Bad experience at MAC store...

[MisStarrlight]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sexypuma I am sorry but now I understand this reaction better. I thought only ignorant pp would react like that but yesterday I asked my friend to come with me to MAC. My fav MA was not there, the store was empty and there was only MA on the floor. Fortunately for me, i knew exactly what i wanted but for my friend it was a totally different experience. She explained to that MA exactly what she was after (she wanted soft pink lips or even plummy lips). All the colours ( from l/s to l/g )were off. Then my friend told me let's just go. I'll come back tomorrow and have sb my complexion help me.

Honestly, that has to do with that particular artist's eye and taste...NOT THEIR SKIN COLOR!!!!!!

But I will give you credit...you tried that artist out, gave them a chance. You guys didn't like what they gave you, so you're going back to another artist, no biggie, but still not about skin color.

 

[sexypuma]

I think we are probably not understanding each other. I have 2 fav MAs. 1 is black, the other 1 is a white male. I have no pb with either of them but even though i would not refuse help from a white MA, i can see why some people might based on what happened to my friend.
Btw so that it's clear, i am not saying that the artist could not satisfy my friend because her race is different. That is why i even said maybe she lacks experience and so on. All i was trying to say again was that those people that we all called ignorant and racist are acting like that maybe because they a bad prior experience not necessarily because they are bigots.

 

[pinkstar]

I've never had a bad experience with a MAC artist. They've always been very courteous & helpful! There's one m/a that always looks mad, but she's always like that--to everyone. I don't know what's her problem! lol

I've heard a few older women complain about MAC's service before though, they were all white too. They said that the MAC girls behave like "they are doing you a favour" or something.

Also, MAC associates don't get a commission. I've been told that many times (even by department store managers) because they make way more than the other counters.

 

[Xqueeze_me]

My my my!!

I visited 2 MAC Counters (at Myer and David Jones in Melbourne, city) and the MAC Concept Store (I think that's what its called..). Their customer services have TOTALLY changed! They're so much more helpful and friendlier!

I think those "bad experiences" scars are disappearing/healing too! hehehe

The MAs at Myer MAC Counter were very friendly AND helpful when I needed help with the MAC Pigments. (Special thanks to Opal, Martina and Robert!)

The MA at the MAC Concept Store is a sweetie! Not only did he help me but also sneaked (well, not sneaked but GAVE me) some samples for me to try!

(Even if I was there for something else and have no intention of buying) BUT being the friendly and helpful sweetie he is, I decided to purchase 2 Matte Pigments from him. (Special thanks to Shane!)

It made my day a GREAT one because of their genuine friendliness and great customer service. Well done, guys!

 

[glam8babe]

Where i live theres a mac counter about an hour drive away...the girls seem nice and always ask if i need help even if it's totally busy! But when i see them doing makeovers on girls/women it doesnt look good to me at all. Like one time this 'gothic' looking MA was doing a girls makeup [she looked about 7] yeh abit young i know! and when she finished she had bright blue eyeshadow, bright pink lips and bright pink cheeks... it looked like the girl had did it herself with her mummys makeup... i was disguisted!

 

[amenonine]

Talk about the rude MUA's at MAC (though not all of them are rude, it really depends on where you go...) I haven't had a really bad experience with MAC yet.

But honestly, for the longest time I haven't really had the courage to walk into a MAC store without feeling intimidated by the MUA's that work there. When I was in highschool (probably around grade 11/12), I was looking for some make-up for prom and I happen to walk into one particular MAC store and they did not even look at me as a costumer. But it really did feel like they didn't want to talk to me--it was more like they were trying to ignore me and hope that I'd go away ...haha

I'm not the really fashionable type of person; I don't wear make up everyday, but i've noticed that MUA's there often judge you on what you look like and then decide if they should "help" you with things.

Anyway, because of that I've avoided a lot of MAC places.

buuut today was a good day because I found a MAC with nice make-up artists hahaha.. really friendly.

(I've also noticed (i'm asian and often i follow my mom into asian beauty stores) that a lot of those asian women who work there and sell asian brands are all really "hard-sale". What i maen with hard-sale is that they really like to try to push products onto you. Again, i'm pretty intimidated by those places too lol )

 

[melliquor]

I went to the pro store in London last weekend and was completely ignored by all of the MAs. I was the only one in the store and they all ignored me. I was so disappointed because I was so looking forward to going there and getting some of the new stuff. It completely put me off of that store. I will still go there but only to get my pans and palettes. Anything else, i will go to Selfridges.

