Are the women who work on the pharmacy shop floor and by the makeup on commission? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Are the women who work on the pharmacy shop floor and by the makeup on commission?

166
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 15:02

Just wondered if I should trust their opinion on what to buy as often I can't tell if they're giving me genuine advice on what to buy, or that morning they've been told to up-sell a certain brand/product.

Also the girls by the makeup in the Supermarkets and Boots and stuff, are they on commission? They don't half try and sell!

My husband hates this fact but I'm one of those people who just like to browse at the makeup, but as soon as I pick anything up (despite repeatedly having already said "I'm just looking") the girl/s will say "Oh if you like that then you should get this" *drags me over to another brand* "...and how about some mascara? Or some blush?"

I had the pharmacy thing happen to me today whereby she recommended a brand to me and I bought it, but now wondering if it's REALLY good for me and my problem, or like I say, she was just told to up-sell that brand as I was browsing a different brand when she caught me. It's bloomin' expensive stuff so I want to be sure it's right for my skin before I open it.
<em>edited by poshbird87 on 27/10/2014</em>

2262
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 October 2014 - 23:23
my gosh, reading this thread gave me quite a chuckle. Maybe it is my age but I have not experienced what you ladies have :)…..I smile and tell them I am looking and when I need them i will find them. that is usually it…no following, no lurking. I also have researched what I might be interested in, as I do when I travel and in my home country. Not all cosmetic counter gals know all products and I would say, with top brands they have had some training. Possibly a bit more knowledge before going to the makeup counter or go to top brands. You can also ask what company gives the best training and….realize not all trained people are good at their jobs ;)…..I have not found the ladies here any better nor any worse than anywhere else. Kindness goes a long way I think.
Anonymous (not verified)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 October 2014 - 21:37
I agree with Mrs Mozz - Sephora is particularly bad regarding the staff - they seem to be frantic to sell you anything they can. They are extremely pushy. I am sure they have huge targets to achieve monthly. Paris Gallery is much easier to shop at I have found as they allow you to browse quietly although I am sure they are also have targets and are on commissions. Areej is also a nice environment in which to shop - they are also not too pushy. I think cosmetics are just that, "cosmetic" and if you are really having a serious problem, you should see a dermatologist first before going out and spending a lot of money on products that are not going to help you and perhaps may even aggravate your existing problem. Personally, I like Orlane products. It is an old brand, but I have not had any problems with it and my skin is good for my ripe old age (considering I grew up in Australia).
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 October 2014 - 19:35
Thanks for the advice, everyone. Truth is, it might be hormonal as when I was on the pill back in the UK, I didn't have these spots. Then when I came here and had to go on a different pill as they don't have my one, that's when the spots started. They were a lot lot worse back then and got so bad that I had to come off that pill completely (and use a different contraceptive method) but my skin still hasn't gone back to normal. So I guess a trip to a dermatologist is the right decision. I'm just worried they'll do the same and make me buy a product that they're sponsored by or something. My dentist does that. He writes down what toothpaste and mouthwash he recommends, using a pen that's got the logo of this "recommended" brand printed all over it, onto a pad of paper that's also got the logo of this "recommended" brand printed all over it. Real subtle.... Go and see Lydia at Essa Beauty - if she can't hep she'll refer you to someone who can.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 October 2014 - 09:41
The worst was when my brother went to the Clinique counter for lip balm, and they were out of stock so the sales lady gave him a lip gloss because "it's the same as lip balm" ! Luckily I was able to stop him at the counter before he purchased the lip gloss, and I gave the sales lady an earful as well!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 October 2014 - 06:49
For me the most frustrating thing is when I say "Can you tell me about this product?" and all they do is pick it up and read the whats written on the box to me. Face palm. I can read really well, I just wanted your opinion! Now I dont ask, obviously that was when I was new to Dubai.
166
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 17:01
What pill were you on? I was on Rigevidon in UK, then here they put me on Yasmin, and coupled with the spots, I had my Mother yelling down the phone at me how that particular pill was making headlines for being dangerous or something...
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 16:54
