Re: Mary Kay

Your results are exactly that - Yours!

The same can be said for all those who post on this and any other forum. Good or bad, each is the result of what they have done with the opportunity. Some do well with it, while others don't. But that doesn't make Mary Kay a scam.

There are thousands of opportunities available online today, where the typical joined would be thrilled to make $15,000 to $20,000 net profit after expenses.
Many more would be pleased just to have their money back, with no loss to bear.

But, if you check, you can find McDonald's franchises that have been closed or sold at a loss. Even after investing $500K to $1 Million or more for the franchise, than paying for the land and building, there is no guaranteed profit. It doesn't make it a scam.

The question of percent of profitable MK dealers is simply that. How many who sign-up make a profit? How many who didn't make a profit, worked the business seriously and put forth the necessary effort and expense to properly launch their business?

Retailing and direct sales offer no guarantees. The entry cost to get into Mary Kay if the beginner doesn't allow themself to be "front-loaded" is nominal compared to opening a retail store. The "front-loading" is most likely more of a sponsor's leadership than a corporate mandate.

Total compensation: In addition to the $15K to $20K net profit you posted, how many of those MK sales reps are also driving a car that MK leases for them as a bonus for their successful sales and/or recruiting.

Market saturation: While that may be a factor for some, others thrive where the market is supposedly already at saturation levels. In addition, the MK products also compete with dozens of other retail and direct sale brands for the skin care products that are their primary source for commissions.

Fact: The compensation package is working for many - both long term MK reps as well as new start-ups.

Fact: As they state with new car mileage, "Your mileage may vary!" Local market conditions, personality type, self-motivation and disciplie (or lack of it), plus other factors will guarantee that every dealer will have different results.

As someone else already posted, if it was a scam, it certainly wouldn't have lasted the many years it has.

I failed 3 times with 3 different MLM companies. Others were successful in each of those companies. My results only show the products/business weren't right for me, or I wasn't right for them.

My success in promotional advertising for the past 21 years, do not indicate or guarantee that another person will do as well as I have. The one's who sign-up, but don't follow through and find success are no indication that the business is either unworkable, unprofitable, or a scam - merely that it didn't suit them at this stage in their life.

Thousands have made a good part-time or full-time income with Mary Kay.

I wish you the best of luck in finding the right situation for you, with your skills and personality-type. As Mel. would say, find something that you a passionate about, hobby or otherwise, and look for a way to turn your interest into a income. It'll be much easier to follow-through if you love what you do.

Dennis Bevers