Here's what I found out (sorry about the lack of sources, I will find them if asked):<BR/><BR/>As far as color cosmetics go, it was only a few makeup products. I seem to recall it was lipstick and lipliner. So no, not all color cosmetics. That's why I never say that.<BR/><BR/>Skin care is trickier. The research was neither ordered nor carried out by MK, it's an independent study done every year. In this study, "Mary Kay" was compared not to other brands in their entirety, but to each individual line of skincare within each brand. If Mary Kay skincare had been divided into TimeWise, Velocity and Basic, we'd be far behind. Same thing if for instance Lancôme had put all their lines together. We're not #1 of the network company skincare brands either. last time I checked, Avon was far ahead of us, so if a director claims that's what's meant, that's not true either. It sure doesn't sound so catchy then anymore, does it? "A few of our makeup products were #1 in the US some year or another, and if you compare ALL of MK's skincare to PARTS of other companies' skincare, yeah, we're #1." And then, the fact remains that there's no way of knowing what's being used by the consultant, given away for free or collecting dust. I sell all of my product, but I've a lot of dust in this past year...not consultants buying prizes/recognition, but consultants trying to "save the unit" when our SD calls and begs. Sad but true.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716666792083573252.post-26039399240574125432007-11-28T20:21:00.000-08:002007-11-28T20:21:00.000-08:00MK4ME,Thanks, I have updated the post to reflect y...MK4ME,<BR/><BR/>Thanks, I have updated the post to reflect your contribution...<BR/><BR/>credit where credit is due and all that!<BR/><BR/>thanksJon Bironhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06398467008484819674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716666792083573252.post-35568818811006851862007-11-28T20:15:00.000-08:002007-11-28T20:15:00.000-08:00This is a good start! Thanks everyone for sharing...This is a good start! Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts and (*FURTHER) questions!<BR/><BR/>Something that I probably should have mentioned is that between Mary Kay's Legal Department and the many "watch dog" groups "policing" them, I am sure that they would not be able to get away with something that was not technically true. I have noticed that the "number 1 in combined categories.." quote has not been on the main MK site for a while. I do not know where it is typically displayed, nor do I know why it would not be up. The fact that they place strict emphasis on the phrase "combined categories of" leads me to believe it is a very specific segment of the market that they hold the position of number 1.<BR/><BR/>It is for this reason that I went to great lengths in this post to point out that when selling a product, one must emphasize what makes their product unique. The fact that Mary Kay did the research on behalf of their consultants is a sign that they want to help them sell their product. I agree with all of you that if you are going to claim something (anything really) about the product you are representing, you need to know where your information comes from.<BR/><BR/>At the very least, you should disclaim your source. I.E. My director told me... or I saw on the Mary Kay website that we... or based on the latest data from xyz, Mary Kay is... The more you can reveal about the source of your information the more accurately your audience can determine the validity of the statement for them.<BR/><BR/>I can tell you dog treats taste good. It would be more accurate and readily received if I tell you that my dog seems to enjoy dog treats. When you add context to something you leave it up to the listener to determine how valid they consider the source. It is my understanding that the source for this statistic was/is provided by Kline & Company. http://www.klinegroup.com/<BR/><BR/>I called the 800 number for MK tonight, but discovered that they are only available from 8:30 - 5:00 so I will most likely not be able to get information from them due to my work schedule. If anyone would be willing to find out what corporates stance is on all this, I am sure that some of these questions would be easily answered!<BR/><BR/>I think that it is a valid point that if you like the product, you don't NEED stats to sell it. It is also valid that if you are going to claim stats (whether you are MKC or an IBC) you need to be able to back it up. If Mary Kay had it on their website (which I know they did) it is very unlikely they did so without verifying their information (as mentioned before).<BR/><BR/>More later... thanks everyone and please, please, feel free to do a little digging and send it to me here!!<BR/><BR/>I will keep you anonymous or publicly reward you (no prizes sorry) with a big huge thank you!Jon Bironhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06398467008484819674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716666792083573252.post-41445712438126917772007-11-28T18:38:00.000-08:002007-11-28T18:38:00.000-08:00On the one hand, I'm with Colleen--I love the prod...On the one hand, I'm with Colleen--I love the products and I have no trouble selling them whether they're #1 or #100; however, I have to agree with Judi. If I'm selling the product and representing the company and I am going to tell my customers that MK is #1, I want to be absolutely sure it is an accurate measurement of success. I was telling people it's #1 just as I was told it's #1. My husband pointed out to me WAAAAY before PT came along that they based it on sales to consultants. Even then, I thought that was how sales are measured. But, if there is any shadow of doubt, I want the facts so that if we are legitimately #1, I can back up my claim with fact if I'm presenting the information and someone challenges what I'm saying. If it's inaccurate, then I don't want to even state the claim. It does not change how I feel about the quality of the product, however.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716666792083573252.post-80238183292497460982007-11-28T15:01:00.000-08:002007-11-28T15:01:00.000-08:00David, wasn't trying to be anonymous, the question...David, wasn't trying to be anonymous, the question via email was from me (mk4me) just figured it would benefit all and didn't want to stick it in a thread where it didn't belong. ThanksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716666792083573252.post-27208468308997280092007-11-28T14:48:00.000-08:002007-11-28T14:48:00.000-08:00I care whether or not MK is #1 for the simple fact...I care whether or not MK is #1 for the simple fact that they keep saying it is. If it is, give some real proof. If MAC and cover girl were using the "We're #1" stance to marktet their brand then they would have to back it up, too.Johnnie Cadehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15357805552145909446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716666792083573252.post-13087712384345389572007-11-28T14:25:00.000-08:002007-11-28T14:25:00.000-08:00I could really care less what number MK was in ski...I could really care less what number MK was in skin care. As long as the company still exists and we get 50 percent and people can still get recruiting checks, cars, and work their business ethically where they stand doesnt bother me. Does it matter where MAC, and Cover Girl rank? People still buy these products and they will still buy MKAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716666792083573252.post-53074033964388514032007-11-28T06:09:00.000-08:002007-11-28T06:09:00.000-08:00I'd like to see what you find out, too. I've alway...I'd like to see what you find out, too. I've always presumed that all companies measure their sales in distribution to their retailers, but I could be wrong. One thing to keep in mind when researching is that Mary Kay is #1 in the specific category "Skin Care and Color Cosmetics." Maybe it would be pertinent to explore what other categories there are. For example, is there a category that is just "Skin Care" or just "Color Cosmetics." Just some random thoughts. Also, I've heard that Mary Kay only occupies 10% of the market. So, 90% of people are using other products (or selling other products?). I haven't gotten this far in my MBA program (retailing/wholesaling, etc). LOL :PAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716666792083573252.post-19335686686697285262007-11-28T03:44:00.000-08:002007-11-28T03:44:00.000-08:00I would really like this question answered, too. ...I would really like this question answered, too. What does that mean exactly - the best selling brand. I find it hard to believe that MK beat out Clinique and Estee Lauder, even if IBCs are hoarding a bunch of inventory in their basements. This statement is one of the reasons I am disgruntled with this company. There was no backing up this statement. I told it to a class once and they LAUGHED! No one believed me. So I would really like to hear what others say, with evidence, of course. We know how much David Shepard likes his proof!LOLJohnnie Cadehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15357805552145909446noreply@blogger.com