We have all shared a love-hate relationship with our Makeup SAs- some SAs you'd avoid like plague and yet there are others whose helpful demeanor and friendly smile makes you buy tons more than you had planned.
But do you know what is your Makeup SA not telling you?
1.There is a promotional offer / 'Gift with purchase' on what you are buying- Most Drugstore SA's would not disclose a promotional offer, discount , free gift with purchase (GWP) or free product samples unless asked. So before you get your items billed always ask if there is an ongoing promotion.
2.The shade is so wrong for you!- I'm selling it because those are the only shades in stock / I'm selling you a light foundation shade because " I think you want your foundation to make you fairer."
Use your judgement and when buying foundations and lipsticks, go out and check the swatch in natural light before committing to the purchase.If it doesn't feel right don't be afraid to walk away.
3.The product is so last season / nearing its Best-before date- Most stores stock and sell their inventories on FIFO-First in first out basis, meaning the oldest stock will be sold first. Makeup is no different, if your SA has handed you a shade form last season's stock or nearing expiry always check and ask for fresher / freshest stock possible.
4.I know less about the products than you do!-I'm a newbie in the store and I don't know much about the product-Ingredients list Hello what is that ?
If you are dealing with a Rookie SA, be kind and ask is a senior SA can help you out. If not then unless you are pretty sure you can find what you are looking for I'd suggest you try some other store .
5.The Free Make-over is not free!-There are no Free lunches and there are no free makeover. Most SA work on a salary + commission basis and when they give you a 'Free' makeover they are investing their time and effort hoping to close a sale. If you are opting for a 'Free makeover'- then be specific about which products you'd like to try, make it worth both your time and if you do like something go ahead & buy. If not then don't feel pressured to buy something just because the SA applied some makeup on your face.Know when to walk away from products / shades that don't suit you.
Either ways remember to thank the SA / MUA for her effort.
6.Experts wearing Lab Coats and toting charts are not licensed Cosmetologist.
This is a new trend that some of you might have spotted in Indian departmental store makeup counters- SAs' donning white lab coats and carrying skin analysis reports and charts. Well this is a marketing tool, these are well trained, well groomed SAs and not estheticians / Cosmetologist.
Nothing wrong in shopping from these chaps, but when they start giving you Gyan on flushing free radicals from your body using anti oxidants in their creams, you know its time to head for the door :P
7. They decide on what to sell you basis what you are wearing- yes clothes and makeup included! Yes harsh but true- know you will be judged and the SA would try to ascertain your requirement, your paying ability and what you might buy basis your dress and makeup.
Nothing seriously wrong there as (s)he is trying to do basic customer profiling before pitching you the product(s). Looking well groomed & well dressed, while shopping never hurt anyone so polish up Ladies !
P.S.- I know front-line Sales is a very tough job & I mean no disrespect for the hardworking Makeup SA's.Most of these shortcomings is a training issue from the company's end & can be easily fixed, however as a customer its important you know of these pitfalls and Shop Smart!
So what other trade secrets have you uncovered in your experience with the Makeup SAs? Comment & Tell
