Mac store service compare department store.
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mistella
Well-known member
yeah, I agree with you too. When I want to buy MAC, i ONLY go to the pro stores. It's so much easier to find things and move around in there anyway. But really, it just depends on the people because I haven't always gotten great service from a few SA's at the store at times too
MisStarrlight
Well-known member
It definitely depends on the people. Granted, it is easier to be like, "Hi, how are you?" & engage in other small talk before getting down to "What do you want?" at freestanding stores rather than counters...if we did that to anyone that walks into the vicinity of the counter, we'd be talking to random people all day instead of doing our jobs, while at the MAC store, anyoe who walks in has the intention of at least looking at makeup.
There is actually one store that I will not go to (and I work for MAC) because the people there has such bad attitudes & even though they all know me, and are friendly with me, I see the way they treat other people and how they look down at a lot of people just because they work at the MAC Store....like it's a frikin priviledge. Hell, I got hired at a MAC Store, but I hated it so I went over to a counter.
There is actually one store that I will not go to (and I work for MAC) because the people there has such bad attitudes & even though they all know me, and are friendly with me, I see the way they treat other people and how they look down at a lot of people just because they work at the MAC Store....like it's a frikin priviledge. Hell, I got hired at a MAC Store, but I hated it so I went over to a counter.
prinzessin784
Well-known member
Well when you work in a department store you're also beholden to the stress and rules that go with it. It's not easy working in retail and when people complain about service I mostly think it's because they don't understand how stressful it is to work in that kind of environment. And if the store is part of a mall, oh man, it's even worse.
The people who work just for MAC have it a little easier I would imagine, as they are not also representatives of Macy's or Nordstrom's or what have you, they can concentrate on representing MAC only.
The people who work just for MAC have it a little easier I would imagine, as they are not also representatives of Macy's or Nordstrom's or what have you, they can concentrate on representing MAC only.
Macnarsandlove
Well-known member
I think that the mac store employess are more knowledgable about the products. I see a different girl every time at my local dept store with some caked on makeup that doesn't even know a le items and application techniques. the store ppl can be a little pushy with sales though. either way i just want to buy my mac and get the hell out.
amoona
Well-known member
I disagree. It's not about it being a MAC store or a MAC counter. One of the MAC counters I go to is amazing. Everyone is on top of their stuff and their work is amazing. Compared to one of the MAC stores where everyone is rude as hell and unhelpful. If you ask them for advice they look at you like you're bothering them.
Then there's another MAC store which is amazing and another counter which is horrible. It doesn't matter whether it's a store or a counter ... I think it matters on the sales people and their attitude. I've only had TWO horrible MAC experiences:
1. At the counter in Bloomingdales downtown SF
2. MAC store in Hillsdale
Then there's another MAC store which is amazing and another counter which is horrible. It doesn't matter whether it's a store or a counter ... I think it matters on the sales people and their attitude. I've only had TWO horrible MAC experiences:
1. At the counter in Bloomingdales downtown SF
2. MAC store in Hillsdale
..kels*
Well-known member
Quote:
ITA. it depends on the attitude of the SA you're dealing with.
Originally Posted by amoona
I disagree. It's not about it being a MAC store or a MAC counter. One of the MAC counters I go to is amazing. Everyone is on top of their stuff and their work is amazing. Compared to one of the MAC stores where everyone is rude as hell and unhelpful. If you ask them for advice they look at you like you're bothering them. |
ITA. it depends on the attitude of the SA you're dealing with.
redambition
Well-known member
Quote:
I also agree on this. Where i live, one counter and the store are both great. The other counter, schmeh. Needless to say, they only get my money when I have a gift card for their store.
| Originally Posted by amoona
I disagree. It's not about it being a MAC store or a MAC counter. One of the MAC counters I go to is amazing. Everyone is on top of their stuff and their work is amazing. Compared to one of the MAC stores where everyone is rude as hell and unhelpful. If you ask them for advice they look at you like you're bothering them. |
I also agree on this. Where i live, one counter and the store are both great. The other counter, schmeh. Needless to say, they only get my money when I have a gift card for their store.
MisStarrlight
Well-known member
Quote:
I'm sorry, but you're wrong, wrong, wrong! Store & counter employees go through the exact same training & certification process.
It is quite possible that these new girls are freelancers, since you only see them once...freelancers get no training on technique or product...but them again, I know some killer freelancers.
I can't say anything about someone's technique...I've seen good and bad artistry at every location. All I can do is know that I am good & that I get compliments on my own makeup and my makeovers every day.
