FacesbyNiki
Well-known member
I belive when you freelance, yes, you have to have your own brushes.
Freelancing for MAC
- Thread starter glittergoddess27
- Start date
Jette
Member
yeah... when I was hired no one told me about acquiring my own brushes either. I really don't want to look unprepared, but there's nothing I can do until I can afford my own brushes. I guess I'll go ahead and get the Pro Card...but doesn't that take a few weeks to process?? oh man...
thanks again everyone for all your help!!! <3
thanks again everyone for all your help!!! <3
ms.marymac
Well-known member
None of the freelancers at my old counter had to buy their supplies and I am now freelancing at a new counter and I did not have to buy my supplies here either. I have all that stuff, but I am not using it at the counter! Is it by reigon? If so, it's kinda wrong. 
calbear
Well-known member
Here is the deal with brushes - there is no standard operating procedure for brushes. Some places supply you with a set of brushes and a belt for the day, some places could care less if you have anything. When I freelanced, I went ahead and bought a set of brushes to freelance with because I showed up in toooo many places and they would gave me one brush to use all day (you try doing someones face foundation blush everything with just a 224 ;-). I started carrying lip wands, qtips, spatulas, mascara wands and everything else necessary.
But for me, I freelanced quite a bit so it was worth it to have my own set which I had to guard like a hawk cause people didn't realize that they were my personal brushes and would take them.
The freelance discount is a regional thing. Some areas do not offer the discount (ie. northern cali does but we heard that southern cali does not) and you are not guarranteed a pro card unless you meet the criteria - so check for your area.
As far as feeling intimidated - get in the door and make friends with someone you feel comfortable with so if you need help you can do to them. Also giz2000 said it best - offer to help out whenever you can - we love those freelancers and jump at the chance to help them in return. That's how I got in good with the girls at the counters I worked at - I would pull product for them, clean, help with inventory.
I also would watch how the artists did things and asked for tips from the friendlier ones. They were all really helpful and made things so much easier. You realize that working at MAC has almost nothing to do with knowing about an upcoming collection and knowing how to work with the million products MAC carrys all the time and how to deal with customers and make a great sale.
You will get the hang of things, try to exude confidence and MAC addicts can be like rabid dogs - they can smell fear so don't let them see you sweat ;-)
But for me, I freelanced quite a bit so it was worth it to have my own set which I had to guard like a hawk cause people didn't realize that they were my personal brushes and would take them.
The freelance discount is a regional thing. Some areas do not offer the discount (ie. northern cali does but we heard that southern cali does not) and you are not guarranteed a pro card unless you meet the criteria - so check for your area.
As far as feeling intimidated - get in the door and make friends with someone you feel comfortable with so if you need help you can do to them. Also giz2000 said it best - offer to help out whenever you can - we love those freelancers and jump at the chance to help them in return. That's how I got in good with the girls at the counters I worked at - I would pull product for them, clean, help with inventory.
I also would watch how the artists did things and asked for tips from the friendlier ones. They were all really helpful and made things so much easier. You realize that working at MAC has almost nothing to do with knowing about an upcoming collection and knowing how to work with the million products MAC carrys all the time and how to deal with customers and make a great sale.
You will get the hang of things, try to exude confidence and MAC addicts can be like rabid dogs - they can smell fear so don't let them see you sweat ;-)
tarteheart
Well-known member
Just two notes from me: I do not have to buy my own brush set; I'm in Northern California and do not get a freelance discount. But boy, could I use one!
FacesbyNiki
Well-known member
Quote:
Isn't she!!!
| Originally Posted by Jette Calbear, you are awesome. Thank you. <33333333 |
Isn't she!!!
lightsinsorrow
Well-known member
Quote:
Ditto all of the above. My first freelancing job was for the Untamed event at a VERY high traffic location, and I believe that getting thrown into a really busy setting your first few times freelancing will help you adapt better. You learn more and acquire more skill by getting your hands dirty than by standing around at a counter on a slow Monday afternoon, for example. And I highly suggest you follow giz2000's advice if you ever plan on becoming permanent. Make a good impression and show them that you have what it takes by helping out. Pull your own weight AND go the extra mile. Management will notice, I promise.
