Post your experiences at MAC store

[clueless]

I also thought it was just me! I've had terrible experiences, I wouldn't go back now. Had browsed in their section in Debenhams a few times and was always ignored. I've always felt that they look down on people, unless you're like one of them.

One time I went and wasn't ignored (?!) and I wanted to try one of their foundations. I think it's their Studio Fix foundation that's the most popular one? I wanted to try it. Well, the man matched me with a colour in one of their other foundation ranges which was crap, and the wrong colour, I only realised after in the natural light when I'd already bought it. I honestly think he was taking the piss.

Another time I really wanted one of their pigment pots. Completely ignored by staff. I still wanted one so I opened a drawer to find the one I wanted, seeing as nobody was going to help me. Well, that got the attention of the sales associate who suddenly was by my side and asking me why I was opening their drawers and reprimanding me like a child. Needless to say I didn't purchase!

I kind of got my own back another time when I was browsing and being ignored as usual. I spotted a boxed lipstick lying abandoned. It was Velvet Teddy which I'd been wanting, so I took it. I just picked it up and walked away with it, and of course they didn't even notice. I've never told anybody this. It wasn't right I know, but I was younger then and it felt like a bit of a "fuck you" to the snobby, bitchy staff

 

[cosmo girl]

I've worked in the beauty halls for known department stores. I feel confident shopping for make up and not at all intimidated. These consultants get a basic pay and commission and work to tough targets. I found make up a very target driven job. I think maybe people are judging If you will spend and may miss out on commission from someone else. I've seen it happen quite a lot. Not just in beauty. Which could make them lose out in sales for thinking this way. But last year I visited a Mac store out of town. There was two local women shopping who were known to the Mac consultants. There was quite a few consultants working compared to customers. I was ignored and wasn't acknowledged. The atmosphere was awful. I was made to feel invisible. I went in the store to buy a product I couldn't get online. I just walked out. I've not bought a Mac product since. That's why customer service is so important. Every customer should be made to feel welcome and given great customer service. One sale lost is a sale too many to a company. I felt like going back in the Mac store and having a Julia Roberts moment 'Big Mistake'

 

[slabber]

I got my make up done once the morning of an event and had fake tanned in advance of this. Whilst doing my foundation, the MUA commented she hates when people don't tan their ears?! Guess who hadn't tanned their ears

Personally, if the bits that people can actually see don't look like tiger bread... then I'm winning!!

 

[Missgobby124]

I have been to so many MAC stores, and I always leave feeling upset. Their workers always seem to be bitchy, and I honestly remember once I went to buy makeup from there for the first time and the woman serving me looked at me like I was garbage and I felt so ashamed for no reason!! The second time I went another rude woman served me. Made me feel like she was judging me and looked me up and down. She made me feel terrible. I never go in now because the workers always seem to be rude

 

[Giggling Squid]

Never been to a store but we have a couple of concessions where I live. I went in for a translucent powder that I’ve used for years, as I’m quite freckly so I don’t wear foundation much.... I got told I really should just cover them up, as nobody likes them any more. I did not buy the powder

 

[Missgobby124]

Their loss. We won't be the only ones. I should imagine that a lot of the staff have been laid off now

I always think wow, I’m in the store giving you my money, why can’t you show some kindness? It’s like they’re told to act like a high school bully

 

[Lollipop2123]

I've never even been as I've always felt too intimidated

 

[Itsallaboutmememe]

I was in one in fenwicks in york
my daughter had saved up to buy me some of their make up
i was standing there,looking like crap,no make up on and stressed
a lady that looked just like a Disney villain came out of nowhere,looked at me like I was shite and walked off
just as I was about to leave nearly in tears,a lovely yet normal looking lady came over,helped me buy the right one for me and we left happy

i still use Mac but will never forget the Disney villain lady with the mad eyebrows

 

[lizzolyn]

Years go I once went into a Mac counter to buy a foundation to use for nights out (for when I'm tanned).

I chose the one I liked on my own and went to the till to pay; the girl at the till said to me in a really condescending way ''Are you sure you want this shade it's way too dark for you and you're quite pale?'' I told her it was for when I have tan on and she was like ''oh'' and just went about the transaction in silence. In that moment I could have easily not bought it walked out; I don't know why they say these things it's like they are talking us out of buying anything from there!

It was the last time I went into a MAC counter and haven't bought anything from them since there's much better brands out there anyway.

 

[totallytaz]

I was in one in fenwicks in york
my daughter had saved up to buy me some of their make up
i was standing there,looking like crap,no make up on and stressed
a lady that looked just like a Disney villain came out of nowhere,looked at me like I was shite and walked off
just as I was about to leave nearly in tears,a lovely yet normal looking lady came over,helped me buy the right one for me and we left happy

i still use Mac but will never forget the Disney villain lady with the mad eyebrows

Perfect way to describe it. I’ve seen many an Ursula working in the MAC stores.

 

[Lollypad]

Actually I’ve never had a problem with a Mac store, I’m more scared of the counters tbh!

 

[Chablis1]

I also thought it was just me! I've had terrible experiences, I wouldn't go back now. Had browsed in their section in Debenhams a few times and was always ignored. I've always felt that they look down on people, unless you're like one of them.

