MAC FAQ: PPID/MAC PRO Card

martygreene · 06-03-2005, 11:43 PM #1 (**permalink**)

What is the PPID program?
The PPID program is a paid-membership program exclusively available to industry professionals -- makeup artists, cosmetologists, stylists, models, performers, etc. You can pick up an application at any freestanding or Pro store, or ask for one through the 1-800 number.

The term PPID is not used at MAC any longer. It's now MAC PRO Membership. The term PPID has been phased out.

Who can get a MAC PRO Membership card?
To qualify for the program, you must submit the application with $35 (US, other contries may vary in price), a copy of your photo ID, and two forms of proof of your industry profession that have your name and the profession listed (like a composite card, business card, cosmetology diploma and/or license, contract, program, etc.). The full list of documents is on the application. You can mail all of this to MAC or drop it off at a freestanding store for them to mail in. A few weeks later, you should hear back. When in doubt, contact MAC.

What is the bearer of a MAC PRO Membership Card entitled to? What are the benefits?
The benefits of the program include a discount on purchases made through the 1-800 number or freestanding/Pro stores (but NOT at counters or on the website) -- makeup artists get 40% off and all other professions get 30% off (department store exclusives and some special items like sets and kits may be excluded from the discount). Members are also eligible to attend "masters classes" and product preview events for professionals, to get discounts on selected industry publications, and to view the password-protected PPID website. The membership is annually renewable.

What are some of the cons to the MAC PRO Membership program?
If you qualify for the program, it's got some great offerings for industry pros. However, if you don't live near any stores it can be a waste -- unless you're going to order EVERYTHING over the phone, you won't be able to use your discount when you go shopping, and you won't be able to take advantage of the member events that take place at stores. You want to make sure that you're going to make up for the membership cost, too, with the purchases you make.

Can a MAC PRO Membership card be used to purchase gifts? Can I lend it to my friend?
Membership, and the special privileges assoicated with it may only be used by the individual to whom the membership is issued. Products purchased by PPID cardholders are for personal and professional use only, and my not be resold under any circumstances. PPID membership cards are non-transferrable.

Are there limits on how much I can spend?

Purchase limits are as follows:

No more than 3 of same item or color up to 24 total pieces
No more than 8 of the same item for discontinued products
No more than $500 (after discount) per transaction, per day
No more than two $500 transactions per week
No more than $2000 (after discount) per month
No more than $5000 (after discount) per 12-month period
No more than 3 transactions per 31 days (1 month) of consistent pigment and glitter skus
No more than 3 transactions per 31 days (1 month) of multiple of the skus
No more than 1 student kit (color or tool kit) per student.

For more information regarding the MAC PRO Membership program, please check the contact MAC directly at promembership@maccosmetics.com

mrstucker · 11-07-2005, 10:57 AM #2 (**permalink**)

How many of you hold the PPID card? I don't have a licence, but do makeup and hair regularly (have done it for 15 years now). I have my own promotion and marketing company, but I don't think that's enough to qualify....any suggestions? I spend over $3000/yr at MAC, and would LOVE the discount! (I probably wouldn't spend less, but OMG I'd have so much more!).

Leanne

user4 · 11-07-2005, 11:11 AM #3 (**permalink**)

a girl i know got it using her resume and her business card... she's a freelance makeup artist... she's not affiliated with any company or anything so you may be able to get it...

ledonatella · 11-07-2005, 12:10 PM #4 (**permalink**)

I used my cosmotologist lisc. and my business card that said I was a makeup artist, but as long as you have 2 forms of ID (or promotional material, etc.) that has your name on it and some reference to doing hair/makeup, etc. you can get it. My friend does stage acting and she handed in newspaper items with her name in it and a playbill that listed her as actress. Another girl I know did it with her business card that said freelance makeup artist and and also with an ad in a newsletter that said she did makeup for special occassions. Just remember if you do anything but makeup (actress, hair, facials, etc.) you get 30% off not 40%. But it'd still be worth it.

bluegrassbabe · 11-07-2005, 03:37 PM #5 (**permalink**)

I have it. I am an independant artist. I mostly do bridal makeup. My regular employment is also in the wedding industry, so I get a lot of contacts that way. I sent in a business card, and a client contract. I was approved with no problem. Liscensing will work, but there is such a variable in cosmetology. My state does not have any regulation on makeup artist, but it does on hair and nails. I have a "doing business as" liscence, but not one for cosmetology.

Isis · 11-07-2005, 03:45 PM #6 (**permalink**)

I just recentlly got mine using my license and diploma

I don't feel like waiting aroud forever for my business cards to get to me. Why is it some things just seem to take forever? I'm so glad I get to save some cash on this!... maybe not really considering it'll get spent elsewhere LOL

You can use any 2 of the following to apply:
Composite Card
Business Card with name and specific profession
Editorial page with name and credit
Union Card
Head Shot & Resume
Professional License
Diploma/Certificate
Publication Masthead
Program?Press Materials w/ Name
Contract on production company letterhead
Crew/Call list on prod. co. letterhead
Professional letter of refference of empoyment.

Make-Up Artists receive 40% off
30% off for anyone else.

Miss_Behave · 11-07-2005, 03:51 PM #7 (**permalink**)

How if you're a singer in a band? would that work aswell? and if, how do you proof it? would a website from your band with your name on it be enough?

Hikaru-chan · 11-07-2005, 03:58 PM #8 (**permalink**)

I have one because I'm a Nail Technician.

Isis · 11-07-2005, 03:58 PM #9 (**permalink**)

It does have an option for Performer/On-air Talent

Miss_Behave · 11-07-2005, 04:09 PM #10 (**permalink**)

Quote:

Originally Posted by FairladyZ

It does have an option for Performer/On-air Talent

cool, thanks!!!

pale blue · 11-07-2005, 04:20 PM #11 (**permalink**)

What's the turnaround for getting approved/the materials sent to you? I sent my application in over a week ago (in the mail), and I've been checking my online CC statement for a charge everyday practically..

starlight502 · 11-07-2005, 04:32 PM #12 (**permalink**)

it took my card about 3 weeks for the charge to show up... but i am sure it varies

C

PrettyKitty · 11-07-2005, 05:25 PM #13 (**permalink**)

I have one... cuz I was an hairdresser, but since I lost my job, eh.... I don't know if I'll be able to still get another card!!

Isis · 11-07-2005, 06:01 PM #14 (**permalink**)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miss_Behave

cool, thanks!!!

No problem! Can you get at least 2 of the things/proofs listed above??

Quote:

Originally Posted by starlight502

it took my card about 3 weeks for the charge to show up... but i am sure it varies

That's about how long mine took as well. Maybe thats the average.