I love Selfridges because the MAs there are so nice and friendly. I went there about 3 weeks to return some foundation that dried me out. The MA that was helping me was so nice. She tried on Mineralize Satinfinish and it was outstanding. She matched my skin perfectly. She also helped me choose a lipliner and loads of stuff.

There are some bad MAs out there but for every bad one, there is about another 10 good ones that are so friendly, nice and helpful and who will go out of their way for you. Thank you to all of the good ones because of you, I LOVE MAC!

 

[asnbrb]

Y'know, recently, I've only been ignored once, but I noticed them whispering to each other "Oh, sh*t! You didn't greet her!?"

 

[Smilla]

You couldn't buy MAC here for a long time, except at this hair salon staffed by complete bints. So the first time I visited a MAC counter was in Toronto at the Bay about 5 years ago. The MAs were incredibly nasty. I went back to the same counter last year in November and again the MAs there were terrible. I grabbed my sister and we walked over to the Benefit counter. The MAs there were adorable, all three of them hovered over my sister and I and gave us impromptu makeovers. My sister's getting married in August so they were all super excited to try out different colours on her. Unfortunately neither of us liked the Benefit products too much but we bought a few things out of guilt.

A MAC store opened here recently and I was really scared to go! I finally went last month and everyone there was so nice. They were really getting slammed with people but every MA there would whisper something to me as they ran past to help people who were there first, "Sorry hon, I'll be with you as soon as I can!" etc. Then after I had been rung up and was leaving a few of them said thank you to me for being so patient! I'm definitely going back.

 

[ritchieramone]

I've never had a *really* bad experience at a MAC store or counter, but I could only claim to once have had what I would call really good service.

Generally, I visit the London pro store or the counter in the Glasgow HoF. At the pro store, I always feel as if I'm being rushed out in favour of other customers, most of whom seem to be getting lots and lots of helpful advice! I usually leave with a nice big haul, but a sort of disappointed feeling.

The last time I was in, the MA was (unintentionally, I'm sure) rather patronising in a sort of "how exciting for you to have come all the way from the sticks to the big city!" and a bit forced, though he was otherwise polite and reasonably helpful.

My one good experience was at the Glasgow counter a couple of years ago when a lovely lady helped me with a variety of products the mail order people had claimed had been discontinued. She checked all the forthcoming products up for the chop and confirmed that my choices were still available. Oddly, mail order staff had told me that Blot Powder in Light was no more (Medium now being the lightest available full stop, not just the lightest in stock) and that Full Coverage Foundation was gone completely in every shade and wouldn't be coming back.

 

[gracetre123]

yes...I know what you're talking about...

We went to Laredo, Tx last Dec. for holiday shopping, I'm from Mexico, so that's like 3-4 hours away, I was being saving money b'cos I know there's one Mac counter at Macy's, and as you imagine I have a big wish list but I want to be guide from one of the girls there.

So finally i get there and no one even look at me, I was walking around the counter for very long time seen everything, and nobody even ask me something.. I was very sad and decide to spend my money at the channel and dior counter in front the Mac's...

I know I maybe not look like a DIVA or something but I really want to buy and try many things...you know I was so happy finally me in a Mac counter and WITH MONEY TO SPEND...what a dream ha??!!

Anyway...I don't want to go back ever there...I have to buy online at nordstrom, b'cos Mac site doesnt take my mexican credit card

 

[angi]

I used to get really really good service in Nottingham, but for some reason, recently I always manage to get terrible service. They never seem to know their colours or collections, and even though I go in knowing what I want, they always manage to come across rude.

Yesterday, I went to a different counter in Leicester Debenhams, and brought an e/s that I didn't realise had a 2003 production code until I got home (it smelt a bit off). I took it to Nottingham as its closer, and the manager told me that the production codes did not mean anything, and that concessions in debenhams are owned by Debenhams (I don't know if this is true for MAC, but its definitely not true for some of the other concessions). She swapped the e/s in the end, but not without really giving me hell over it. I wouldn't have minded if she had told me that she couldn't swap it as it was from a concession, but it was just the fact that she treated me like a liar that really did it. On top of that Nottingham is one of the few stores in the area where MAC pro discount can be used and personally, I would expect stores where people can get MAC pro to be especially good, as they have to keep their high value customers happy.