Also-
I did actual freelancing work for about 3 weeks (although my hire time with MAC was closer to a little over a month) and I NEVER had to supply my own brushes or belt. There was always extra supply for me, but I know that varies by location. It isn't mandatory that you have your own supplies, but if you know that you might get the short end of the stick, it is best to be prepared with your own brush belt. I did not receive a discount as a freelancer (I'm in SoCal) but I do now (60% off, plus gratis with each collection release, plus free products twice a year up to the limit my location is allowed- our median limit is approximately $600/yr).
| Originally Posted by giz2000 First of all...don't be intimidated...everyone has to start somewhere...the trick here is to ask questions, and offer to help everyone as much as possible (meaning both customers and counter staff). Counter staff LOVE a freelancer who spends their time doing something (offer to clean brushes, put product back, grab a product for a customer, clean counters, etc). This way, you also learn about the ins and outs of the business and eventually become a pro!!!! |
Ditto all of the above. My first freelancing job was for the Untamed event at a VERY high traffic location, and I believe that getting thrown into a really busy setting your first few times freelancing will help you adapt better. You learn more and acquire more skill by getting your hands dirty than by standing around at a counter on a slow Monday afternoon, for example. And I highly suggest you follow giz2000's advice if you ever plan on becoming permanent. Make a good impression and show them that you have what it takes by helping out. Pull your own weight AND go the extra mile. Management will notice, I promise.
Also-
I did actual freelancing work for about 3 weeks (although my hire time with MAC was closer to a little over a month) and I NEVER had to supply my own brushes or belt. There was always extra supply for me, but I know that varies by location. It isn't mandatory that you have your own supplies, but if you know that you might get the short end of the stick, it is best to be prepared with your own brush belt. I did not receive a discount as a freelancer (I'm in SoCal) but I do now (60% off, plus gratis with each collection release, plus free products twice a year up to the limit my location is allowed- our median limit is approximately $600/yr).
calbear
Well-known member
Quote:
You have to go to a MAC store to get your discount - so Union Street, Filmore, Valley Fair, Berkeley or Sunvalley. You will nee a current paystub (proof you have worked within the last 30 days as a freelancer) and your id.
| Originally Posted by Jette ... yeah, I'm in Nor-Cal as well.. so, for me to get the freelance discount, I heard I need to go to either the MAC store on Union St or the one on Philmore St in SF... what's the skinny on this? |
You have to go to a MAC store to get your discount - so Union Street, Filmore, Valley Fair, Berkeley or Sunvalley. You will nee a current paystub (proof you have worked within the last 30 days as a freelancer) and your id.
calbear
Well-known member
Quote:
Sorry about that, meant to hit the quote button, but where are you located (if I may ask)?
| Originally Posted by tarteheart Just two notes from me: I do not have to buy my own brush set; I'm in Northern California and do not get a freelance discount. But boy, could I use one!
|
Sorry about that, meant to hit the quote button, but where are you located (if I may ask)?
tarteheart
Well-known member
I'm in Sacramento.
Do you know if I can go to a MAC store in San Francisco, for example, and get a discount? Or will they know based on the region that I was hired in that I still won't get it? If anything, I'll just try to get a PPID.
MisStarrlight
Well-known member
I'm not sure about Sephora, but here in NYC we've got almost, if not all of the counters at department stores & freestanding stores-MAC, FACE Stockholm, Makeup Forever...basically any makeup store, I think.
MisStarrlight
Well-known member
I freelanced for 9 months (am permanent now)....
While I worked at the freestanding store, brushes were always provided for me. There was a shelf of brushes in the back & you just took what you needed for the day.
At the counter it was a different story. Each permanent artist was given their own brush belt & the necessary brushes & the freelancers were given the leftovers...No one ever said I had to, but I started bringing my own brushes, just to make life easier...I lost a lot of brushes in this process to make sure you guard them with your life.
Gratis is only for permanent artists.
A pro card will get you 40% off....just get a letter from you hiring location & make up a business card or something.
Some regions give freelaners an Estee Lauder employee discount...it's 30% & you just need your paystub (dated within a month)...call the freestanding stores in your area to find out.
And as far as being intimidated....it will get easier, I promise.
