A little lipstick dulls recession blues, provides jobsBy GRACE GAGLIANO
BRADENTON — Cosmetic companies are finding that women not only want to make themselves feel better in this recession with a dab of power and a swish of lipstick but they need that extra job selling those products too.
Local independent sales representatives for companies such as Mary Kay Cosmetics and Avon Products are finding their jobs are still profitable in this economy and some are finding a new career in direct sales after being laid off at their old jobs.
“Women still like to wear lipstick and they still like to take care of themselves,” said Beth Christopher, an independent beauty consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics. “They’re not going to go without their make-up. That gives them a lift.”
Mary Kay Cosmetics saw a 40 percent increase in new sales representatives in August 2008 from August 2007. Avon Products reported last year that its fourth-quarter profit increased 80 percent from 2007. And Avon has a new advertising campaign that aims to recruit more sales representatives. The ads point to economic conditions as reasons to consider selling Avon products.
“It used to be that representatives were coming to us to supplement their income,” said Carolyn Harmon, a Bradenton-based district sales manager for Avon. “Some are not only looking for supplemental income, but they’re also looking for full-time career opportunities.” Avon has 700 sales representatives in the Manatee County area.
“In a lot of cases they’ve been laid off from other jobs, their hours have been cut back.” she said. “So, many of them are looking to transition from a work environment that has been not very dependable to where they can rely on themselves.”
June McEldowney, a Sarasota-based sales director for Mary Kay Cosmetics, estimates the Bradenton-Sarasota Area has between 400-600 independent beauty consultants who direct sell Mary Kay products. Mary Kay and Avon sales reps are eligible to receive up to 50 percent commission of their sales.
However, independent sales reps are responsible for purchasing products from the companies and marketing and selling the cosmetics.
Mary Kay consultants pay $100 in start-up costs, which includes a cosmetic starter kit and training materials. From there, the inventory purchases are up to each consultant.
Successful consultants can average $15,000-$20,000 by selling part time, McEldowney said.
“We are finding that women are looking to Mary Kay as a back-up plan,” she said. “It’s of course great for extra income and extra income right now is gold.”
Hair salons, too, are turning to cosmetics for additional revenue.
Sally Hackle, a sales director for Motives, markets the company’s beauty products to local salons as well as physicians’ offices that offer skin care.
“I’m finding really good responses with them because they’re trying to bring in extra revenue,” Hackle said.
“You can go into a salon and not only get your hair done but get your make-up done, too. It works out very well.”
Diana Williams, owner of Inspirations in Palmetto, added Motives cosmetic products to her salon to diversify her offering due to the economy.
With the Motives products in stock, Inspirations started offering makeovers in addition to hair styles. The makeovers, which cost $25, have been most popular for wedding style packages for brides and bridesmaids.
“We wanted to be more well-rounded and have a little bit of everything for beauty,” Williams said.
