MAC Stereotype

[metal_romantic]

I sometimes feel like I have to spend ages on my makeup and hair etc. to go to buy makeup, which is silly, but I've had some MA's make some comments that I was unhappy about and made me feel two inches tall.
Anyway, my point is that I think many people are a bit scared of the MA's because although they want help to look their best, they don't want to be attacked for not being perfect in the first place and they think that MA's (especially if they are made up within an inch of their lives) will look down on them. I still feel like that sometimes. Unfortunately as an MA there isn't anything you can do to break down this stereotype until a customer actually comes to the store. I think the key is to be as tactful as possible and focus on the good points because everybody has them. If someone has features that you don't deem to be attractive then so what? It doesn't matter. It doesn't make them less intelligent or valuable. Now I am starting out as an MA I am always looking out for the attractive features that people have and I can usually find them. Stereotypes will always exist but you can personally break it even if there are others out there who personify it.

 

[jmarie7481]

I came across this thread in my boredom at work and found it interesting since I plan on applying with MAC when I move soon. Plus a friend of mine is totally anti-MAC because she's had so many bad experiences with her's. I believe one time one of the artists and the counter she went to told her that she probably couldn't afford something when she inquired of its price. So stupid and rude. I've always had great MAC experiences though so I'm always so surprised that some people think so negatively of MAC artists. I love the people at my counter. Every single one of them is genuinely nice and excited about their jobs. I've been to MAC counters and stores all over Northern and Sountern California and everyone has still been wonderful. I've even gone to my local counter looking a total mess with no makeup, after a long day at work and still am treated the same. Actually last week I went in to be matched because I just got SO much darker with the season change...my eyes were red and watery from allergies and I had a few icky breakouts on chin...I requested that my MA only match to my jawline area so my eyes wouldn't get worse and she wouldn't have to touch my gross zits lol! And yet still, my MA and everyone there was nice.

So I guess it just depends on the person, just like most things in life. Sterotypes are never inclusive of everyone.

 

[nursie]

my closest (and of course most frequented) mac counter is close to my gym, so most often i'm stopping by the counter after a workout, and i never wear makeup to the gym and generally look run over and retreaded when i go to see my mac people. they are ALL so nice ALWAYS! well, now it's proably because they know i'll be buying something (i usually come in with a list from specktra

) but even when they didnt know me they were just warm and helpful.

 

[chubby5734]

People come with different personalities. Sometimes you are in a mood and sometimes you ae not. I personally have had great experiences. In fact my friend works in Mac!!

 

[LadySutcliffe]

This is interesting! In the city I live there is only one MAC counter and it's in Harvey Nichols (upscale department store). There are a few other beauty halls and a Space NK (excellent customer service) - I have to say the MAC counter is one of the worst for customer service in the whole city. It really stands out as well because when I've shopped at other counters in Harvey Nicks the staff have been some of the nicest I've come across. I have a lot less MAC makeup than I would like and it's because of the shopping experience I'm afraid.
Last night for example, I was looking at foundations for ages and in the end I left, partly because everything seemed too dark, but also because the staff were just sort of standing around and seemed to be glaring at me! Nobody smiled at me or spoke. In contrast I went down to another department store and was nosing round another counter, the girl was busy with someone and the store was about to close but she smiled and said hi, I will be going back and she will be getting a sale!
For some reason I've always found Chanel staff to be really lovely, even in Boots where the traditional "counter" staff tend to be stuck-up with orange faces

 

[BeccalovesMAC]

it depends. The mac pro employees are always great to me. Its the Norstrom bitches i cant stand. its like brown girls arent allowed in that store or something. Dumb bitches

 

[Boasorte]

At one of the MAC stores Igo to, the girls and guys are realllllllly nice, and they are helpful, another MAC store I frequent, they just care about sales IMO and will try to talk me into buying everything ( I use to be a telemarketer, I ain't having that lol )
But at the counters, some are super snobby, it may not be because they work at MAC, it may be their personalities and that's why I don't go to counters, it seems like a cycle with ALL the MAC counters ( I'm near 4 counters and 2 freestanding stores )

Personally I like shopping with the guys, because they are 100% honest and will tell me in a second if a colour isn't right on me

 

[xkleverxkittyx]

I thought this thread was about something different. The "MAC Sterotype" that other MUAs have against "MAC Girls". I find it totally unfair. I don't even work for mac, but I own enough of their products to feel offended. I love the bold makeup looks and I am comfortable enough in my skills as MUA to do any look whether its bold and bright makeup all the way to "No-Makeup Makeup". But whenever I hear other artist talking about lovers of Mac makeup or MAC MUA's its always negative. That they cake on makeup and the colors are bright and thick and unblended, that it's "overrated" and all sorts of negative things and I find that so untrue. I am a lover of many brands, MUFE, Nars, Stila, but i've never seen anyone be so negative toward any other cosmetic brand as much as they are about MAC.