One time I went and wasn't ignored (?!) and I wanted to try one of their foundations. I think it's their Studio Fix foundation that's the most popular one? I wanted to try it. Well, the man matched me with a colour in one of their other foundation ranges which was crap, and the wrong colour, I only realised after in the natural light when I'd already bought it. I honestly think he was taking the piss.

Another time I really wanted one of their pigment pots. Completely ignored by staff. I still wanted one so I opened a drawer to find the one I wanted, seeing as nobody was going to help me. Well, that got the attention of the sales associate who suddenly was by my side and asking me why I was opening their drawers and reprimanding me like a child. Needless to say I didn't purchase!

I kind of got my own back another time when I was browsing and being ignored as usual. I spotted a boxed lipstick lying abandoned. It was Velvet Teddy which I'd been wanting, so I took it. I just picked it up and walked away with it, and of course they didn't even notice. I've never told anybody this. It wasn't right I know, but I was younger then and it felt like a bit of a "fuck you" to the snobby, bitchy staff

Love this! Good for you.

 

[Yogarow]

I worked for benefit for about 5 years, I loved it actually. But yes we had to wear 10 products minimum everyday. It wasn't good for you and I got a lot of skin problems. I had no make up experience but got a 2 week course with them before I started about make up and how to sell. At benefit you don't have to be a make it artist where as at MAC you have to show a portfolio to get an interview. Its supposed to be much more artistry based. Most of the other brands do not require make up qualifications but sales experience is more important.

Agree completely with previous comment about missing out on big spenders therefore big commission for other customers who might just browse. It was annoying however u never know who's going to walk up. I did a makeover one Wednesday evening for a lady who's dog had just died (she wasn't going out anywhere i just got talking to her so did her makeup) and she dropped £500 on about 20 products all in one go.

I loved that job and do think about going back but yes it is highly pressured to reach targets and can be very bitchy. In department stores there is rivalry amongst brands so counters are competitive. There is also competition between sales assistants on each counter and jealousy as to how many sales people make.

 

[Halliestar]

I usually order my Mac makeup online, how ever I remember going in once and getting one of the workers to try some foundation on me in my shade. I went home after buying the foundation. Got in and had a look in the mirror and the foundation had oxidized and I was very orange never used their foundation since. Lipliner, lipsticks and bronzer have always been good though which I repurchase!

Anyone else noticed not just with Mac but the makeup stands in boots etc that the women working on the stands their makeup is awful? Very caked and orange with bright pink lipstick. I know someone who got a job on one of the estee lauder stands with no previous experience with makeup, she hadn’t even done a makeup course or anything in relation with beauty either. Usually these stands are higher priced makeup as well so I’d be expecting someone with some knowledge of makeup and not just knowing where to place it.

Speaking of Estée Lauder (sorry I know this is a post about Mac) but i wanted to try the double wear foundation. I went into John Lewis, house of Fraser and Boots and all three said I was a different shade

 

[Missgobby124]

Years go I once went into a Mac counter to buy a foundation to use for nights out (for when I'm tanned).

I chose the one I liked on my own and went to the till to pay; the girl at the till said to me in a really condescending way ''Are you sure you want this shade it's way too dark for you and you're quite pale?'' I told her it was for when I have tan on and she was like ''oh'' and just went about the transaction in silence. In that moment I could have easily not bought it walked out; I don't know why they say these things it's like they are talking us out of buying anything from there!

It was the last time I went into a MAC counter and haven't bought anything from them since there's much better brands out there anyway.

Wow! That’s so bloody rude, Honestly it’s like they think they’re Regina from mean girls! I’m so glad I made this thread because I’ve genuinely always felt so hesitant about even going inside their stores, I’ve been in a few times and have always felt like I was being looked at funny or spoke to in a belittling tone

 

[Lollipop2123]

Yes I always feel that way when I’m in the stores, it’s terrible, they’ve always made me feel like I don’t belong there

Their loss. We won't be the only ones. I should imagine that a lot of the staff have been laid off now

 

[Ghostpumpkin]

I regularly used to use the Mac Studio Fix Foundation, I would go in on my lunch break at work as it was just round the corner, one day I popped in, got the foundation home and the next morning I realised it was about a quarter full! Bare in mind it’s nearly £30. I was so annoyed. I went back in that morning and they said “sorry it must have been a tester” After that I stopped using it and use NARS now it’s actually a lot better.

 

[SpiceWeasel]

Omg I thought it was just me who felt like this! Agree with the person who said about the one inside Selfridges, Manchester, that one's the worst I've been in. I've been in them in the states as well and they're just as bad if not worse. Especially like many have said if you aren't wearing any or not much make up that day.

Was once in one in the US as I just wanted to repurchase a lipstick which I picked up and took to the till and the girl flounced over from her counter like it was some major inconvenience, asked IS THAT EVERYTHING FOR YOU TODAY and unceremoniously threw it in a bag. I was like how dare I

 

[Missgobby124]

I've never even been as I've always felt too intimidated

Yes I always feel that way when I’m in the stores, it’s terrible, they’ve always made me feel like I don’t belong there

 

[openbook1]

Have never had a problem in MAC although I do see people say otherwise. I have always found the staff I have encountered to be helpful.