Questions about Pigment Samples?

[MsButterfli]

Re: Pigment Samples?

i went to the Pro Store here in NY and the nice MA there told me to help myself. I only got 2 pan refills and got 5 samples. i think im gonna get me a full sized chocolate brown and blue brown just cuz of it.

 

[MisStarrlight]

Re: Pigment Samples?

I don't believe there is any MAC-wide rule about pigment samples (but since I work at a counter & not a store I could be wrong), but rather it depends on the location and the MA you're dealing with.

If a customer is nice, or buys a lot, or I'm just having a good day I'll make samples pretty freely. It's mostly skincare though, since we don't have many pigments to sell. I almost never give pigment samples when we do have them though, but I think it's mostly cause I don't think of them/the customer doesn't ask.

So, I'd say, there is no harm in asking, but I wouldn't recommend going in just for samples-make it a part of your purchase.

 

[baby_love]

Re: Pigment Samples?

about 2 years ago I went to a Nordstrom counter, and I spent about an hour trying to decide what to get. I ended up choosing Aquadasiac but they were out and the MA offered to make me a sample...she just scraped some off with a mascara spoolie. It was a once in a lifetime thing and I didn't know HOW amazing she was for doing that haha, usually this won't happen.

at stores where they have a lot of pigments, I usually get samples. I don't usually ask at the counters.

 

[BunnyBunnyBunny]

Re: Pigment Samples?

Hmm. I only just got hired in November (2006) and I was told to NEVER ever scrape products. Maybe it's a new rule, or just my manager though?

 

[midgetfury74]

Re: Pigment Samples?

my MA is usually really generous with the samples, but im sure thats because she knows i spend a majority of my disposable income on product and am more likely to buy after trying it with other colors i have at home

 

[lara]

Re: Pigment Samples?

Pigments and glitters are easily resold for profit on ebay, livejournal, or MU sites like this - if the AM feels that this is an issue, then the pigment and glitter sampling is usually cut right back in that area or to be done only on a set dollar basis.

I know that glitter and pigment sampling in my area is almost non-existant due to the overtly blatent reselling of samples.

 

[*Juliet&Rambo*]

Re: Pigment Samples?

I agree with Miss World.. here in UAE .. it sounds weird to them if we ask for samples..I even asked once for the discount which in US and Canda offered for the students the MA was confused.. and she said that we don't have such a thing here in Dubai ..but now that i know ..
i will ask for the sample .. ^___^

 

[KeshieShimmer]

Re: Pigment Samples?

I do understand why some MUA don't want to give samples because of people selling them. When I get a sample I usually try to buy two other products or buy a full-sized pigment.

 

[princess]

Re: Pigment Samples?

I never got any samples of any kind all this time I bought from MAC. Maybe I should try my regular MA and see what she says.

 

[coachkitten]

Re: Pigment Samples?

I sometimes ask for foundation samples so I can try it outside of the store. I have also asked for a few pigment samples before and I have not run into too many problems.
I again think that you need to have some sort of relationship with the counter or the MA. Then there usually is no problem.

 

[Katura]

Re: Pigment Samples?

At my counter we carry maybe 5 pigments...and honestly I don't think anyone knows we carry them because we don't have jars out as testers or anything...maybe because we have so few? But no one ever asks about them, or asks for samples...at least in the few weeks I've been working haha

But when I used to head up to the Towson MAC...spending a prettttty penny each time, they had no problem giving me a couple samples each time of the pigments they had. Some had more in them than others but I was def. grateful for what I got. I think it has alot to do with the fact that pigments last forever, and giving a sample almost discourages buying a whole jar; and then ofcourse the whole re-selling thing.

But honestly, if you go in to make a purchase, then whats the harm in asking? Or even if you go in to try out skincare and arent 100% about the product and want to try it out with your normal reg. at home, the worst they can say is 'no, sorry, we cant do that'.

 

[Hilly]

Re: Pigment Samples?

I got a sample of strobe today and cant wait to try it!

 

[Amaranth]

Re: Pigment Samples?

I was at a freestanding MAC store at the Yorkdale Mall in Toronto (not sure if it's Pro or not, I've only been there twice since I don't live in Toronto), and I only bought two eyeshadows and the MA gave me a sample of Graphito Paint (a while ago...when they still made it haha), and I didn't even ask. I didn't even KNOW they gave samples, ever.

 

[BlahWah]

Re: Pigment Samples?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edie I always seem eager to buy them and maybe thats why they don't mind.