 

[gildedangel]

Some MA's have been really mean to me, but most are very approachable and nice. At one counter I go to especially everyone seems genuinely helpful and kind. I did fall for the stereotype at first because one counter I go to is the definition of drama, you can tell in the way that the MA's eye each other and in how they treat you. Once I tried another counter I got a completely different attitude that I much prefer.

 

[Ruby_Woo]

Honestly, I think some people go in w/ a biased idea of what the service will be like, and will FIND something to complain about. I hate that stereotype. I just think also sometimes, insecurities get the best of people and they just think up things like "Omg she must think my makeup sucks" or something.
I've had customers tell me "Omg Im not wearing anything, you must think I look ugly" Why would I think that? Specially of someone I do not know. I just think its really weirdto assume someone is automatically putting you down in their head.
While there are definetly people in all types of jobs who can be snooty and snobby, I doubt it specifically just happens at MAC and only MAC.

 

[ms.marymac]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xkleverxkittyx I thought this thread was about something different. The "MAC Sterotype" that other MUAs have against "MAC Girls". I find it totally unfair. I don't even work for mac, but I own enough of their products to feel offended. I love the bold makeup looks and I am comfortable enough in my skills as MUA to do any look whether its bold and bright makeup all the way to "No-Makeup Makeup". But whenever I hear other artist talking about lovers of Mac makeup or MAC MUA's its always negative. That they cake on makeup and the colors are bright and thick and unblended, that it's "overrated" and all sorts of negative things and I find that so untrue. I am a lover of many brands, MUFE, Nars, Stila, but i've never seen anyone be so negative toward any other cosmetic brand as much as they are about MAC.

I know what ya mean. Honestly, it just makes them look narrow minded when they make blanket statements like that. That's actually why my title is "Macbot"...lol.

 

[xkleverxkittyx]

seriously, it makes me rethink everything they say. its just straight up rude.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ms.marymac I know what ya mean. Honestly, it just makes them look narrow minded when they make blanket statements like that. That's actually why my title is "Macbot"...lol.

 

[Nzsallyb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xkleverxkittyx I thought this thread was about something different. The "MAC Sterotype" that other MUAs have against "MAC Girls". I find it totally unfair. I don't even work for mac, but I own enough of their products to feel offended. I love the bold makeup looks and I am comfortable enough in my skills as MUA to do any look whether its bold and bright makeup all the way to "No-Makeup Makeup". But whenever I hear other artist talking about lovers of Mac makeup or MAC MUA's its always negative. That they cake on makeup and the colors are bright and thick and unblended, that it's "overrated" and all sorts of negative things and I find that so untrue. I am a lover of many brands, MUFE, Nars, Stila, but i've never seen anyone be so negative toward any other cosmetic brand as much as they are about MAC.

i get this alot too, as i work in a store where brands such as lancome dior an chanel are sold. they all tell me that cosmetically, mac does not rate that high.

but on the sterotype - i can go into mac without a shred of makeup on, and not feel intimidated at all by the MA's - i have nothing but positive feedback for them. the MA's in NZ are really great, not snobby at all

 

[BunnyBunnyBunny]

I have people telling me all the time that they enjoy their experiences with me and that I am NOT how other MAC artists are. They say I am not rude and always come off as genuine and helpful, and I feel like that is a real compliment! I love everyone at my counter and I definitely feel like we are all very open and nice to any customer. I have however been to other MACs as a customer and sometimes they can come off as rude, or unhelpful. Sucks but it's true. Being nice is both respectful and it improves business! You can't lose! Why are some retail people jerks??