And as far as LE stuff goes. I know just about everything there is to know about the permanent colletion, but to be completely honest-too many collections come out with too many products in them-especially lately. Since 95% of the MAC artists (store & counter) have a life outside of work-unless we get it in gratis or really like it & use it daily, we're not going to know everything about every le item that has ever come out....that's a bit of a rediculous expectation for any MAC employee....and don't be an asshole and try to "test" your MA about a certain collection from a year ago. It's just unnecessary to try to prove that your know more than an MA or something-and it will really piss them off.
| Originally Posted by smith130
I think that the mac store employess are more knowledgable about the products. I see a different girl every time at my local dept store with some caked on makeup that doesn't even know a le items and application techniques. |
I'm sorry, but you're wrong, wrong, wrong! Store & counter employees go through the exact same training & certification process.
It is quite possible that these new girls are freelancers, since you only see them once...freelancers get no training on technique or product...but them again, I know some killer freelancers.
I can't say anything about someone's technique...I've seen good and bad artistry at every location. All I can do is know that I am good & that I get compliments on my own makeup and my makeovers every day.
And as far as LE stuff goes. I know just about everything there is to know about the permanent colletion, but to be completely honest-too many collections come out with too many products in them-especially lately. Since 95% of the MAC artists (store & counter) have a life outside of work-unless we get it in gratis or really like it & use it daily, we're not going to know everything about every le item that has ever come out....that's a bit of a rediculous expectation for any MAC employee....and don't be an asshole and try to "test" your MA about a certain collection from a year ago. It's just unnecessary to try to prove that your know more than an MA or something-and it will really piss them off.
MAC_Whore
Well-known member
Quote:
I have that same situation. I just stopped shopping a certain MAC store. Literally everytime I went there, there was an incident with an unhappy customer. That should tell the manager something.
Which brings me to my next point. I don't know that it matters so much about as to whether it is a store or counter, so much as the manager. If a manager isn't keeping an eye on employee/customer relations and the behaviour of his/her staff, then those things slide and it eventually becomes an accepted behaviour and the store's reputation. Employees will only act as bad as management allow, IMO. If they don't perform, management needs to council them, teach them or fire them.
I can see how a store might make it easier to engage a customer, just due to layout and space.
I have lost patience for the attitude when I shop for MAC. I just don't allow it. If someone starts to pull an arrogant attitude with me, I just address it right there. I don't want an MA to kiss my ass, but just act decent, interested and at least moderately friendly. We all spend too much money on that company to be treated poorly and the bottom line is that even if we are buying one sponge or just looking, it is a business and we are the client. That being said, I am going under the assumption that we are talking about a well behaved customer here
!
| Originally Posted by MisStarrlight
....There is actually one store that I will not go to (and I work for MAC) because the people there has such bad attitudes & even though they all know me, and are friendly with me, I see the way they treat other people and how they look down at a lot of people just because they work at the MAC Store....like it's a frikin priviledge.... |
I have that same situation. I just stopped shopping a certain MAC store. Literally everytime I went there, there was an incident with an unhappy customer. That should tell the manager something.
Which brings me to my next point. I don't know that it matters so much about as to whether it is a store or counter, so much as the manager. If a manager isn't keeping an eye on employee/customer relations and the behaviour of his/her staff, then those things slide and it eventually becomes an accepted behaviour and the store's reputation. Employees will only act as bad as management allow, IMO. If they don't perform, management needs to council them, teach them or fire them.
I can see how a store might make it easier to engage a customer, just due to layout and space.
I have lost patience for the attitude when I shop for MAC. I just don't allow it. If someone starts to pull an arrogant attitude with me, I just address it right there. I don't want an MA to kiss my ass, but just act decent, interested and at least moderately friendly. We all spend too much money on that company to be treated poorly and the bottom line is that even if we are buying one sponge or just looking, it is a business and we are the client. That being said, I am going under the assumption that we are talking about a well behaved customer here
Beauty Mark
Well-known member
I've had 3 horrible experiences at different times at this one MAC counter at Boston's Downtown Crossing Macy's to never go back. The first, I wanted to buy something and the SA were too busy talking to each other to bother asking me, even though I was right in front of them.
The second, the same thing happened until I interrupted them and then they were pissed.
And yesterday, I had to return something (was given the wrong product) and they weren't busy but ignored me while I waited at the register where 3 SAs were until I had to say something.
Had they been busy, I would've understood. To me that's ridiculous. It's funny, too, because I've received excellent service at the Benefit counter right next to the MAC one, so I guess it's whomever manages MAC there.
ITA that it varies on the place. I've been ignored in the store, and I've had great experience at the counter.
The second, the same thing happened until I interrupted them and then they were pissed.
