MAC, the company, & samples.

[midnight sun]

Hey guys and ladies.

For my marketing class I need to develop a new product or service (or an improvement or variation on existing products or services) that would benefit from e-marketing and Internet advertising.

Sound boring? Here’s where makeup/MAC comes in.

I am creating a sampling service (name still to be determined) for MAC and/or other high-end cosmetics.

As regular users of MAC products, how beneficial would such a service be to you? My company would offer sample sizes of various MAC products in smaller versions of the original jars. What kinds of things are you looking for in a sampling service?

I’ve done research, but I still have some questions. Would my company by a subsidiary of MAC or of Estee Lauder, MAC’s own parent company? Are there any websites which describe MAC and Estee Lauder’s relationship in detail? Would it be more practical to be a subsidary of MAC or an independently-run company in partnership with MAC?

Also, is there anything you would to change/improve MAC/the makeup industry as whole?

 

[girlstar]

I don't know about the rest of your questions.. but I sure would love some kind of "sampling" service.

There was a post about foundation try on packs that were released in Asia..I really wish that I could get a small sample of each MAC foundation (in my colour), so that I could test them all, and then buy fullsize of the one I like the best. I'm hesitant to switch from my current one, even though I'm starting to not like it anymore.

The same with pigment samples.. in which I've gone and bought tons of samples from ebay, and now I am in the process of buying fullsize of the ones I really liked.

One reason I can think of why this would never happen is that the idea with MAC is that most people go into the store, and have a MA help them with products to find out what one works best for them.. selling samples for people to try is kind of like taking the professional input out of the picture, and leaving the user to figure out how to use the products themselves... you know what I mean? Unless your store would be doing this too..

If I was you, I'd rather be a MAC subsidiary that sells only MAC because then the employees could be 100% educated on one line, and not trying to remember stuff for all of EL lines if it was a store that sold samples of all EL stuff.

One thing I think would be really cool.. I got a sample of the new Sephora eyeshadows - its a thin layer of the eyeshadow stuck onto a paper card somehow? And it's got a little piece of thin plastic sheet over it to product it. It's a one-use type thing. I'm sure you guys know what I'm talking about. Anyway, it would be cool if you could get something like that at stores with like, 20 or so eyeshadows on it.. for like... 5 bucks.. so you could try them and then go back and buy the ones you liked. Ahhh, one can dream

 

[YvetteJeannine]

^^Those are good ideas!

I wish I had more input for you....I'm super tired tonight, and can barely think; my brain feels like mush

I'll sleep on it, though...and try to think of some more things..but I think Girlstar is right about being a MAC subsidiary...only one brand line to concentrate on would be better...

 

[Raerae]

Yeh I think the idea is in a perfect world, you would go in, get your mu applied, learn how to apply the products, and buy what the MA used on you. Realistically, there are so many annoying teenagers crowded around the MAC counter NOT BUYING ANYTHING that I usually end up just handing the MA a piece of paper with what I want on it so I can get out of there ASAP.

Best time to go to MAC? Weekdays during your lunch break, the counter is usually empty lol. <3 having a MAC counter down the street from my work LOL.

Quote:

Originally Posted by girlstar There was a post about foundation try on packs that were released in Asia..I really wish that I could get a small sample of each MAC foundation (in my colour), so that I could test them all, and then buy fullsize of the one I like the best. I'm hesitant to switch from my current one, even though I'm starting to not like it anymore.

Shouldn't you be able to ask for a foundation sample at the counter? I'm in the same boat. I'm using NW20 SFF, and while I love the product, my skin has lightened since I bought it. And I've noticed that my neck has gotten a lot lighter, so I have to be very careful with the application or it ends up too dark. I dont want to go in and buy another NW20, but I would like to sample the next shade down for a week or so b4 making a decision.

 

[girlstar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raerae Shouldn't you be able to ask for a foundation sample at the counter?

You should. I tried to ask once before about powders, and got attitude like I was making I'm "making their life hard" and they're very reluctant to try products on and ask questions and actually take the time with a customer. But I will stop myself before we get intoto the "MA's are rude" subject, teehee!

I think samples are good for people who know what they're doing, or have resources to find out how to use a certain product (like Specktra!). But some people definitely need help with their makeup..

 

[Raerae]

Quote:

Originally Posted by girlstar You should. I tried to ask once before about powders, and got attitude like I was making I'm "making their life hard" and they're very reluctant to try products on and ask questions and actually take the time with a customer. But I will stop myself before we get intoto the "MA's are rude" subject, teehee! I think samples are good for people who know what they're doing, or have resources to find out how to use a certain product (like Specktra!). But some people definitely need help with their makeup..

Pressed Powder might be difficult, unless it was a loose powder, but typically those are for setting liquid foundation.

Try going during less busy times. You get better help.

 

[madkitty]

I LOVE samples!

 

[iheartjuppy]

Oooh I wish they made foundation sample packs (Like an NW20 set, that had Hyperreal, Studio Fix Fluid, Select Tint, Studio Tech, etc. all in NW20). I know my *shade* but not my ideal formula/texture/whatever.

A 2 day supply of each one for $20? I'd do that!

 

[midnight sun]

I'm sure it is unrealistic, but as a project it'll work. I'm sure my professor won't be too familiar with this industry.

Thanks for all your responses - great input, and so helpful.

 

[as_cute_as_pie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iheartjuppy Oooh I wish they made foundation sample packs (Like an NW20 set, that had Hyperreal, Studio Fix Fluid, Select Tint, Studio Tech, etc. all in NW20). I know my *shade* but not my ideal formula/texture/whatever. A 2 day supply of each one for $20? I'd do that!

ooo i LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea

 

[macluver]

I would loooove to be able to get samples of MAC.. pigments, tiny lipstick tuibes, mini eyeshadpws (even a single use) for a small fee. I live 3 hours from the nearest MAC store (of any kind) and can't trade for *everything* I'd like to try.