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As most of my longtime readers know, I notoriously post about how HIDEOUS it is in the retail world on this particular day, and how much I DREAD going into work; dealing with the mass hysteria of Black Friday.

I would almost rather dive off the Empire State Building into a bucket of thumbtacks.

Yes, it’s a great day for the consumer because of the sales, I know. But it’s PAINFUL for those of us on the other side of the cosmetic counter, not only because of the crazed crowds, but also because today begins a month-long challenge of dealing with cosmetic and fragrance customers who will ask us, “If I buy something from you, what are you going to give me EXTRA?”

This whole thing about giving something EXTRA to a customer when they buy something from the cosmetic industry has gotten so out of hand, because now purchasing something has turned into a BARGAINING game.

A FLEA MARKET.

A LET’S MAKE A DEAL.

And this is a result of the Estee Lauder Company (which is one of the most aggressive cosmetic companies in the business) when they originally created a MONSTER by offering a free gift with purchase; making the public believe that unless we give them something EXTRA, they’re not getting what they paid for. But what they really did was make the public spend more money to GET the gift.

Sly little boogers.

Yet, not all of us in this industry work for companies who offer free gifts (such as myself), therefore I have to sell my goods by conveying to a customer that what we offer is simply a high quality item, so that’s what they’re getting as an EXTRA.

High quality.

Plus, I try very hard to give the best professional customer service by not being typically pushy, but rather by being attentive, sincere, and knowledgeable. I will also give samples as a token of appreciation.

Personally, I would much rather receive good customer service (which is VOID nowadays) than receive an EXTRA gift, which nine times out of ten is something I would sell at a garage sale with sticker of price of 50 cents.

I’m all for sales and offering specials now and then, because they give consumers a break in the their spending. But this whole EXTRA-FREE GIFT thing with every purchase is for the birds.

So I’ve decided this year, when I get exhausted from standing on my feet for 10 hours, and crash after my caffeine rush wears off, and my patience becomes as thin as a piece of unwaxed dental floss, that whenever a customer demandingly asks me, “If I buy something from you, what are you going to give me EXTRA?”

I will say, “How about this EXTRA exotic bird……”




Have a faaaaabulous weekend everyone!

And pray for me….please.

X

57 comments:

  1. Hi everyone~

    I’ve got a VERY early morning and looooong day ahead of me, therefore will be responding to comments and visiting your blogs later this evening and through the weekend.

    Thank you for your patience and understanding during this INSANE time for me.

    Have a great weekend
    !

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  2. "I would almost rather dive off the Empire State Building into a bucket of thumbtacks."

    I would rather do the same thing than deal with the crowds of ignorant people who come out this time of year! If they hate shopping so much-- use your computer and give UPS some business, which will leave us happy people to shop in peace!

    Believe it or not, I HATE those free gifts. I buy A LOT of make-up; hence I constantly qualify for the free gift. Sometimes I just say "I don't want it" and leave without it. But more often than not, I try to find a young girl to give it to. They just LOVE those gifts. It's so awesome doing that because their faces light up like Christmas trees!

    I'd much rather have GOOD customer service, which is VOID now-a-days, like you said, and oh give me samples! I LOVE samples. That way I can try them out in my own home, at my leisure, and if I like them, I can buy the big size. But people hear "free" and don’t realize they have to pay a bazillion dollars just to qualify.

    Good luck this season, Ron. I hope you get all happy customers this year!

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  3. 'Personally, I would much rather receive good customer service'
    I am so with you there, as you know from one of my recent posts. I didn't know Estee Lauder started the gimmicky extra. They should be held to account, in my opinion. Mind you, it didn't take the others long to copy, did it? Another thing I can't stand is having samples heaped upon me when I buy something. I wouldn't mind if they were useful but mostly they're not. If they saved the money on those titchy little tubes it might help to reduce the price on major items. Hubs likes to get me a selection of my known favourites at Christmas and the assistants heap freebies on him. Grrr! Clarins have decent sized samples so I keep those in case friends want them. I'm having a right moan, aren't I? Hope your Black Friday goes reasonably smoothly... thank goodness we don't have it here. Heehee we don't need it, there are sales all year round. Hope you have a stress FREE weekend.