And yesterday, I had to return something (was given the wrong product) and they weren't busy but ignored me while I waited at the register where 3 SAs were until I had to say something.
Had they been busy, I would've understood. To me that's ridiculous. It's funny, too, because I've received excellent service at the Benefit counter right next to the MAC one, so I guess it's whomever manages MAC there.
ITA that it varies on the place. I've been ignored in the store, and I've had great experience at the counter.
giz2000
Well-known member
Quote:
I disagree as well...everyone (store or counter) gets the same exact training and certification.
| Originally Posted by smith130
I think that the mac store employess are more knowledgable about the products. I see a different girl every time at my local dept store with some caked on makeup that doesn't even know a le items and application techniques. the store ppl can be a little pushy with sales though. either way i just want to buy my mac and get the hell out. |
I disagree as well...everyone (store or counter) gets the same exact training and certification.
redambition
Well-known member
Quote:
hah! that sounds like the counter i have isssues with. but mine is on the other side of the world
it's not limited to the MAC counter though - i have found quite a few employees in that store have a similar attitude.
| Originally Posted by Beauty Mark
I've had 3 horrible experiences at different times at this one MAC counter at Boston's Downtown Crossing Macy's to never go back. The first, I wanted to buy something and the SA were too busy talking to each other to bother asking me, even though I was right in front of them. The second, the same thing happened until I interrupted them and then they were pissed. And yesterday, I had to return something (was given the wrong product) and they weren't busy but ignored me while I waited at the register where 3 SAs were until I had to say something. |
hah! that sounds like the counter i have isssues with. but mine is on the other side of the world
FacesbyNiki
Well-known member
It has to do with ego's and how they were raised.
SARAHluvsMAC
Well-known member
This may not be true for all regions, and it also depends on where you apply but I know for a fact in my region it is alot easier to get hired at a counter then at a store... and not just because there are more counters than stores
I am not saying that it is right, nor am I saying that MA's at the store are more or less talented than those at counter but I have been told by trainers as well as managers that this is a fact, in the DC area anyway
I applied at a counter, but was interviewed by an MRO and a trainer both of which decided to send me to a couple of extra interviews just so that i could work at georgetown, which i know you all have had bad experiences with that store in general but lets not go there
I am not saying that it is right, nor am I saying that MA's at the store are more or less talented than those at counter but I have been told by trainers as well as managers that this is a fact, in the DC area anyway
I applied at a counter, but was interviewed by an MRO and a trainer both of which decided to send me to a couple of extra interviews just so that i could work at georgetown, which i know you all have had bad experiences with that store in general but lets not go there
Macnarsandlove
Well-known member
Quote:
Hold on a minute. I am speaking of my personal expiriences. I have been to mac stores and counters in nyc to nebraska. I dont have to justify my comments but i will.
1. In my job I have to stay proficient in everything. Not half the time when it suits me but all the time. If I dont do my job ppl can lose thier lives. If you dont know yours than I just feel like what a dis-service you are doing to your customers.
2. Freelance or not If you can do makeup than you can do makeup. I to do great makeup but that isn't my 9-5. What ever process they go through doesn't really matter to me. Some of the fotd on specktra have beeter makeup than I've seen on ma. If your good then your good, period.
3.You dont know what I'm talking about because your not where I'm at. If you would like to come down here to see what I'm saying feel free. Until then take it with a grain of salt. Thanks
| Originally Posted by MisStarrlight
I'm sorry, but you're wrong, wrong, wrong! Store & counter employees go through the exact same training & certification process. It is quite possible that these new girls are freelancers, since you only see them once...freelancers get no training on technique or product...but them again, I know some killer freelancers. I can't say anything about someone's technique...I've seen good and bad artistry at every location. All I can do is know that I am good & that I get compliments on my own makeup and my makeovers every day. And as far as LE stuff goes. I know just about everything there is to know about the permanent colletion, but to be completely honest-too many collections come out with too many products in them-especially lately. Since 95% of the MAC artists (store & counter) have a life outside of work-unless we get it in gratis or really like it & use it daily, we're not going to know everything about every le item that has ever come out....that's a bit of a rediculous expectation for any MAC employee....and don't be an asshole and try to "test" your MA about a certain collection from a year ago. It's just unnecessary to try to prove that your know more than an MA or something-and it will really piss them off. |
Hold on a minute. I am speaking of my personal expiriences. I have been to mac stores and counters in nyc to nebraska. I dont have to justify my comments but i will.
1. In my job I have to stay proficient in everything. Not half the time when it suits me but all the time. If I dont do my job ppl can lose thier lives. If you dont know yours than I just feel like what a dis-service you are doing to your customers.
