(Multi Level Marketing includes companies like Mary Kay, Amway, Avon, HerbaLife, Pampered Chef (although I do like their products). It's sort of another word for "pyramid marketing."
Let's talk about how I was tricked (ok so I'm just being dramatic, I wasn't tricked, I just felt a little misled)...
A couple weeks ago, someone reached out to me on twitter and offered me a free facial (ok, ok, I'm naive, looking back, I guess this is too good to be true.) I love free stuff, so why not? The very professional woman sent a super nice e-mail about how she wanted to give me a facial because she needed portraits for her book. I loved the idea of helping her out, so why not?
So I picked a date and invited two very sweet girlfriends to join in for the "facials."
But there were no "facials" to be given, she just gave us products to try.
We put the makeup on ourselves.
Under normal-person circumstances, this would have been OK?
But it just wasn't what I'd been led to expect based on her e-mail.
...I don't wear makeup (except mascara when I do social stuff), so I didn't need to buy any
...and I don't know how to put on makeup correctly, so I felt uncoordinated putting it on my face myself
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| First time doing a full face of makeup myself. Didn't feel too different, except my eyelashes were fuller. But I guess that's how makeup is supposed to be, based on that Full House episode with DJ Tanner! Remember that, friends from the 1980's? |
I like buying a product because it's a great product...
...not because someone else puts personal pressure on me to buy it.
...not because someone provided sweet little finger foods and was thoughtful enough to invite me over, it makes me feel all guilty for not buying anything!
...not because someone provided sweet little finger foods and was thoughtful enough to invite me over, it makes me feel all guilty for not buying anything!
That being said, I can see why some people would like Multi Level Marketing. It is:
- a great way to hang with friends :) (which is the real reason that I actually enjoyed this experience!)
- a way to share a product that you really love
- a way to make some money on the side and gain independence and confidence
Am I hypocritical for being OK with blog reviews/giveaways and not loving multilevel marketing makeup/kitchenware parties?
Please convince me that multilevel marketing is much better than I think it is! I enjoy blog giveaways/reviews because there is no pressure to buy anything-- you can try out new products for no cost and then you can always buy the product on your own if you enjoy it. But I guess I could also see how blog giveaways could get old too, if it's for products that you don't feel passionate about?
I think you were tricked!
ReplyDeletePeople should tell it like it is........ what a waste of time for you and her.
You did a fantastic job for a first time make-up application :D
This is a really interesting and thought-provoking post! You're right - I feel the same way about these 'demos' by companies or people that offer you something then you're expected to buy things. And it's just plain annoying when someone misleads you to suck you in!
ReplyDeleteThe blog giveaway thing is also an interesting point. They really don't bother me when they're done a certain way. The nice thing about them is they're not (usually) pushy and in your face, and I never really feel obligated to buy anything. But I have to say as a reader, I get really annoyed by reviews written by bloggers that are way over the top. I know a company gave them something to try, and that's flattering and the person probably feels obligated to write a positive review of it, but please don't write about how this granola bar was totally earth-shattering and changed your life. Seriously. I've stopped reading blogs that I otherwise liked because I don't want to feel like I'm watching an informercial when I read their blog. But I digress!!
It's just something that bothers me. I know it's a tough balance to find when reviewing things that you've been given. This is in no way referring to your blog, haha I guess the topic just strikes a nerve because how annoyed I was reading one in particular. But this was a really interesting post that got me thinking!! :)
ohhh. I don't really go for those companies, either. The "parties" make me nervous for some reason. I feel obliged to attend to help a girlfriend out who is hosting (who is probably felt obliged to host to help one of her girlfriends out). Then you feel obliged to buy something at the party. It's all guilt driven and I believe that's WRONG.
ReplyDeletePeople who get involved and become "reps" get a little weird, too. I worked with a sweet, sweet lady who I was friends with and then she started pestering me to host a party. Well, I have 550 sq feet, so no parties at my place. She wouldn't take no for an answer. She offered to do it at her place! No way I was going to make all my girlfriends trek to a strange house off the beaten track for a "party".
When I finally flat out refused, she wasn't so much "friends" with me anymore. Frustrating.
Well, I don't think your blog giveaways/reviews are anything like a promise of a free "facial" when it's really just a "come buy my makeup" party. Blog giveaways are spelled out in black and white - you know when you are commenting on a blog for a giveaway, you are entering a giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI am not a big fan of multi-level marketing. Once I went to a Pampered Chef party at which the hawker wore a button that said "Please help me send my girls to Disney World." Talk about a guilt trip. Not to mention the peer-pressure when the host is your family member or good friend. I ended up buying stuff that I never even use.
ReplyDeleteBasically I see it as a way for the host to get free stuff for themselves and deep discounts through peer pressure. And for the sellers to make extra money to take their kids to Disney World. But then again, I'm a cynic.
I hate those multi-level marketing things. They always come in the phony guise of a "party" when you know they really just want to sell you something. I'd rather they just cut to the chase and say "I'm selling 'A', would you like to buy it?" Instead of the rouse they put up. I hate the fake-ness! Just be honest!
ReplyDeleteI would think the reason that you had to do the make up yourself, is that in most states/provinces, there are laws about having to have a degree/designation of some kind before you can touch people... ie, cosmetician in this case.