On the other hand, the counter in Norwich has always been really fantastic to me. When I went there a few months a go I brought a few things (only about £80 worth, which is a small haul for me!) and the girl there asked if I was stocking up so I told her that I don't live too near a mac store, and she gave me the store business card and told me to call if I wanted anything held, or wanted to buy anything, and they would send it out to me!)- A bit superfluous considering MAC online but a genuinely helpful and lovely gesture.

 

[little teaser]

Quote:

Originally Posted by asnbrb Y'know, recently, I've only been ignored once, but I noticed them whispering to each other "Oh, sh*t! You didn't greet her!?"

this made me lol..
it reminds me of the last time i went to the freestanding store, i def didnt have a problem with being greeted though, i had a list of stuff i was there to get and one of the mu greeted and help me, then this other one that i had a negative incounter with the last time i was there walk up and said oh we have that blush in now that you were looking at, i was polite and said thanks but shes already help me, then she started argueing with the girl that was helping me saying she(me) was looking at stuff the orther day and i was helping her so when you ring her up makesure you put me in there as to makeing the sale

looking and buying is two diffrent things and this wack didnt help me at all, i already knew what i wanted, the fab blush from barbie and they didnt have it but instead of telling me she put sweet as coco in there i didnt notice untill i got to my car and had to go back in to return it, i said i think you made a mistake and gave me the wrong blush , i wanted fab, she then tells me "oh" were out of that so i gave you that one to get the same look... when i said no i dont want it she rolled her eyes.. wtf
so a few weeks later i came to look and see if they got more barbie stuff, and she walks up to say we got that blush, i smiled and said i will be back tomorrow, which i did and you know the rest.

i just want to add the nice girl that was helping me was like annoyed at her coworker and said i dont know why she is acting like that, we dont make commision...

 

[Jillipede]

I had a bad experience at the Nordstrom's counter in Kansas City. I was shopping with my sister-in-law and we had been trying on eyeshadows and basically sampling items without asking for much help. I then complimented one of the MA's on her blue eyeshadow she was wearing and asked her what she had used to create the look. She didn't even make eye contact with me or even speak to me. She just walked over to the eye shadow display and pointed to a couple of shadows and had a look on her face like she was totally bored and inconvenienced. It made me feel small and like I was intruding on her day. It's too bad that customers are made to feel nervous for even going to a MAC counter because of the rude attitudes sometimes. I was blown away by the lack of customer service. The other thing that bothered me was the MA's were having a loud conversation behind the counter about their love lives. I don't mind a bit of personal chatter, but it was like they were hanging out at home talking and the customers didn't matter. It was just an all around bad experience.

 

[angeliquea~+]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xqueeze_me My my my!! I visited 2 MAC Counters (at Myer and David Jones in Melbourne, city) and the MAC Concept Store (I think that's what its called..). Their customer services have TOTALLY changed! They're so much more helpful and friendlier! I think those "bad experiences" scars are disappearing/healing too! hehehe The MAs at Myer MAC Counter were very friendly AND helpful when I needed help with the MAC Pigments. (Special thanks to Opal, Martina and Robert!) The MA at the MAC Concept Store is a sweetie! Not only did he help me but also sneaked (well, not sneaked but GAVE me) some samples for me to try! (Even if I was there for something else and have no intention of buying) BUT being the friendly and helpful sweetie he is, I decided to purchase 2 Matte Pigments from him. (Special thanks to Shane!) It made my day a GREAT one because of their genuine friendliness and great customer service. Well done, guys!

Xqueeze_me, did u mean the Pro store on Chapel? Is Shane the tall one with short black hair? If so he's fantastic, I went in there once wanting to buy makeup but not really knowing what I wanted (lol) and he was very patient and went through lots of different things with me, and didn't make me feel stupid despite my ignorance when it comes to MAC! He knew when to leave me to my own devices to play around with the makeup, but always made himself available to answer my silly questions lol. I'd go there more often but I live 50mins away and driving down Toorak Rd during the day gives me the willies

 

[MissMarley]

I've never once had a bad experience at a MAC counter. I did have a horrible experience at another counter once, where the SA matched me to a concealer about three shades too dark and WAY too pink, and then told me I was completely wrong and obviously knew nothing about makeup when I asked to try a different shade.

