MAC's policy on samples? Getting samples at MAC?

[mandirigma]

in all honesty, it probably wouldn't hurt to ask just once, and usually it helps if you're already buying a ton of stuff anyway or if you've been the perfect customer. i mean, the worst that could happen is that they tell you no, and they might act all rude if they remember you the next time you come in. but if you don't care or you're used to that then it's whatevers.

and i'm really not trying to scare you or anything. the mac freestanding by my house totally sucks balls so i'm used to MA's acting stank for no reason and treating me like i'm being sneaky or something.

 

[bluegrassbabe]

I only ask when I have purchased something. I think that helps, I know I would definately feel awkward about asking when I haven't made a purchase. Just get friendly with your MA's, chat em' up, and mention that you would like to try a few things that you can't buy that day. I've never been turned down.

 

[Sushi_Flower]

Asking after a purchase is your best bet, and asking if it would be ok, rather than just ''can i have a sample of this?'' comes across better. It's abit hit and miss though, some act like you're asking for the whole thing free, others are great about it. At my counter they say they will not give pigment samples anymore but a few still do sometimes.

 

[brandi]

just ask seriously... my friend was sooo scared to ask because i always do for her and they are always willing i never had a problem with pigments or any product... and the counters are nice too! it could be because they all know me but idk... they offer them too if you get a good one! hmm just talk story with one of them make friends then ask... but i'm pretty sure they'll give it to you.. i've heard about some people not being able to but it doesn't hurt to ask... just make like you want to try it on your eye a few times before you actually buy it.pigment samples last forever! hehehe

 

[Pink_Pixie]

Thanks guys! u have me kinda nervous now lol how lame of me!! Dont worry I will be buying a few things. Im not just gonna walk up all "hey can i get some free stuff?" wish me luck! im leavin in a few hours

 

[allan_willb]

yes macys counters do not sell pigments but the LE ones yes! i got some samples but when i go to the mac store i get some too =)

 

[michitk]

i only get them if my fav ma is there and offers. i never like to ask b/c it just seems whiney and a bit greedy

 

[iheartjuppy]

Re:

If I'm going to ask for a sample, I usually wait until I'm being rung up, then I'll ask about something, like "I tried Strobe Cream but didn't really think it showed up on my skin. Maybe it's the lighting here, can you possibly make me a little sample to try in regular light?" (true - our department store has such weird lighting I honestly couldn't tell if it showed up. Turns out, it didn't show up in regular light either, so the sample was great - I didn't have to shell out for something I wouldn't use.

The only other times I've asked for a sample is if I'm buying pigments already but there are one or two I'm not sure I want - I'll ask for samples to try them (Golden Olive was one I'm glad I tried because I couldn't pull it off). Some counters & stores are hesitant to give out pigment samples these days because of the "black market" on eBay. I was told it's a new/going to be a new policy that they can't give them out (by an MA at a freestanding store), but that they'll still give them to people "they know". (For what it's worth, he didn't *know* me - my first time in the store, but I was buying a lot and talked to him about products so he knew I wasn't new to MAC).

Anyways, don't be shy! You're buying and you're a MAC fan, MAs love when people are as excited about the product as they are! Show your genuine interest and ask questions!

 

[maxipoodle1]

ok ok does MAC ever give samples?

ok i've gone to MAC counters and i want to buy something right, but i'm not sure i like it....so i ask for a sample and the SA's just seem to ignore me and say "oh no we have none"...and i end up buying something that i have to go back and return!!!the ones in my MAC counter are beef JERKys sometimes!!

 

[depecher]

They aren't telling you the truth. I've gone to my counter, a free standing and a pro store and all have given me samples. I think they may say this before they see that you spend money. I've spent so much at my counter, they give me samples even if I don't buy anything that trip.

 

[koolkatz]

I've only ever asked after I bought something. I've gotten whatever I asked for at my MAC counter in The Bay (Canadian dept store), but was turned down at the Pro store in Toronto =(

 

[tarteheart]

Question -- the stuff that you're asking for samples of, are you asking after they've already applied the product to your face? I mean, not that it necessarily makes a difference. I've had samples of foundation, primers, and moisturizers to make sure that I really like the product, that the color is right, that it doesn't irritate my skin. I always go to the same MA...I luff her.