ReplyDeleteI think her approach to you was very underhanded.
Thank goodness I am not alone in the Catholic guilt thing.... I always HAVE to buy something when asked! I also HATE asking people to buy things from me, especially fundraisers in college for our track team. I usually just ended up buying all these raffle tickets myself! PS You are so lucky you don't need makeup!!!
ReplyDeleteHaha. I'm shy!! So I don't even really like the "party" aspect. Blog giveaways are way way better!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not Catholic, but I have the "catholic guilt" as well. There is an Avon Rep that comes into my office a few times a month and it drives me crazy. I always end up buying some product I really don't need. I did end up buying concealer & foundation from her, and it's fine, but I don't love it. Ugh. I wish she would stop calling & coming into my office.
ReplyDeleteand I avoid those parties like crazy. I don't care if my sisters are throwing them, i avoid them. nope . can't go. i'm busy..running, or something.
Forget the catholic guilt! It took me 29 years to realize that, it was a long hard road to that....
ReplyDeleteSore subject for this catholic lol....
Guilt sucks. But I don't think you should feel guilty about the situation. I think that you were misled in the sense that you weren't getting what you were led to believe, but at the same time, maybe this kind of thing just isn't for you and that's a-okay. I'm not a fan of multi level marketing either FYI.
ReplyDeleteYOU. LOOK. BEAUTIFUL!
ReplyDeleteso pretty (with no make up too) I wouldn't have bought anything. Don't feel guilty. I hate selling.
I'm the same way - I hate situations like that. I back away slowly from any freebie deal like that just because I don't trust what could happen or how I would react when feeling guilted into buying stuff I don't need/want!
ReplyDeleteBlog giveaways are totally different - people are just putting their name in a drawing without any pressure.
{PS - good job on the make up! although I'm no expert either!}
Your make up looks great, but I hate all those schemes too. They are just awkward and uncomfortable. You can also find something that is better quality for less other places too.
ReplyDeleteI think that what you with reviews and giveaways on the blog is totally different. You are providing information and your opinion on something you are an expert. There is no pressure for readers to purchase.
I unequivocally HATE multi-level marketing. Blog giveaways are different becauset they are easy to ignore if you're not interested. I have a friend right now who is selling a drink mix in one of those pyramid things, and it's super annoying--much more annoying from a friend because it's harder to ignore.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you should feel guilty in the least!
I hate it too. Although I really love some of their products and wish I could just order them without having to invite 50 friends over, which requires cleaning the house -- not gonna happen to buy a spatula or mascara. Scentsy is the latest one around these parts. It smells good but feels awkward.
ReplyDeleteGiveaways are so much better because no one is guilting or forcing you!
What is strange about this is that a while ago when I was in grad school I was in my apartment gym and a lady working out there said the EXACT same thing to me and another girl who was there at the same time. She said she needed to do make-up to have pictures for her portfolio and it was weird so I said I didn't have time. I wonder if it would have ended up just like your situation!
ReplyDeleteI hate being pressured to buy something or situations where you feel obligated! It's a personal pet peeve! It even goes to an extreme with me - I don't like it when stores or people ask you to donate to something because I feel like I should be able to decide who or what I donate to without feeling guilty and if I want to donate to your cause, I will seek it out and I don't like being made to feel like a bad person if I say "no." I have tried to get over that a little because I realize they are just trying to help others and it's good. But I do have a conspiracy theory with stores who ask you to donate when you check out because I believe then the donation is in their name and they get a tax benefit on your behalf...but, still, it's a good thing. Can you tell you struck a nerve with me? :)
ReplyDeleteYou look great in the picture and I think you did an amazing job - especially if you aren't used to putting make-up on!
I hate being in a situation where I feel pressured to buy something I don't want and don't need, especially if I don't even really like it. I like those party's for the social aspect but mostly try to avoid them, especially the overpriced jewelery ones!
ReplyDeleteYou do look like a hottie with all that makeup one, course you always looks great :)
I think she should've been more straightforward about it. I feel guilty not buying stuff at those "parties" too, but it's usually stuff I don't need/want anyway...
ReplyDeleteI don't know how to put in makeup either! What a relief I thought I was the only one ha. I don't recall that particular full house episode but it was still a great show. Haaaave mercyyy!
I hate being guilted into buying things....
ReplyDeleteI agree - she didn't give you what she advertised!
youre not hypocritical, i totally agree! i did the same thing...got a "makeover" of putting her makeup on myself. i at least got a free product for it, but then i felt even mroe guilty... im sorry you got tricked
ReplyDeleteI avoid multi-level marketing at all cost. I have a wonderful Avon lady whose website I order from but she never emails me or sends anything in the mail. I just order online when I'm out of what I need and it arrives at my house with no harassment included.
ReplyDeleteI sell Mary Kay and Its all about how you run your business. Of course the company gives 'advice' and tips but in the end I run it my way. I throw 'parties' but make sure the attendees know exactly what to expect before they arrive. Its all about opinion too. I have customers that just want to simply order from my website and then I have customers that like me to call or email every month to check in. You have to know how you read your customer. An above comment said something about getting the same products cheaper or the same at a store or on the internet. Some customers like the service aspect of it.
ReplyDelete