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  4. (((((((( Ron )))))))))

    You poor thing.
    And in honour of YOU--I won't be shopping today. :-)

    Okay, that's not real honest. I'd refuse to shop today, regardless. Heck, I refuse to shop most days....LOL...that's why I have Mr.-oh-I-just-like-to-browse-tyvm.

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  5. Hope Black Friday isn't too black for you my friend. xx

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  6. Exotic birds? You are so giving! I remember working in retail this time of year can be exhausting (more so than usual). I hope you have a wonderfully easy holiday shoppers season.

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  7. Free (exotic) bird, I love it! Blessings to you today, dear Ron. I hope all goes well in your department. I don't do the crazy Black Friday shopping...except from my laptop!

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  8. Oh Ron, I remember those days! For me, the worst day was the day AFTER Xmas. People were like animals, racing to get the 50% off wrapping paper. INSANE! I refuse to join the black friday herd.......I did my shopping online last night and got all free shipping + a lot of 30-40%off entire purchase deals. Then I slept in this morning! Yeah!

    Hope your day wasn't too much of a nightmare, but I sort of hope to hear a good story on the blog later this week........hehehee........

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  9. Ahh...the elusive ruby-throated fingerling. He is usually spotted in the vicinity of bad drivers, but during the holidays has been known to frequent malls, as well. Nice capture.

    Hope you survive Black Friday, my friend. Hang in there!

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  10. Prayers heading your way, Ron. Don't let the bastards--I mean customers--grind you down. And if it gets really bad, you may have to release a whole flock of those exotic birds! Have a great weekend, buddy!

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  11. Oh, my dear -- you have my complete sympathies. There's a special place in heaven for those who have to deal with the general public. I don't think I've ever had a man wait on me at a cosmetics counter. That, in and of itself, is something extra! Big hugs!

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  12. I always think about you on Thanksgiving, knowing what you're in store for the next several weeks. My heart goes out to you. (((hugs))) and lots 'o wine!

    You're right about the free gifts. I thought they were great at first but really never used anything. (I do adore my Gucci shirt, though!) Having an honest, reliable and knowledgeable salesperson is MUCH more important. I know you are exactly that person.

    Good luck, bro! Sending you some anti-homicidal energy!

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  13. I hope you made it through Black Friday with all your limbs intact! I hate going out with all the crazies and spend my time sleeping in! Id rather pay full price than put up with the rude people and insane lines. I did my shopping online in my fleece pajamas and fuzzy socks! Hope hou have a wonderful weekend!

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  14. I hope it isn't too bad for you and that you manage to win over your customers with your quality service.

    I've never heard of this 'free gift' idea. It's something Mo loves to do at a car boot sale, but we don't expect it in stores. It was something often done if you spent a lot of cash (several hundred) in electrical goods stores, at one time, but I don't think it happens any more.

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  15. Hi Akelamalu~

    Thank you, m'dear!

    Actually, I just got in from work and I'm POOPED. It wasn't too bad as far as tension goes, but I had to be in very early and worked an extra long day. So glad it's over. Yaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

    Have a great weekend!

    X

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  16. Greetings Suzi~

    "Free (exotic) bird, I love it!"

    Tee, hee....aren't I EVIL? But I just couldn't resist.

    " I don't do the crazy Black Friday shopping...except from my laptop!"

    Good for you! And if it weren't for working in retail, I would NEVER go inside a store today.

    Actually, it wasn't too bad today, the day flew by fast. But brother....am I POOPED!

    Thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a grrrrreat weekend!

    X

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  17. Hiya Peg~

    "Exotic birds? You are so giving!"

    Yes, aren't I? HAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

    Actually, I didn't have to give any 'birds' today, but hey, it's only just the beginning. I've still got a WHOLE month left, so I'm storing those birds for the future!

    "I remember working in retail this time of year can be exhausting (more so than usual)"

    You said it! I just got in from work and I'm POOPED!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear friend. Have a super weekend!

    X

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  18. Hey there Rob~

    Thanks, buddy! And I can REALLY use the prayers!

    "Don't let the bastards--I mean customers--grind you down. And if it gets really bad, you may have to release a whole flock of those exotic birds!"

