Mary KayPitfalls: What They Don't Tell You Before You Join
Chargebacks on recruit returns, 90% buyback bans future re-enrollment, and display restrictions survive termination.
Last updated: March 22, 2026
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Why This Page Exists
MLM recruiters focus on income potential, but policies determine whether you can keep what you earn. We analyzed Mary Kay's policies and procedures to identify the hidden gotchas that most people don't discover until it's too late.
🔎 Policy Pitfalls Breakdown
Chargebacks deducted when recruits return products
Anyone who received commission on inventory being returned to Mary Kay will be charged back. Deducted from next commission check, or billed directly if no commissions owed.
Source: Mary Kay Consultant Agreement, Commission Chargeback Policy
Using 90% buyback bans future re-enrollment
If you return a Starter Kit or Section 1 products for the 90% repurchase, you are "no longer eligible to become a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant in the future."
Source: Mary Kay Product Repurchase Policy
30 days notice by either party to terminate
Agreement can be terminated by either party for breach or with 30 days written notice at any time. Your unit stays with Mary Kay.
Source: Independent Beauty Consultant Agreement
Sales restrictions survive termination
Prohibition on selling through retail establishments, eBay, Amazon, and similar websites survives termination of the Agreement.
Source: Independent Beauty Consultant Agreement
Customer names are consultant property
The consultant agreement states customer names and addresses are the "property" of the consultant. Company cannot use them without consent, even after termination.
Source: Independent Beauty Consultant Agreement
Non-compete clause covers similar cosmetic products
Mary Kay has enforced non-compete provisions prohibiting consultants from "participating in selling cosmetic products similar to Mary Kay's line."
Source: Mary Kay v. Dunlap litigation
90% buyback within 12 months of purchase
Upon termination, Mary Kay repurchases original unused Section 1 products at 90% of original net cost if purchased within 12 months.
Source: Independent Beauty Consultant Agreement, Repurchase Policy
Chargeback liability extends 12 months
You can be charged back commissions for up to 12 months after recruit's order, matching the 1-year return window. Bills may be sent to terminated consultants.
Source: Mary Kay Commission Chargeback Policy
📝 The Bottom Line
Mary Kay's 90% buyback comes with a permanent cost: use it and you're banned from ever rejoining. Commission chargebacks can follow you for 12 months after a recruit's order. The sales restrictions (no eBay/Amazon) explicitly survive termination, limiting how you can use remaining inventory.
✅ Before You Join Mary Kay: 5 Questions to Ask
- 1"Can I see the complete Policies and Procedures before signing anything?" — Review the actual document, not just summaries.
- 2"What exactly happens to my organization if I leave or am terminated?" — Get specifics, not vague reassurances.
- 3"What are the non-compete or non-solicitation restrictions after leaving?" — Know how long and what's restricted.
- 4"What is the exact monthly purchase or activity requirement to qualify for commissions?" — Calculate the annual cost before any earnings.
- 5"Can you show me the official income disclosure statement?" — See what typical participants actually earn.
Official policies: https://www.marykay.com/en-us/tips-and-trends/beauty-entrepreneur
Want to understand these issues in depth? Read: 7 Structural Flaws in MLM Compensation Plans →
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