Here is an example of just such thinking. This Mary Kay sales director thinks she’s doing the right thing by “only” having consultants purchase $1,800 or $2,400 of inventory when they start. Even though we all know that “part-time” consultants don’t need that much.

The email I received:

 

Tracey,

 

I strumbled on this site and found it interesting. I have been in Mary Kay nearly 28 years - a Directoror 26. I have seen it all.

 

I do believe many the stories. The sad part is that you are painting “all” Mary Kay people with the same brush.

 

I sell Mary Kay products with ease and fun. So do my unit members. We do not frontload - a star order is plenty for a part time consultant. We trade inventory to help each other out.

 

I could retire but enjoy it so much I just want to take lots of time off and do business part time.

 

Have always driven a company car and NEVER made a car payment. You have to be smart - the years I had babies - went Grand Am - then Grand Prix was great when the kids were young - now driving a Cadillac but plan to take cash as going part time.

 

Why would you do this? What is your story? What is the point?

 

It is all so depressing!!

 

I am sad that you don’t allow any positive feedback. That could be interesting - don’t you think?

 

Anyways, please know that there are many, many hardworking, honest, sincere Mary Kay Directors out here.

I sent her this reply:

 

You wrote: “We do not frontload - a star order is plenty for a part time consultant.”

 

You just proved that you DO frontload. A part time consultant doesn’t need $1,800 or more wholesale on the shelf. Quit lying to them and lying to yourself.

She wrote back:

 

Are you confusing “part time” with “personal use”?. Of course someone that is doing Mary Kay as a small business needs some inventory. When I think “frontload” - isn’t that like 3000-4500 and encouraging orders when they are not selling? I stick to the fact they can’t sell from an empty wagon - remember my unit does Sell!!

 

This is a great product!!

And my reply:

 

No, I’m not confused. If you’re telling part time consultants they “need” $1800 or $2400 wholesale, then you’re frontloading.

This is why it is so important that sales directors see Pink Truth. I believe most of them have convinced themselves that they’re not frontloading, even when the objective evidence proves that they are.