2. Freelance or not If you can do makeup than you can do makeup. I to do great makeup but that isn't my 9-5. What ever process they go through doesn't really matter to me. Some of the fotd on specktra have beeter makeup than I've seen on ma. If your good then your good, period.
3.You dont know what I'm talking about because your not where I'm at. If you would like to come down here to see what I'm saying feel free. Until then take it with a grain of salt. Thanks
MisStarrlight
Well-known member
Quote:
Well that's good for you & your job. Fortunately people do not lose their lives over makeup...and if they begin dropping off because I don't know the name of a particular lipstick that was on counter for a month-over a year ago, for Heaven's sake, I will shoot them myself. MAs should know the current collection, but should not be excpected to be a walking encyclopedia of every MAC product ever released in the 22 years the company has existed.
Quote:
Ummmm...Ok?
Quote:
Again...ok? You said that your counter has girls there that don't know their shit...how do I not know what you're talking about? Seems pretty simple to me. All I'm saying is that that is due to that individual's knowledge/level of artisrty, not whether or not they work at a counter or store-Which is the central subject of this thread, so........
| Originally Posted by smith130
Hold on a minute. I am speaking of my personal expiriences. I have been to mac stores and counters in nyc to nebraska. I dont have to justify my comments but i will. 1. In my job I have to stay proficient in everything. Not half the time when it suits me but all the time. If I dont do my job ppl can lose thier lives. If you dont know yours than I just feel like what a dis-service you are doing to your customers. |
Well that's good for you & your job. Fortunately people do not lose their lives over makeup...and if they begin dropping off because I don't know the name of a particular lipstick that was on counter for a month-over a year ago, for Heaven's sake, I will shoot them myself. MAs should know the current collection, but should not be excpected to be a walking encyclopedia of every MAC product ever released in the 22 years the company has existed.
Quote:
| Originally Posted by smith130
2. Freelance or not If you can do makeup than you can do makeup. I to do great makeup but that isn't my 9-5. What ever process they go through doesn't really matter to me. Some of the fotd on specktra have beeter makeup than I've seen on ma. If your good then your good, period. |
Ummmm...Ok?
Quote:
| Originally Posted by smith130
3.You dont know what I'm talking about because your not where I'm at. If you would like to come down here to see what I'm saying feel free. Until then take it with a grain of salt. Thanks |
Again...ok? You said that your counter has girls there that don't know their shit...how do I not know what you're talking about? Seems pretty simple to me. All I'm saying is that that is due to that individual's knowledge/level of artisrty, not whether or not they work at a counter or store-Which is the central subject of this thread, so........
Macnarsandlove
Well-known member
I possibly went on a tangent but the makeup isn't that serious. It seems that you might have been "quizzed" before on some products and didnt know or got annoyed. Bottom line no matter where you work whether counter or store customer service should be good and ma should know that they are talking about.
MisStarrlight
Well-known member
Actually, I have no problems with people quizzing me. I have an answer for everything, and if I don't know something, I have no problems admitting it...and if possible, looking it up.
Honestly, the only customers that annoy me are the ones that won't let me help them/trust what I say because I'm white & they're (insert any other race here). But since it's their ignorance & not mine-they get just as good of service as anyone else.
But as you said, at the end of the day, it's just frikin makeup.
Honestly, the only customers that annoy me are the ones that won't let me help them/trust what I say because I'm white & they're (insert any other race here). But since it's their ignorance & not mine-they get just as good of service as anyone else.
But as you said, at the end of the day, it's just frikin makeup.
littlemakeupboy
Well-known member
Quote:
true,but i agree that we shouldn't have to know about products that we release millions of years ago if we had not been working at the counter,
i don't think a customer should be mad because I don't know about an eyeshadow that had come out quite sometime ago when i wasn't even with mac,thats not part of the training process
we are trained in product knowledge and customer service,
dealing with products that we have permantly is discussed at basic
and limited edition/future permanent collections are discussed at update
| Originally Posted by smith130
I possibly went on a tangent but the makeup isn't that serious. It seems that you might have been "quizzed" before on some products and didnt know or got annoyed. Bottom line no matter where you work whether counter or store customer service should be good and ma should know that they are talking about. |
true,but i agree that we shouldn't have to know about products that we release millions of years ago if we had not been working at the counter,
i don't think a customer should be mad because I don't know about an eyeshadow that had come out quite sometime ago when i wasn't even with mac,thats not part of the training process
we are trained in product knowledge and customer service,
dealing with products that we have permantly is discussed at basic
and limited edition/future permanent collections are discussed at update