    Bwhahahahahahahahahahaha! Trust me, I WILL!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Rob. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.

    Enjoy your weekend and stay away from ALL stores until next week!

    X

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  19. Hey Jayne~

    "Oh, my dear -- you have my complete sympathies. There's a special place in heaven for those who have to deal with the general public."

    I actually enjoy working with the general public except at this time of the year. Especially about three days before Christmas, when everyone is in a PANIC to find their gifts. THAT'S when the tension gets high - oy vey!

    "I don't think I've ever had a man wait on me at a cosmetics counter. That, in and of itself, is something extra!'

    Aw...thank you. I LOVE waiting on women customers because they're usually very open to try something new.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Always a delight to see you!

    Have a super weekend!

    (((( Jayne ))))

    X

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  20. Howdy Mark~

    "Ahh...the elusive ruby-throated fingerling. He is usually spotted in the vicinity of bad drivers, but during the holidays has been known to frequent malls, as well."

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! OMG....HILARIOUS, man!!!!

    And I know what you mean because when I had a car and was driving, my ELUSIVE RUBY-THROATED FINGERLING was usually flying!!!!!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy! I'm soooo glad today is over with. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but I'm still exhausted.

    Have a grrrrrrreat weekend!

    X

    P.S. Hope you and Tara are having a faaaaaaabulous time!

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  21. I avoid all things retail like the plague on Black Friday. The whole mass hysteria - gotta have it NOW stuff makes me want to hurl.

    I really feel sorry for all the people like you that have to work ridicules hours just to appease the blood-thirsty, pseudo-zombiefied lunatics out there.

    May the crowds be calm (ya right), and the post work wine be chilled to perfection.

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  22. Hiya Mel~

    Thanks for the hug, dear lady!

    "And in honour of YOU--I won't be shopping today. :-)"

    Good for you! And I'll tell ya, if it weren't for working in retail you wouldn't catch me anywhere NEAR a store today.

    NOOOOOOOOOO WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!

    Thanks oodles for stopping by, Mel! Have a super-duper weekend!

    (((( Mel ))))

    X

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  23. Hey there Bijoux~

    "Oh Ron, I remember those days! For me, the worst day was the day AFTER Xmas. People were like animals, racing to get the 50% off wrapping paper. INSANE!"

    OMG, you said it! The two worse days in retail are the day BEFORE Christmas and the day AFTER. All the returns!!!!! I'm DREADING IT!

    "I refuse to join the black friday herd.......I did my shopping online last night and got all free shipping + a lot of 30-40%off entire purchase deals. Then I slept in this morning! Yeah!"

    BRA-VA! That's faaaaaaaaaaabulous! You just saved yourself a TON aggravation by doing that. VERY smart you are!

    "Hope your day wasn't too much of a nightmare, but I sort of hope to hear a good story on the blog later this week........hehehee........"

    I just got in from work and although I'm exhausted, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. However, I DO have some stories to tell!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a wonderful weekend!

    X

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  24. Hey they MYFWBS~

    "I hope you made it through Black Friday with all your limbs intact!"

    HA! Yes, I did. And I didn't even have to shoot one BIRD! However, that's not to say that I won't in the upcoming month, so I'm keeping that 'finger' handy - tee, hee!

    " I hate going out with all the crazies and spend my time sleeping in! Id rather pay full price than put up with the rude people and insane lines. I did my shopping online in my fleece pajamas and fuzzy socks!"

    You GO, girl! That's the BEST way to shop....ONLINE!

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a wonderful weekend!

    XOXO

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  25. Hiya Babs~

    "I hope it isn't too bad for you and that you manage to win over your customers with your quality service."

    Actually, it wasn't too bad today. The store was VERY crowded, but because it's only beginning of holiday shopping, customers were very patient and kind. But I had to be in very early, therefore I'm exhausted.

    "I've never heard of this 'free gift' idea."

    It's something they do in the cosmetic and fragrance department, that was started a long time ago by the Estee Lauder Company. Since then, many other companies have also started to offer it to compete with them. Thankfully, my company doesn't offer a free gift, but it's tough because I have to sell by offering a quality product and good customer service.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend!

    Wishing you and Mo a wonderful weekend!