I started on Black Friday in the largest volume store in my region. I didn't even get a tour of the store until my second day. Introduce yourself to everyone & be really friendly. They will most likely be very friendly & willing to help you. Watch how everyone works. Take mental note on how people sell & do makeovers. Find out who the 3rd Keys & Product Specialists are. They will be especially helpful to you when you're still fumbling your way through. Know the line (of course), but also learn how to connect items together (lipstick + liner + gloss, moisturiser + foundation + powder + brush, etc) & sell brushes to make your AUS better.
And someone said earlier that the permanent artists love it whent the freelancers help out. This is sooooo true! If you don't have customers, you should be cleaning or schematicising. On several occasions I have overheard people saying that this freelancer or that one is really good & always working or that someone was being lazy & not pulling their weight. It may not seem that they notice on the outside, but trust me, they do.
And remember, when it comes down to it, the customers have NO CLUE that you are not a permanent MAC artist. They don't understand freelance vs. permanent, so if you show that you have confidence, they will never know the difference.
Best of luck to you. Now is a great time to be working freelance. It gets hectic, but you'll enjoy it.
While I worked at the freestanding store, brushes were always provided for me. There was a shelf of brushes in the back & you just took what you needed for the day.
At the counter it was a different story. Each permanent artist was given their own brush belt & the necessary brushes & the freelancers were given the leftovers...No one ever said I had to, but I started bringing my own brushes, just to make life easier...I lost a lot of brushes in this process to make sure you guard them with your life.
Gratis is only for permanent artists.
A pro card will get you 40% off....just get a letter from you hiring location & make up a business card or something.
Some regions give freelaners an Estee Lauder employee discount...it's 30% & you just need your paystub (dated within a month)...call the freestanding stores in your area to find out.
And as far as being intimidated....it will get easier, I promise.
I started on Black Friday in the largest volume store in my region. I didn't even get a tour of the store until my second day. Introduce yourself to everyone & be really friendly. They will most likely be very friendly & willing to help you. Watch how everyone works. Take mental note on how people sell & do makeovers. Find out who the 3rd Keys & Product Specialists are. They will be especially helpful to you when you're still fumbling your way through. Know the line (of course), but also learn how to connect items together (lipstick + liner + gloss, moisturiser + foundation + powder + brush, etc) & sell brushes to make your AUS better.
And someone said earlier that the permanent artists love it whent the freelancers help out. This is sooooo true! If you don't have customers, you should be cleaning or schematicising. On several occasions I have overheard people saying that this freelancer or that one is really good & always working or that someone was being lazy & not pulling their weight. It may not seem that they notice on the outside, but trust me, they do.
And remember, when it comes down to it, the customers have NO CLUE that you are not a permanent MAC artist. They don't understand freelance vs. permanent, so if you show that you have confidence, they will never know the difference.
Best of luck to you. Now is a great time to be working freelance. It gets hectic, but you'll enjoy it.
Raerae
Well-known member
Quote:
call a counter you want to freelance at, and ask the manager how they hire their freelancers. they can probably direct you where to go if they dont hire themselves.
| Originally Posted by KMEFH Hey all, I have a question that I hope some of you can answer for me... Im wondering who you actually apply to to get freelance jobs @ counters in department stores (ie neimans, saks, etc) or Sephora? Also any other info you all would happen to have on this would be awesome. Things like what helps in getting it, what counters offer this position, ballpark pay rates, ballpark scheduling info, really any info at all would rock! Thanks so much everyone! |
call a counter you want to freelance at, and ask the manager how they hire their freelancers. they can probably direct you where to go if they dont hire themselves.
calbear
Well-known member
Quote:
It doesn't matter where you are from - all that matters is that you go to a FS/ Pro store (all of them offer the discount in Bay), have a current paystub and your id. We don't care where you normally work (we may ask just because we are nosy and we need freelancers ;-). Girls come up from Sac all the time (usually they don't actually drive that far just for the discount - most are in the area for other reasons and make a stop to get their stuff).
| Originally Posted by tarteheart I'm in Sacramento.
|
It doesn't matter where you are from - all that matters is that you go to a FS/ Pro store (all of them offer the discount in Bay), have a current paystub and your id. We don't care where you normally work (we may ask just because we are nosy and we need freelancers ;-). Girls come up from Sac all the time (usually they don't actually drive that far just for the discount - most are in the area for other reasons and make a stop to get their stuff).