Stacey - who has her blog is about the only person I trust about Make Up and products, all tried tested and written about - http://www.expatmakeupaddict.com/ I hate the women in these shops, I now run in, make a beeline for my product, grab it and run to the till - NO EYE CONTACT seems to work! I have developed a policy for shopping here and no matter what kind of shop I am in and no matter what I am looking for I always apply it. I wait until the assistant starts following me then turn and smile at them and wait for the magic words " what are you looking for" or " Can I help you". Then I always reply " I am looking for something I like" . It works 9 times out of 10 as it seems to stump them and they leave me alone :D On the rare occasion that I need help there is either no-one available or they say "No stock" - even though I usually find the item 10 yards later ;) <em>edited by Genie on 27/10/2014</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 16:38
If it is down to your pill then I doubt any face wash will help at all. With regards to your pill did you check the ingredients from your old one versus your new one as many are the same just manufactured by different companies ? No I didn't but I'll check when I go back to UK this December...I'm not holding out much hope though, because whereas my local Doctors in UK had a selection of like, 20 different pills, the UAE seemingly only has about 5 different options. I was thinking about getting an implant when I go back but then if it doesn't work out, I'll have to wait 4 months to get it taken out. Plus implants freak me out!! What pill were you on?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 16:37
If it is down to your pill then I doubt any face wash will help at all. With regards to your pill did you check the ingredients from your old one versus your new one as many are the same just manufactured by different companies ? No I didn't but I'll check when I go back to UK this December...I'm not holding out much hope though, because whereas my local Doctors in UK had a selection of like, 20 different pills, the UAE seemingly only has about 5 different options. I was thinking about getting an implant when I go back but then if it doesn't work out, I'll have to wait 4 months to get it taken out. Plus implants freak me out!! The UAE has all the major brands - you can look at this chart and see if any of your symptoms matches the pills and then select a pill for yourself ... http://www.marieclaire.com/health-fitness/news/contraceptive-cheat-sheet
166
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 16:30
If it is down to your pill then I doubt any face wash will help at all. With regards to your pill did you check the ingredients from your old one versus your new one as many are the same just manufactured by different companies ? No I didn't but I'll check when I go back to UK this December...I'm not holding out much hope though, because whereas my local Doctors in UK had a selection of like, 20 different pills, the UAE seemingly only has about 5 different options. I was thinking about getting an implant when I go back but then if it doesn't work out, I'll have to wait 4 months to get it taken out. Plus implants freak me out!!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 16:24
I tend to just go to the same Paris Gallery and the girls there all know me now. They were told the first time I went in that I knew what I was looking for and would only ask if I couldn't find it / needed something else and they're great about it. Shopping in peace :)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 16:21
Stacey - who has her blog is about the only person I trust about Make Up and products, all tried tested and written about - http://www.expatmakeupaddict.com/ I hate the women in these shops, I now run in, make a beeline for my product, grab it and run to the till - NO EYE CONTACT seems to work! I am quite curt when I see them lurking ready to pounce I have visions of you running in supermarket sweep style and running out Polly That is IT exactly! LOL :)
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 16:19
Thanks for the advice, everyone. Truth is, it might be hormonal as when I was on the pill back in the UK, I didn't have these spots. Then when I came here and had to go on a different pill as they don't have my one, that's when the spots started. They were a lot lot worse back then and got so bad that I had to come off that pill completely (and use a different contraceptive method) but my skin still hasn't gone back to normal. So I guess a trip to a dermatologist is the right decision. I'm just worried they'll do the same and make me buy a product that they're sponsored by or something. My dentist does that. He writes down what toothpaste and mouthwash he recommends, using a pen that's got the logo of this "recommended" brand printed all over it, onto a pad of paper that's also got the logo of this "recommended" brand printed all over it. Real subtle.... If it is down to your pill then I doubt any face wash will help at all. With regards to your pill did you check the ingredients from your old one versus your new one as many are the same just manufactured by different companies ?
374
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 16:18
Agree with all of this...but what I hate as much as being followed round is when you want something specific, and all of a sudden they are busy restacking shelves/gossiping/looking the other way...find Sephora staff particularly bad, I've walked out a few times because no one is "available" to help...
166
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 16:16
Thanks for the advice, everyone. Truth is, it might be hormonal as when I was on the pill back in the UK, I didn't have these spots. Then when I came here and had to go on a different pill as they don't have my one, that's when the spots started. They were a lot lot worse back then and got so bad that I had to come off that pill completely (and use a different contraceptive method) but my skin still hasn't gone back to normal. So I guess a trip to a dermatologist is the right decision. I'm just worried they'll do the same and make me buy a product that they're sponsored by or something. My dentist does that. He writes down what toothpaste and mouthwash he recommends, using a pen that's got the logo of this "recommended" brand printed all over it, onto a pad of paper that's also got the logo of this "recommended" brand printed all over it. Real subtle....