    X

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  26. dear insane ron, please don't go too insane since you already are somewhat deranged in the most delightful way....i send only the sweetest most calm customers your way. there you go now, relax and be at peace wherever you are right now...probably at home soaking your feet, glass of wine in hand!! xxxxoxoo

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  27. Hiya Lady Nitebyrd~

    "I always think about you on Thanksgiving, knowing what you're in store for the next several weeks. My heart goes out to you. (((hugs))) and lots 'o wine!"

    Aw...thank you! Yes, I've got a FEW bottles of red wine on hand for when I come home from the trenches; needing to unwind.

    "You're right about the free gifts. I thought they were great at first but really never used anything. (I do adore my Gucci shirt, though!) Having an honest, reliable and knowledgeable salesperson is MUCH more important. I know you are exactly that person."

    At first free gifts DO sound great, however, you begin to see that you end up having to spend MORE money to get them. Plus, the free gifts are usually very cheaply made and don't last long. That shirt I sent you was actually not a free gift for customers, it was a shirt that was used by US during the launch of Gucci Guilty.

    "Good luck, bro! Sending you some anti-homicidal energy!"

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA! Thanks, Sis!

    Have a faaaaaaaaaabulous weekend!

    X

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  28. Hey there Pamela~

    "I would rather do the same thing than deal with the crowds of ignorant people who come out this time of year! If they hate shopping so much-- use your computer and give UPS some business, which will leave us happy people to shop in peace!"

    You GO, girl! And AMEN to that!

    "Believe it or not, I HATE those free gifts."

    Oh, I LOVE YOU FOR SAYING THAT! Because I hate them too! They're usually something that is so cheaply made and doesn't last for long.

    "I'd much rather have GOOD customer service, which is VOID now-a-days, like you said, and oh give me samples! I LOVE samples. That way I can try them out in my own home, at my leisure, and if I like them, I can buy the big size. But people hear "free" and don’t realize they have to pay a bazillion dollars just to qualify."

    I with you, Pamela! I would much rather have GOOD customer service and some samples to try out new things. The SAMPLES are what REALLY brings the LOYAL customers BACK, not the FREE GIFTS.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your voice on this post, dear lady. MUCHLY appreciated and enjoyed!

    Have a SUPER weekend!

    X

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  29. lemme know if it works? the exotic bird freebie? I can picture it, and it seems like it might be really funny! I'm laughing, anyway.

    Hope your extra long and extra stressful day has been tolerable. This is the shopping season. I guess they call it black Friday for a reason -- receipts.

    We might venture out tomorrow, just to hang out, not really to shop.

    Thinking of you & sending thoughts of peace and tolerance.

    xoxo, diane

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  30. Hey Valerie~

    "'Personally, I would much rather receive good customer service'
    I am so with you there, as you know from one of my recent posts."

    Yes, I do remember your recent post and agreed with it!

    " I didn't know Estee Lauder started the gimmicky extra. They should be held to account, in my opinion. Mind you, it didn't take the others long to copy, did it? "

    No, it didn't take very long for the others to copy them because they're trying desperately to compete. Yes, Estee Lauder started this MONSTER many years ago, therefore is responsible for the 'mind set' of the customer thinking that they MUST get a free gift or else.

    " Clarins have decent sized samples so I keep those in case friends want them."

    Clarins actually gives the BEST samples in the industry because they're hefty, therefore you get a good idea of how they'll work on your skin before you actually invest in a full size. I ADORE Clarins products!

    "Hope your Black Friday goes reasonably smoothly... thank goodness we don't have it here."

    Oh, you are so lucky not to have to deal with Black Friday and the INSANITY that goes along with it.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Have a wonderful weekend!

    X

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  31. Hey there Jeff~

    "I avoid all things retail like the plague on Black Friday. The whole mass hysteria - gotta have it NOW stuff makes me want to hurl."

    And you are SO wise to avoid all things retail like the plague on Black Friday - VERY wise indeed!

    "I really feel sorry for all the people like you that have to work ridicules hours just to appease the blood-thirsty, pseudo-zombiefied lunatics out there."

    HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA! LOVED THAT, JEFF!!!!