The girls at the counter closest to me know me fairly well by now, so they're great with helping me out with samples, tho it's usually about foundation rather than pigment. Anytime I've gotten pigment samples is when they rave about it and I say I'm passing b/c I'm not sure I can use the whole jar or whether the colour will work on me. I once told a MA that I'll buy shadows and lipsticks from the collection (Sundressing) and find pigment samples on eBay (well, Specktra really, but anytime I mention this site they think I'm nuts!) and the MA looked at me, told me to wait a sec and gave me about 1/4 tsp of each Softwashed Grey and Gold Dusk.


Quote:

Originally Posted by Amaranth I was at a freestanding MAC store at the Yorkdale Mall in Toronto (not sure if it's Pro or not, I've only been there twice since I don't live in Toronto), and I only bought two eyeshadows and the MA gave me a sample of Graphito Paint (a while ago...when they still made it haha), and I didn't even ask. I didn't even KNOW they gave samples, ever.

My experience at Yorkdale is usually great (except there are always 15 customers coming in after I step inside = crowded), and the girls & guys there don't hesitate with giving samples. FYI, it's a freestanding store. The only pro in Toronto is on Queen St. (so far!!).

 

[amethyst_star]

Re: Pigment Samples?

I shop mostly at the Freestanding stores in Toronto, the one at Scarborough Town Centre and the one on Bloor St. near Bay St. and Bloor, and both stores MA's have always been nice about giving out pigment samples when I make a purchase. Sometimes I will ask for one or two. Some of the MAC counters at The Bay don't give out pigment samples or don't give out certain samples(for example The Bay at Scarborough Town Centre)

I guess it all depends on the MA's and that particular counters policies.

 

[Amaranth]

Re: Pigment Samples?

Quote:

My experience at Yorkdale is usually great (except there are always 15 customers coming in after I step inside = crowded), and the girls & guys there don't hesitate with giving samples. FYI, it's a freestanding store. The only pro in Toronto is on Queen St. (so far!!).

Yeah, that's true, I'll have to try to milk more samples out of them next time I'm there. Also, it's on a corner, and all the walls are glass, and I've seen quite a few people smash into the glass trying to find I way in. I'm not sure if that's funny or not...

 

[VioletB]

Re: Pigment Samples?

I NEVER ask for samples. The day Balloonacy came out in Nordstrom I went to get the pigments.. They were already out of Helium and I was so bummed!! (That's the one I wanted sooo bad.) The girl felt bad and made me a huge sample. I was so grateful!! I also was in the other day picking out some paint colors and the MA was NOT hesitant about making me a sample of Flammable and Graphito.. I turned down the Flammable because I was going to buy it anyway.. However, I graciously accepted Graphito.. I think if you get familiar in a particular store and always buy, they are more likely to give you stuff

BTW,
Amaranth, I don't think Graphito is discontinued.. They carry it at Nordstrom where I live...? Maybe just in certain areas...

 

[Xqueeze_me]

Re: Pigment Samples?

Yup! It does depend on which MAs are looking after you. I went to check out Provence and Jardin Aires before I went to work.

So I was just standing there minding my own business, testing the 2 pigments on the top of my hand when an MA asked if I'm being looked after and if I needed any help. She looked at me weird when I said not really (to "are you being looked after?") but anyway, I asked her if I could get samples of Provence and Jardin Aires because I wasn't sure. I think she got a bit ticked off because I didn't purchase anything (MAC makes me broke!

) and asked for samples. She was a bit hesitant at first but gave them to me anyway. Only thing is, she gave me samples for about 2 applications of eyeshadows (compared to another MA who gave me a generous 1/4 teaspoon of pigments to sample).

I do understand that the MAs are aware that some people ask for samples and then sell them off on eBay for profit so I am glad/thankful that I can even get 2 samples!

"Better than nothing!"

 

[user79]

Re: Pigment Samples?

Quote:

Originally Posted by lara Pigments and glitters are easily resold for profit on ebay, livejournal, or MU sites like this - if the AM feels that this is an issue, then the pigment and glitter sampling is usually cut right back in that area or to be done only on a set dollar basis. I know that glitter and pigment sampling in my area is almost non-existant due to the overtly blatent reselling of samples.

Good point. However, it depends on how much they give as a sample. Honestly, each time I've gotten samples, the amount is really small. It basically wouldn't be re-sellable with such a tiny amount. It's up the the MA to ensure they don't give too much, because a big sample can last ages and the customer wouldn't come back to purchase a full size one!

 

[janelovesyou]

Re: Pigment Samples?

Interesting, i was just thinking about this today. I remember when I went into a MAC store and the MA kind of hesitated weirdly but still gave me the sample of Kitschmas and a generous amount at that. I was wondering if they had some kind of weird rule or something about it.

I can't remember how much I spent or what I bought that day but I definitely wasn't a regular and he didn't know me from Adam, so it was very much appreciated. That sample lasted me for a really long time too, but now that it's gone I want the full size jar and I'll probably have that forever.