Finding bare escentuals unhelpful

[julieanne]

Well, as I am finding business slow I have decided to organise a beauty evening in the church hall across from my salon. I approached Bare escentuals and explained my intentions and could I have some support. I was told to call back nearer the time and she would see what she could do. So I bought about 200 BE event invitations and started writing them out and gettin them in the post. So I called again this time tryin to be a little bit more precise with my requirements I asked for perhaps a BE rep to come and do a demo on the night as the thought of doing myself, in front of an audience is now making me feel ill and I also I honestly feel that I would not do the products justice. I am fine infront of the usual 3 or 4 but 40+ i don't think so?? Anyway I was told that they are far too busy to supply someone for me. I was quite upset by this but put it down to pregnancy hormones. So while on the phone I mentioned that I had received the email regarding the You feature and had not yet received the promotional pack as promised yet. I was then told that this was sent out by accident and it was meant for selected premium salons...well...I was so insulted by this perhaps wrongly what do you guys think? I understand that my lil salon is not making them mega bucks and I am not their priority but I felt so... demoralised I suppose is the word.
The girl from Depilex is coming to do a demo on my new non surgical machine. All she is asking is a cup of tea!! sweetheart. So I didnt think my request was ridiculous?
Am i expecting to much n being easily offended?

 

[bombini]

I think that is awful that they are not sending a rep.

I stock JI and I remember they said I could have a rep out for an open eveing if I ever had one. I have also had the make up artists come to the salon to do makeovers (although I had to order several hundred pounds of stock for that promotion)

I would call them back and tell them you are not impressed !

 

[geeg]

They are being very short sighted .. how silly ... little salons today become the big salons of tomotrrow. That is how we always think at CND-

Still if you can do it in front of a few .. you can do it in front of allot ... go on .. push yourself and go for it ... you can do it if you love what you are doing.

Good luck and all the best-

 

[Martigirl]

I faced a very similar situation 3 years ago with exactly the same company (in exactly the same area lol) I now firmly believe the lady did me the biggest favour of my life though because it led me to Environ and Jane Iredale.

Environ and Jane Iredale got my business because as Geeg says they looked longer term and were not as shortsighted.

Good luck with your event xxx:hug:

 

[Tanya.]

When I had my shop, I looked into getting BE. I was told then I had to be a "spa" and invest $8000. And... before all of this, they had to come out and inspect my shop.

Didn't do it.

 

[geeg]

Different companies take different approaches to marketing and the image in which they want to be perceived. If a high end exclusive image is what they want and a certain standard of salon, then they are ensuring that they get it by putting minimum amounts on orders and inspecting the salons .. that is their right to do.

CND although not similar in this salon approach above, do try very hard to set high standards in education and by insisting that all technicians, new or experienced, do training or retraining with the product before they can buy it and use it. Some people take umbrage to that, but it is how we in the UK try to ensure a standard of work amongst CND technicians ... the good ones are successful and the best in the business .. the ones that don't meet the mark aren't around for long.

 

[julieanne]

I completely understand a company being selective in the salons inwhich they allow to stock their products. I absolutely agree with you in regards to high standards, education and re-education. In this case I am a stockist so I must have passed some of the standard there with regards to training I also have completed their make-up training. My problem is now that I'm where I am I am now trying to expand and get the women in my area to become familiar with this brand and come to me to buy it. I am merely asking for support in this. I have been promised some marketing material such as posters etc so suppose thats something.
Bare Escentuals, in my opinion pick and choose when they want to be 'exclusive' as I was shocked to see BE promo girls giving away foundation samples on Buchanan st last wk. Debenhams have just had a 10% off 4 day event also. Now where do I stand?
btw how can u colour match on the high st??:irked:

 

[geeg]

It does sound inconsistent and that you cannot be as a company.

 

[crazysaz]

Terrible way to treat you, its unfortunate that you have spent several thousand pounds to become a stockist or you could've told em to stick it lol. I had probs like this with a skincare company, most expensive mistake I ever made.
Give them a ring tomo and explain you tried to book a rep early and were unable to and now you've been told that you can't/ Have you the name of the person you spoke too? Do not give up - keep on at them and they might do something for you. Say you are not happy with the way they spoke to you and would like compensated with goodwill gesture, something for your open night even.
I had actually been thinking of bringing bare esc in as they are cheaper to retail than jane ire but now I might think again!!!
As Geeg says, you will be fine, it might even be better you doing it cause then they will see that its you can work miracles, and maybe will book their makeups et with you in the future.
you will be fine, good luck and lt us know how you get on :hug:

 

[clare04]

Hi

I'm also a salon that stocks BE and received that email it seems that we are also not valued enough to receive the gift. You would think that they would want to help all stockist.
I think their services has gone down ever since they started to stock to stores, If you go on their website you can only get information about your nearest store online, not your local salon.
Maybe its time to stop stocking their products for us, as well. Just who do I go with instead.

 

[FlawlessBeauty]

I think its a terrible way to treat a salon. Just because you are smaller, it doesn't mean that you are less important. I treat my clients the same if they are having a brow shape or a full body massage.

If anything, its us smaller salons that need the extra help! Besides, obviously salons talk and anyone reading this thread will see how poor their customer service is, so they are not doing themselves any favours.

I would phone them again and ask someone else. If they are unhelpful, maybe ask for someone higher.

Either way, your clients know you and you will be absolutely fine once you get going. Don't doubt yourself, you'l be amazed what you can do when you set your mind to it. Good luck x