    And can believe that the store I work in opened at 12:00 AM this MORNING?!?!?! Thankfully, I wasn't required to go in THAT early, but it I had been required...I honestly would have QUIT my job.

    "May the crowds be calm (ya right), and the post work wine be chilled to perfection."

    Thanks, buddy! And yes, I have a bottle of wine chilling at this very moment!

    Always GREAT to see ya, bud! Thanks so much for stopping by.

    Have a super weekend!

    X

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  32. Good evening Linda~

    "dear insane ron, please don't go too insane since you already are somewhat deranged in the most delightful way..."

    Bwhahahahahahahahahahaha! So true, my friend....SO true!

    ".i send only the sweetest most calm customers your way. there you go now, relax and be at peace wherever you are right now...probably at home soaking your feet, glass of wine in hand!! "

    Aw...thank you, dear friend. And yes, I will be soaking my feet and sipping a glass of wine shortly!

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope you're feeling well and enjoying a wonderful weekend!

    (((((( Linda ))))))

    xoxoxoxoxoxo

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  33. Hiya Diane~

    "lemme know if it works? the exotic bird freebie? I can picture it, and it seems like it might be really funny! I'm laughing, anyway.'

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHA! Well, I didn't have to use the exotic bird today, however it's only beginning of the madness!

    "Hope your extra long and extra stressful day has been tolerable. This is the shopping season. I guess they call it black Friday for a reason -- receipts."

    You said it.....RECEIPTS!

    Actually, it wasn't too-too bad today, however I AM exhausted because I had to be in VERY early and worked a much longer day than I'm use to.

    You're smart for venturing out tomorrow instead of today because it will be much calmer and more enjoyable.

    Thank you so much for stopping by and for your thoughts of peace and tolerance - I'll NEED it - HA!

    Have a FAB weekend, my dear friend!

    X to you and Cristybella!

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  34. I may be weird but I actually don't like extra gifts. Firstly, because I am very careful with my cosmetics products since a lot of things put on your face give me an allergic or other reaction. Secondly, I like things clear and neat, and having all kids of little things just gets on my nerves. Thirdly, if I want something, I want to find/ask for it myself - not given samples after samples "just because it is free" - and also think that everything has a price, and too much bargaining only falsifies the productions chain - work goes to low-cost countries, ecology is sacrificed, people are more under pressure to do more and more, and feel as if "normal good work would not suffice". Voilà, Susu blast!

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  35. Ron, you crack me the hell up! I don't know how you can possibly deal with working on Black Friday. That has to be a complete nightmare.

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  36. Ha! Good plan, Ron, though it might get you the sack. I suppose it's no use telling you to be grateful you weren't one of those who got trampled to death or shot or arrested by the local police on Friday?

    No?

    Oh, OK. I just thought I'd ask.

    You weren't one of those people, were you?

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  37. Hey Meleah~

    Tee, hee!

    " I don't know how you can possibly deal with working on Black Friday. That has to be a complete nightmare."

    Well, I just hold my breath, put on smile on my face, and PRETEND to enjoy it - HA!

    Actually, though, it wasn't too bad this year. The customers seemed to be in a good mood and patient. HOWEVER, it's only the beginning, so I'm anticipating a few 'finger gestures' within the next four weeks.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Always FAB to see ya!

    Again....I LOVED your Thanksgiving Day video - it was faaaabulously hysterical!

    Enjoy your weekend!

    X

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  38. Bonjour Susu~

    I LOVED your comment!!!!!!!!

    That's EXACTLY the way I feel about purchasing cosmetic products. I could care less about a free gift.

    And like you, I like things clear and neat, and having all kinds of little things gets on my nerves too.

    "if I want something, I want to find/ask for it myself - not given samples after samples "just because it is free" - and also think that everything has a price, and too much bargaining only falsifies the productions chain - work goes to low-cost countries, ecology is sacrificed, people are more under pressure to do more and more, and feel as if "normal good work would not suffice."

    BRA-VA!

    Bargaining only falsifies a product. THANK YOU!

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your Susu blast.

    LOVED IT!

    Have a wonderful weekend, beautiful lady!

    Ciao.....X

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  39. Hey Jay~

    "Ha! Good plan, Ron, though it might get you the sack."