 

[yoonjungifer]

I think that sometimes we (the customer) get the impression that the MA's don't want to help us because they're racist or whatnot, but what we fail to realize is that sometimes the MA's are just too busy! Everytime I walk into the MAC store in Queens Center Mall, all of the MA's are busy helping other people therefore you pretty much have to look around and help yourself while you wait.

But I do have to rant about my recent trip: I went in during the afternoon in hopes that it wasn't going to be busy. I was actually looking for a specific MA that helped me pick out my foundation so that she could also help me pick out a couple of eyeshadows. Anyway, she was busy with someone else so instead of lurking around aimlessly, she asked me if I would mind if another MA helped me out. I said, no that's fine. BUT... that was the mistake I made. The other MA was not only rude, but he also acted like I wasn't even worth his time when he had absolutely nothing to do! So instead of splurging on some eyeshadows and other things, I picked up an eyeshadow for my brows and left. Not a pleasant experience whatsoever. I doubt that I will ever go back to that store again.

 

[MisStarrlight]

Quote:

Originally Posted by yoonjungifer I think that sometimes we (the customer) get the impression that the MA's don't want to help us because they're racist or whatnot, but what we fail to realize is that sometimes the MA's are just too busy! Everytime I walk into the MAC store in Queens Center Mall, all of the MA's are busy helping other people therefore you pretty much have to look around and help yourself while you wait. But I do have to rant about my recent trip: I went in during the afternoon in hopes that it wasn't going to be busy. I was actually looking for a specific MA that helped me pick out my foundation so that she could also help me pick out a couple of eyeshadows. Anyway, she was busy with someone else so instead of lurking around aimlessly, she asked me if I would mind if another MA helped me out. I said, no that's fine. BUT... that was the mistake I made. The other MA was not only rude, but he also acted like I wasn't even worth his time when he had absolutely nothing to do! So instead of splurging on some eyeshadows and other things, I picked up an eyeshadow for my brows and left. Not a pleasant experience whatsoever. I doubt that I will ever go back to that store again.

Ooooo, I'm sorry to hear about that. Some of my bestest MAC friends work in that store....actually I almost was going to work there too, but it was he same amount of hours w/ a further drive so I opted to stay at my location. Don't give up on them because of one dumb dumb though....PM me if you wanna know some other good artists there.

And thank you for realizing that we do get super busy sometimes

 

[PBunnieP]

It's really sad all these bad experiences that everybody has had considering MAC is such a wonderful makeup line. I've always been a little intimidated by the girls at the stores, they always look so... gossipy and judgemental, esp. since I go makeup shopping with no makeup on (so I can try things out) and they look at you like: "ewwww you have no makeup on.. why are you even here!" I should have them know I"m doing a degree in fashion design/ makeup!

And the other time I was in there with a guy friend (who was a starting model so he needed some makeup/base for photographs) and I took him to MAC. So many of the girls gave us "the look" since he was the only guy there. THat is so rude.

 

[nagarpoe]

I've had a couple of bad experiences with MAC as well. But, I have had more problems with the MAs at Sephora!

One MA at Sephora actually said to me when I asked her for help on achieving a certain type of look and what brands/products she can rec to me, she said, "Why don't you just look around for those colors and let me know when you're actually buying?" AND she went on to HELP pick out colors and do a mini-makeover to another nearby customer who is pretty, young, thin, and trendy.

I was fuming!! I had come straight from work where I had been sweating alot (I have a field job)....maybe I shouldn't have done that

!!! I know I wasn't look the best but I didn't look horrible either! I went up to another MA..........same attitude.

I moved on to another MA, and this time, the MA wasn't nice but she "obliged" me with her recs, which she effortlessly grabbed and tried on my face within 5-10 minutes...by the way, she sighed deeply as if I'm bothering her highness the whole time.

The next time I went (I go often!), I got the two nicest MAs though! They really helped me with my makeup foundation and helped me find my favorite foundation!!! Problem is... I can't find them anymore

( !!

MAC MAs were abit nicer in my opinion. They just acted like they couldn't be bothered with me EVEN when I'm buying $200 worth of makeup.....it's as if I was begging them to please take this $200 off my body! At least they did not right out NOT help me in any way or say anything rude to me.

The last MAC MA I interacted with was alot nicer and helped me find the products but she was very impatient and was in a rush to move on to someone else. I understand that they're pretty busy so I'm not pissed off about that.

Sephora sucks more than MAC, definitely.