Mary Kay vs Thirty-One Gifts: Honest Comparison
Two options, side by side, with the real costs and the honest downsides. No hype, just what I'd want my own family to know before they choose.
| Mary Kay | Thirty-One Gifts | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5✓ | 3 |
| Monthly cost | $0✓ | $16.95 |
| Category | Network marketing | Network marketing |
| Pros | Starts at $35 with the Mary Kay eStart; Earn 30% profit right away on sales through your online My Shop; Up to 50% profit once you are active; No recruiting required, and inventory is never required; Mary Kay buys back unused inventory at 90% of your cost within a year | Practical products like totes, bags and organizers; Personalized items make good gifts; Consultants get a discount on products; Enrollment kits change with the seasons |
| Cons | The 50% profit level needs $450 in personal retail sales in a month; Optional Pro Start and inventory purchases add to your costs; You must sign up through an existing Beauty Consultant; Career car rewards go to the top 1% of the sales force | Consultants pay a $16.95 monthly subscription for their website and branded emails; Party-based selling takes time; Not a consumable product, so fewer repeat orders; Income depends on sales and team building |
| Verdict | Mary Kay is one of the most established direct sales companies, with a low $35 start and a model built on selling products rather than recruiting. The 90% inventory buyback is a real safety net. Your profit depends on retail sales: the full 50% needs $450 in personal sales in a month, so it suits people who enjoy selling beauty products person to person and online. | Thirty-One works well for people who love hosting parties and selling gifts. Budget for the $16.95 monthly fee, and know that bags don't get reordered like vitamins do. |
Choose Mary Kay if you want a $35 start, no required inventory and a 90% buyback safety net. Choose Thirty-One Gifts if you love hosting parties for gifts and can budget the $16.95 monthly fee.
Mary Kay
A direct sales beauty company, in business for over 60 years, where Independent Beauty Consultants sell skin care, makeup and fragrance.
Thirty-One Gifts
A bags, totes and home organization company where Independent Consultants sell through parties and personal websites.
What I chose for my family
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