    HA! You're right. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to 'imagine' myself sharing an exotic 'bird.'

    " I suppose it's no use telling you to be grateful you weren't one of those who got trampled to death or shot or arrested by the local police on Friday?"

    OMG....wasn't that HORRIBLE????? And all over a SALE on Black Friday!

    And yes, I AM grateful I wasn't a part of that. SCARY.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're enjoying a wonderful weekend!

    X

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  40. It's interesting how the freebie has evolved. It almost never seems like its something I want anyway. I do hate how so many people expect something for nothing. It's become how business operates these days. Hope you survive the next month without having to give anyone the finger.

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  41. Hey Jen~

    "It's interesting how the freebie has evolved."

    Yes, it is, isn't it? And we can thank Estee Lauder for that - HA! But as I shared, the freebie actually gets the consumer to spend more money because these companies figure out a minimum purchase price that is based on one of their more expensive SKU'S.

    Sly boogers!

    "Hope you survive the next month without having to give anyone the finger."

    Me too - tee, hee!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're enjoying a wonderful weekend!

    X

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  42. Hey, Ron. Can I ask you something? Is Estee Lauder really better than other products? I saw a commercial for them the other day and it made me think that I've never seen them advertised much outside of Christmas (or maybe it's just that I notice it more now), and it seems to me they're nothing special. For instance, I never hear any of my friends "swear by" them. Anyway, what's your opinion of the product over other lines? I'm curious to know.

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  43. Ron, this whole Black Friday shopping day has indeed gotten out of hand. I hope you survived it all. If you ever get in the line of pepper spray from some crazed shopper trying to get their free gift before someone else, run out of there like a bat out of hell ;)

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  44. Hey there Jane~

    So great to see ya!

    "Ron, this whole Black Friday shopping day has indeed gotten out of hand. I hope you survived it all."

    Yes, I did survived Black Friday - yaaaaaay! Actually, it wasn't that bad, however yesterday and today were very TRYING. It's as though all the INSANE people waited until Saturday and Sunday to come out -HA!

    " If you ever get in the line of pepper spray from some crazed shopper trying to get their free gift before someone else, run out of there like a bat out of hell ;)"

    HA! You said it! Wasn't that HORRIBLE??? And all over a SALE!

    Hope you're enjoying this holiday season! Have a great week!

    X

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  45. Hiya Kathy~

    "I've never seen them advertised much outside of Christmas (or maybe it's just that I notice it more now), and it seems to me they're nothing special."

    That's because they really PLUG their products this time of the year, so you'll see A LOT TV and newspaper advertisements.

    Actually, they DO have many GREAT products within their line. I use to work for them back when I lived in Florida. I really like some of their skincare products, however I'm not crazy about their cosmetics (makeup) or fragrances. Too heavy.

    They're a very difficult company to work for because they insist that you sell THEIR way, which is HARD SELL. Push, push, push, until the customer tells you to stop. I don't work that way, so I had to quit.

    Estee Lauder also owns and distributes, Clinique, Bobby Brown, Mac, Origins, and many other companies.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Kathy! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day and weekend!

    X

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  46. I feel your pain. I think the whole "entitlement" mentality of modern customers is a sign of a diseased society. If your company makes a good product then you'll naturally build a solid customer base. If you rely on gimmicks then you're setting yourself up for failure when they're not around and customers have grown to expect them.

    It's a vicious cycle, and good people like you who are on the front lines always take the brunt of the negativity. WTF?!

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  47. Howdy Herman~

    "I think the whole "entitlement" mentality of modern customers is a sign of a diseased society."

    OMG....I soooooooooooo agree!

    "If your company makes a good product then you'll naturally build a solid customer base. If you rely on gimmicks then you're setting yourself up for failure when they're not around and customers have grown to expect them."

    A-MEN! And I couldn't have said it any better! You are SPOT ON!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Hope you and the family enjoyed a Happy Thanksgiving Day and had a terrific weekend!