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 16:15
Stacey - who has her blog is about the only person I trust about Make Up and products, all tried tested and written about - http://www.expatmakeupaddict.com/ I hate the women in these shops, I now run in, make a beeline for my product, grab it and run to the till - NO EYE CONTACT seems to work! I am quite curt when I see them lurking ready to pounce I have visions of you running in supermarket sweep style and running out Polly
4423
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 16:12
Stacey - who has her blog is about the only person I trust about Make Up and products, all tried tested and written about - http://www.expatmakeupaddict.com/ I hate the women in these shops, I now run in, make a beeline for my product, grab it and run to the till - NO EYE CONTACT seems to work!
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 16:06
That's disappointing : ( So who can I go to for advice on which face wash to buy? I'd rather receive an opinion from someone who has used and perhaps even had success with one than pay AED 300 for a 15 minute appointment with a specialist who will only recommend their clinics "preferred" brand, anyway. My problem is cheek spots. I don't get spots anywhere else on my face, just cheeks. And they're not whiteheads, they're sore red things that are under my skin and that I can't pop. I've spent a fortune on all sorts of lotions and potions from BioDerma, Skin Ceuticals, La Roche Posay, Proactiv...and whilst they've helped, my skin has never cleared up completely, but perhaps it's because the face wash I use has always just been some random one I've got from the supermarket. Maybe I should buy a face wash from one of these brands...even if they are all AED 100+. Has anyone had any experience with a face wash from any of these brands? I use Dermologica but was told recently by a beautician that due to my skin tone I was using the wrong one in the range. I am going to have facial with said company as apparently she has lots of acne and roscea clients who have suffered in the past and the range ( Ultra calming) helps this sort of skin. Unlike other countries I don't think the staff are given any real product training therefore I don't trust their advice. I would rather go online and check tutorials and reviews myself beauticians at some of the good salons may be able to help you chose the right product but it will be limited compared to the different ranges at the shops. Have a look online that may help
3376
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 16:04
That's disappointing : ( So who can I go to for advice on which face wash to buy? I'd rather receive an opinion from someone who has used and perhaps even had success with one than pay AED 300 for a 15 minute appointment with a specialist who will only recommend their clinics "preferred" brand, anyway. My problem is cheek spots. I don't get spots anywhere else on my face, just cheeks. And they're not whiteheads, [b'>they're sore red things that are under my skin and that I can't pop[/b'>. I've spent a fortune on all sorts of lotions and potions from BioDerma, Skin Ceuticals, La Roche Posay, Proactiv...and whilst they've helped, my skin has never cleared up completely, but perhaps it's because the face wash I use has always just been some random one I've got from the supermarket. Maybe I should buy a face wash from one of these brands...even if they are all AED 100+. Has anyone had any experience with a face wash from any of these brands? In that case, I would go to a dermatologist if it were me, I would want to know if it was a condition like cystic acne, rosacea, whatever, rather than just buying more products and hoping for a bandaid to fix a knife wound. While you may be using something that is causing an allergy, it sounds deeper than that.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 16:03
They certainly aren't trained in tactfulness - the number of times they've embaressed me by loudly asking "MADAM YOU WANT SOMETHING FOR YOUR ACNE" is just horrendous. [b'>poshubird87[/b'> I'd recommend you visit a good dermatalogist, I used to mess around with brands but the best thing instead of wasting money there is to go to a good dermatalogist. Dr Nasser at Dermacare is very good, or Dr Simin (she has her own clinic). Both are in Jumeirah. Also, have you considered your pimples could be hormonal? I used to get pimples like that until I started Diane35 which fixed my skin amazinglyyy well (though I still have acne scars). First go see a dermatlogist/gynae though before starting any hormonal pill. For a facewash the blue Bioderma one is really good btw. Good luck! <em>edited by sourskittleashnut on 27/10/2014</em>
166
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 15:56
That's disappointing : ( So who can I go to for advice on which face wash to buy? I'd rather receive an opinion from someone who has used and perhaps even had success with one than pay AED 300 for a 15 minute appointment with a specialist who will only recommend their clinics "preferred" brand, anyway. My problem is cheek spots. I don't get spots anywhere else on my face, just cheeks. And they're not whiteheads, they're sore red things that are under my skin and that I can't pop. I've spent a fortune on all sorts of lotions and potions from BioDerma, Skin Ceuticals, La Roche Posay, Proactiv...and whilst they've helped, my skin has never cleared up completely, but perhaps it's because the face wash I use has always just been some random one I've got from the supermarket. Maybe I should buy a face wash from one of these brands...even if they are all AED 100+. Has anyone had any experience with a face wash from any of these brands?