 

[morgasm]

I think it's rude for them to refuse you of a sample,
good make up is an investment and especially with things like foundation where you should be able to try out applying it yourself before buying. I know that they know how to apply it better than me, and if I get home and it goes on different then I know to either not buy it or to get tips.

 

[Liz]

it varies some times. we obviously can't give samples of everything like e/s and lipsticks or whatnot. but if someone was interested in a foundation or skin care product, we give it to them.

oh gosh... the other day, i had this lady come up and ask if we have samples, so i ask of what and she says anything. so i go over to the skincare stuff and give her 2. and she's like "oh, you have to pour it?" and she goes to say that she's having this luncheon or something and she was making goody bags for the ladies. when i was making the samples, i glanced down and saw her macy's bag and saw a TON of samples from the other lines! to me, that was someone who just wanted to take advantage of the counters because they have to give samples.

 

[bebs]

I know if your going to a free standing store sometimes they really do run out of the little sample pots but most of the time they will give you a sample, if they don't ask somebody else for the same thing. You can say its to test the color out on your self before buying the product to make sure you a. do not have an allergic reaction b. like the color on your self and c. so that way you dont have to come back and return it if you dont like it.

most of the time they will give it to you, sometimes they won't if you, and if you have a problem with getting a sample go else were to get one and buy it and don’t give that store or ma your business or money if they are giving you that sort of problem.

 

[circusflavouredgum]

As long as they have the containers, they shouldn't have a problem with giving you samples within reason. MAC didn't used to have pre-packaged samples (I haven't worked there for a year and a half) but we were allowed to make a little sample cup of anything liquid or loose powdered.

It just depends on the situation, like any other behind the counter job. If you get a ton of people not even looking or buying and they all just ask for samples just cos their friend told them they could get free stuff..then I can see where the person might get annoyed cos then they have no samples for their paying customers that sincerely might want to try new things out. However that's worse case scenario.

If it's a person who's genuinely interested, then there's no reason not to let them try something out before they buy it! I used to give loads away to cut down on returns later on (esp. with concealers and foundations).

I used to dread when we really did run out of the samples cups though, cos people ALWAYS looked at you suspicious or would even walk around and come back and ask someone else at the counter when you weren't looking

 

[Life In Return]

I have gotten samples quite a few times. Whenever I have wanted to buy a pigment that they are out of, they will give me a sample from the ones that are on display. Or if I want to try a new foundation, they have given me samples to see if I like it before I buy it

 

[Eilinoir]

Quote:

Originally Posted by koolkatz I've only ever asked after I bought something. I've gotten whatever I asked for at my MAC counter in The Bay (Canadian dept store), but was turned down at the Pro store in Toronto =(

Really? I went to the Pro Store to buy Sweetie Cake stuff and to check out SFF.
I asked the MA (guy w/ the pink hair = awesome) if Pinked Mauve would look to bruise-like on me and I was really doubtful about it so he offered a sample. He also gave me a sample of SFF for me to try out.
I genuinely was unsure about the products so I guess they can see it.

Though the service can be snotty at times (given the location), try the Bloor St. MAC store (across Harry Rosen). They're pretty reasonable with samples too

I don't encourage anyone (like sketchy eBay sellers, etc) to abuse it because it really ruins it for those of us who really want to try before we buy.

 

[allan_willb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liz it varies some times. we obviously can't give samples of everything like e/s and lipsticks or whatnot. but if someone was interested in a foundation or skin care product, we give it to them. oh gosh... the other day, i had this lady come up and ask if we have samples, so i ask of what and she says anything. so i go over to the skincare stuff and give her 2. and she's like "oh, you have to pour it?" and she goes to say that she's having this luncheon or something and she was making goody bags for the ladies. when i was making the samples, i glanced down and saw her macy's bag and saw a TON of samples from the other lines! to me, that was someone who just wanted to take advantage of the counters because they have to give samples.

lmao!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[as_cute_as_pie]

are samples available in the uk? ive never seen any at mac been given away