    X

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  48. ...Oh Ron, my heart goes out to you! I don't know how you do it year after year after year, seriously. I worked in retail when I was in my early to late 20's and I just didn't have thick enough skin for it. People being hateful and rude made me a total nervous wreck! Again, I bow to you oh great man of steel. *now bowing* ;o)

    ...And really, I never did care much for those free gifts at the cosmetic or fragrance counters. No offense. If I received one I'd always give it to one of my nieces or a neighbor girl - they love that stuff. Now giving away samples? Now you're talking my language. :o)

    ...Well, I hope this finds you having enjoyed a restful & splendid weekend and I wish you a joy filled week ahead my friend!

    ...And btw, if someone asks, "“If I buy something from you, what are you going to give me EXTRA?” - say, "how 'bout a kiss?", then slide 'em a Hershey's Kiss with their purchase. I know, I know, I'm lame. See why I didn't make it in retail? *giggle*eyeroll*

    ...Blessings :o)

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  49. Hello TJ~

    " I worked in retail when I was in my early to late 20's and I just didn't have thick enough skin for it. People being hateful and rude made me a total nervous wreck!"

    Yes, retail CAN be a challenging job, but it's funny because I really LOVE what I do. Working with the public is tough, no doubt, but I try very hard (and not always successfully) to let the rudeness get to me.

    ".And really, I never did care much for those free gifts at the cosmetic or fragrance counters. No offense."

    I totally hear ya, because I'm the same way. I could care less about a free gift, however, a few 'samples' are great because they allow me to try something before purchasing.

    " "“If I buy something from you, what are you going to give me EXTRA?” - say, "how 'bout a kiss?", then slide 'em a Hershey's Kiss with their purchase. "

    OMG...that's so BRILLIANT and sweet! I really DO need to try that sometime because it's so much better than getting upset and shooting a 'bird." HA!

    ALWAYS a delight to see your comments, dear lady. Thanks oodles for stopping by. Hope you had a wonderful weekend and week ahead of you!

    (((( TJ )))))

    X

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  50. Oh, wow. I didn't know they owned Clinique and others too. I hate to say this, but I considered Estee Lauder for old women to use. They just seem old school to me. Probably because it doesn't seem their advertising focuses on young, fresh faces. I picture the old bitties who lunch at the diner every day and wear too much perfume. Thanks for the education!

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  51. Hiya Kathy~

    "Oh, wow. I didn't know they owned Clinique and others too."

    Yes, they OWN so many companies. They're a very powerful company with LOTS of money and clout, so other companies allow them to take over their distribution.

    " I hate to say this, but I considered Estee Lauder for old women to use. They just seem old school to me. Probably because it doesn't seem their advertising focuses on young, fresh faces. I picture the old bitties who lunch at the diner every day and wear too much perfume."

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! And that's exactly how I feel about them too!

    The next time you're ever in a department store, smell Estee Lauder's "Youth Dew" - you'll drop over DEAD!

    It's HORRIBLE!

    Thanks for stopping back, girl! Hope you had a faaaaaabulous Monday!

    X

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  52. OH if you only could give those exotic birds out!! What fun that would be. LOL I haven't bought anything from a cosmetic counter in a long time but I do remember getting some free gifts years ago. When I was younger and wanted more stuff it was probably cool, but now, OMG, I don't want or need any of it. I think you probably have a great way with your customers and do a terrific job of explaining the value of the products you sell and help them understand they don't need the extras. For the super greedy ones who want more, they'll just have to move on to the next counter.

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  53. Hey Mary~

    "OH if you only could give those exotic birds out!! What fun that would be."

    Tee, hee! Oh boy...would that be FUN!

    I'm the same way, I'm not really interested in the free gifts/extras. Just give me a few samples to try, and I'm fine with that.

    " For the super greedy ones who want more, they'll just have to move on to the next counter. "

    HA! You said it! They'll just have to move on to the next counter.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Have a terrific Tuesday!

    X

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  54. hahhaa, that's funny. i am the one who walks into the store, will buy something and when they ask if i need anything else, i say: do you have anything for free, if not, then no. sometimes i get "lucky."

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  55. Hey ladyV~

    tee, hee!

    "i am the one who walks into the store, will buy something and when they ask if i need anything else, i say: do you have anything for free, if not, then no. sometimes i get "lucky."

    You GO, girl!

    Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a grrrreat weekend!

    X

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