674
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 15:27
Just let them catch up to you then brake suddenly :D I have done just that. Some crazy perfume lady actually followed me from her post to what seemed like halfway down the mall and I could not ignore it. I just stopped and really screamed, something like why do you all do this.... Leave me... she may have been in tears but don't care, at least one of them now knows that not everybody enjoys the full service they attempt to provide.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 15:26
In the pharmacies, shelf space is limited. Thus the staff are trained to push the high margin items, especially if it is not a big chain pharmacy and individually owned. If they push a certain skin care brand that you've never heard of, or is "brand new" you can bet it is likely the store owner's private label brand. ETA: if staff are following you around, for the most part, it is because of loss prevention training. You don't want to be caught chattering with other employees and then find out at the end of the shift you've had items stolen on your watch. Beauty items are small and easy to "lift." <em>edited by Beebers on 27/10/2014</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 15:23
Just let them catch up to you then brake suddenly :D
674
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 15:21
No way they know anything. I've seen their faces and they need more help than the shoppers. I absolutely cannot stand being followed around stores or aisles it is really annoying and so hard to tolerate! I had enough too. I have to buy online. I asked someone why they do that and supposedly its because they want to be 'at your service' but I don't trust them at all. Doesn't matter if it's in Paris gallery or boots, I'm sure their knowledge is the same and that is very minimal.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 15:17
Sarah, As a rule that applies to all sales staff here......
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 15:17
Here is some food for thought from someone who worked for years in beauty/fragrances both on commission and not on commission. 1. There is always a sales goal whether paid commission or not. That's coming from the store owner or management. So the temptation is there to recommend a more expensive product which is not necessarily better from the other options in the same category to meet your goals. 2. Retail does not pay much, especially here. So, most of the time, if they are saying a product works, they are just trusting the marketing material or the vendor rep. Chances are they have never tried an item which is expensive unless the vendors gave samples. As far as I know, only vendors to Sephora shower the staff with freebies, and that was back in the US and may have changed. 3. Unless someone has my type of skin or concern, chances are they have no idea what would work well for me. I am not going to ask a 20 year old with oily skin what to use to fix my crepey eyes 4. Sometimes the vendors pressure the store to upsell with their items if the numbers are trending bad. So the manager may say "Hey, we really need to push X brand, their numbers are down and we need to provide better brand support which they were promised. As an incentive, sometimes the brand reps will offer a prize for whomever sells the most of one of their key items in a fiscal month. I remember when Guerlain first came out with their mascara in the gold tube (can't think of the name) and their rep offered us $500 worth of free Guerlain for whomever sold the most in our store. I was honest "Hey, we have a contest...but actually the mascara is really good." lol it worked :)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 15:05
Just wondered if I should trust their opinion on what to buy as often I can't tell if they're giving me genuine advice on what to buy, or that morning they've been told to up-sell a certain brand/product. Also the girls by the makeup in the Supermarkets and Boots and stuff, are they on commission? They don't half try and sell! My husband hates this fact but I'm one of those people who just like to browse at the makeup, but as soon as I pick anything up (despite repeatedly having already said "I'm just looking") the girl/s will say "Oh if you like that then you should get this" *drags me over to another brand* "...and how about some mascara? Or some blush?" I had the pharmacy thing happen to me today whereby she recommended a brand to me and I bought it, but now wondering if it's REALLY good for me and my problem, or like I say, she was just told to up-sell that brand as I was browsing a different brand when she caught me. It's bloomin' expensive stuff so I want to be sure it's right for my skin before I open it. edited by poshbird87 on 27/10/2014 I wouldn't trust any of them as far as I could throw them! Are they actually trained in the products they sell. I wanted a specific YSL mascara which they didn't have and she tried to sell me a completely different brand which was okay but not the colour I wanted. I kept asking for dark brown and she kept producing black. I asked what other ones she had in brown and she said she didn't know. How can they be employed and not know their products. Needless to say I buy online or at home now.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 15:03
jsut say - am good thanks if i want your help i will ask for it.
 
 

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