Treat Cosmetics As a Service, Not a Retail, Industry And Get Pampering Beauty Treatments For Free
As times look to be getting tougher as we close out 2008 and head into 2009, let us not forget the simple pleasures in life. One of which is being pampered, especially for FREE.
Any cosmetic/makeup department can be an intimidating environment for the unfamiliar. However, to the informed and/or experienced person, it is a goldmine of FREE SAMPLES and COMPLIMENTARY SERVICES.
Although Cosmetics is ultimately a retail business, its main in-store business model is promotional services. Following are my tips to maximize the FREE SERVICE PROMOTIONS offered daily in most cosmetic departments. My goal is to re-orientate you to cosmetics so you see it as a source of pleasure and not one of an overwhelming and intimidating sales-pitch.
1. Cosmetics is a service, not a retail industry. Approach it with this mindset and you will receive the many joys it has to offer. Position yourself as a guest, not a customer, and you will be amazed at the depth and quality of service you receive.
2. Cosmetics constantly offers everyday and special promotional services to demonstrate their products. Here is an example of the type of FREE PROMOTIONS that go on somewhere every day.
➢ Makeup
➢ Facials
➢ Samples
➢ Massage
➢ Hair styling/treatment
➢ Fashion/trend shows
➢ Nails
➢ Portrait Photography
➢ Video lessons
➢ Master classes
➢ Seminars
➢ Refreshments
➢ Gift with purchase (added value)
➢ Purchase with Purchase (added value)
3. You are never wasting anyone’s time by having him or her demonstrate their product on you. That is their job and this is how they sell their products. Especially in this economy, having someone in the store is better than having no one in the store. Who knows, you may come across a product that really makes you feel better. In a time of economic uncertainty, personal products are a small luxury we can afford ourselves rather than a trip to Tahiti.
4. To be invited to attend, simply call the Cosmetic Department, or better yet a department manager, and ask them what promotions they have upcoming. Ask up front what the expectation is on your part. Sometimes a minimum purchase is attached to the promotion. Most of the time these services are free or extremely inexpensive. Then simply make an appointment for you (and a friend if so desired) and show up. Someone will be waiting for you and away you go. If you have a brand of preference, call them first to see what is on their promotional calendar.
5. Whenever you need to replenish a product, like mascara, or need a new lipstick, definitely call ahead and book a FREE PROMOTIONAL SERVICE, before you go to make your purchase. The more you coincide your purchases with FREE PROMOTIONAL SERVICES, the more value (and pampered bliss) you will receive. There is usually something special happening everyday, more closer to the weekend. Even if you go to a brand that has a better FREE PROMOTIONAL SERVICE that day and you buy your usual mascara, the sales person assisting you still makes commission, regardless of what you buy.
6. As with any promotional offer, it is best to use good judgment whether you are participating with or taking advantage of the situation. Depending on where you live, you may have a limited or wide variety of choices of where to shop. It is best to not be labeled as a “user’. If a brand does not appeal to you at all after your first encounter, it is best not to return just for a free service. However if a brand intrigues you, it is in your and the stores interest to have you attend and experience their product in as many ways as possible.
7. Remember: it is your time as much as the person who works in the store. You are willing to give a brand a chance and they are jumping at the opportunity to show it to you. Ultimately, you will become far more familiar with your choices in beauty products and will probably get better results because you invested your time to learn about the products you choose to use. Everybody wins. The store gains a customer and you gain newfound knowledge and an open invitation to experience the wide variety of pleasurable promotions that are offered daily.
ABOUT CHRIS SCOTT
Author Chris Scott is the creator and host of TV’s MAKEUP GOURMET®, celebrity makeup artist, speaker, theater producer, performer, and all around cosmetic guru. He has helped over 250,000 women find the right shade of lipstick! He currently gives seminars based on his book and other beauty-based topics to corporate, public and private events. Mr. Scott is available for interviews, speaking and demonstrations. Digital copy of book available upon request.
Contact
Chris Scott
Makeup Gourmet
Ph: 415-846-1597
Email: chris@makeupgourmet.com
Web: www.MakeupGourmet.com