 

[User27]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BunnyBunnyBunny I have people telling me all the time that they enjoy their experiences with me and that I am NOT how other MAC artists are. They say I am not rude and always come off as genuine and helpful, and I feel like that is a real compliment! I love everyone at my counter and I definitely feel like we are all very open and nice to any customer. I have however been to other MACs as a customer and sometimes they can come off as rude, or unhelpful. Sucks but it's true. Being nice is both respectful and it improves business! You can't lose! Why are some retail people jerks??

I'm not trying to be rude but some people at the counters are very snobbish, self-centered individuals. I've seen them slander co-workers they were working shifts with, I don't know if they work commission or not, but some of the girls are out for blood. Some make you feel like you don't matter despite buying from them...I quit going to a location here in Maryland over that and put in a complaint via MAC. Her 15 minute phone call was more important than my credit card and than when her co-worker reminded her there was someone at the counter (me), I got snubbed for the rest of the transaction.

I notice the people who genuinely like their job are easier to get along with. They enjoy what they've learned and enjoy seeing a person leave happy...makes them know they were appreciated and did their job right. You also said you like the people at your counter, where I've seen different instances where people had almost contempt for one another. I assumed commission but they could just be miserable in their lives and legitimately dislike their jobs. Misery loves company scenario ensues. I looked at your MySpace thinking you were a model and your page is even down to earth with you explaining who you were as an individual and what you appreciate out of life and even your goals. There's a big difference between egotistical and someone being outright about who they are, one is high on a pedestal while the other is approachable because of honesty.

 

[frocher]

,,,,,,,

 

[lalunia]

I've been to a few of the MAC counters and free standing stores in the Chicagoland area and I never had a negative experience. Some MAs were nicer than others, but overall, everyone has been great. Special shoutouts go to the ladies (and gents) in the Chicago Pro store and the free standing store in Deer Park, IL who are always super nice to me!

A lot of it I think comes from the fact that I go in to the stores not expecting anything. I guess growing up in Poland made me never expect the type of customer service we are accustomed to in the US and that I will not throw a fit if a MA will not say hi to me when I walk through the door (trust me, i have seen customers do this). While some MAs may be rude (I heard many stories), I know customers sometimes think too highly of themselves, expecting everyone to drop everything and help them.

I never worked in cosmetics but I did work as a bank teller in college, and trust me, dealing with people suuuucked. I am usually very polite and diplomatic but sometimes I couldn't help it and be a bit bitchy to the old lady who would scream at me for not cashing her forged check. In my opinion, everyone deserves to get ticked off sometimes

 

[sfmakeupjunkie]

Well I too work for MAC and I have to say that I must have lucked out because all of my fellow MAC ladies and gentlemen are nice to each other and customers.

Everyone at my counter is kind and willing to share knowledge and teach customers how to use products or answer questions, no matter how basic they might be.

I have good and bad customer service experiences everywhere I go and understand that is human nature not MAC or any other retailers fault. The other point I want to add though is that sometimes a bit of patience is required when you are visiting a MAC counter at peak times. I am often handling 3 or more people at a time and while I want to give each great service I also know it isn't always possible to spend tons of time with individual customers.

I always suggest to customers who have lots of questions or just want more time to make an appointment so they will have my undivided attention. Many balk at the minimum purchase but I remind them that weekday appointments are free and you'll probably get more time and tlc simply because we have the time.

 

[L1LMAMAJ]

my experience there depends if my makeup looks good that day. if i have no makeup on or it doesn't show a lot of skill, i think some of the mua's judge me. the service is compromised. however, if i'm having a good makeup day, i get awesome service and compliments. i'm sure not every mua is like this but i think it's also at a subconscious level. for example, if u worked at a high end clothing store and a person that came in was wearing ugly clothes and isn't very stylish, you'd be hesitant to help them out, probably already assuming they won't buy stuff. but if a person came in with trendy, nice clothes, you'd be eager to help out. i know most people probably don't purposely do this but we're human and we can't help but judge. it's just what i think.

 

[L1LMAMAJ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by frocher I think selling people makeup can be a very difficult job. Many people see it as playing with makeup all day, but in reality it's standing on your feet all day, cleaning testers, and making people feel good about the way they look. That is NOT an easy job. People are going in there to feel better about themselves, and if they don't, for whatever reason... they usually perceive it as your fault. Have I met a nasty MA, sure. But I have also met nasty doctors, cabbies, waiters, etc. It's the person not the profession.

very well said