My Customers Want the Old Colors and They Don’t Fit in the New Compacts! What to Do if this Happens to You
- March 19th, 2008
- View Comments (7)
One of my readers voiced her concerns that she is getting orders for the old compacts because they are discovering some of the old eye and cheek colors. Since the old compacts are on the discontinued list and many are not available, how do we address this dilemma? I have some suggestions and this board is open to others as always. 
If someone has just discovered Sunny Spice and is in love, but she needs the compact and you’re out of the old version it can be quite frustrating. My first suggestion would be to check the Discontinued Section 1 items on InTouch. It is my understanding that only the Custom Compact is still available. The next suggestion is to talk to your director or sister consultants and see if anyone has one you can trade. I am not above helping each other out in these situations.
Here is what I am doing right now:
- I’m running a Spring Cleaning Clearance Sale on all the old compacts and colors. Platinum packaged lipsticks are also included.
- If a customer has the older compacts and colors, I will continue to sell their shades at a discount until they are gone. Once gone, I will allow them a discount on the new compacts and they can return the old ones to me. I will then recycle them.
- All new customers are being introduced to the new mineral makeup. I’m not going to show them products that are getting close to unavailability.
- Colors that I am left with that are not popular will be donated to women’s shelters.
- Leftover compacts will also be donated, although, I don’t have many left.
- If someone wants something that I absolutely cannot locate for her, I gently let her know and invite her to try some newer options.
Those are my ideas. Please, if anyone with more experience can add it would be greatly appreciated! 
Tags: Discontinued Items, Idea Sharing, Inventory, Sales, Selling
Deb MK
Shades of Pink
Carla K.
custom gift cards
Key Tags
Stumble It!
Thanks for the ideas! I may “steal” a few of them!
Please do! That is what they are here for!
I just thought of another thing I’m doing that I forgot to post. I’m holding “Mineral Makeup Parties.” Everyone tries the new mineral products. My first appointment is a week from Friday. I’ll be sure to report my results.
These are great ideas, Shades.
I try with New clients the new products first. No complaining. I inform my existing clients when there is a change coming so I can meet her needs.’
Most stores, when women go to the department store counters, when the powder or color is gone, the compact gets thrown away. We are very generous with our customers. I have no problem giving a good client a discount on the new compact. She can also get it free with introducing me to a couple of her friends with a seasonal makeover.
We have had Unit Mineral Makeup Parties and they have been great! It’s a great way to get back with existing clients too and book em’ Dano.
Great ideas!
I am doing something similar… but with existing customers who LOVE certain colors
I am offering them the “buy the stock”. They can get all the color they love that I have in stock for a price break~~depends on the customer, how many I have in stock, and what day of the week it is. Several of my customers have taken me up on this offer~~ especially those that LOVE Blue Moon (I had one customer upset because I sold one of the 5 I had before she could contact me~she did take the other 4!)
Thanks for the ideas! You are awesome!
I have learned not to get too concerned about inventory left over. There’s always someone needing something for a long time after the product has been discontinued, both customer and consultant alike! I support your great ideas Shades. With this transition, we have had a good deal of time to deplete current inventories, and I am thankful for that. Great going MK!
Did you receive a trivia email where it said that the shape of our compact has not changed in 14 years (only the color)? It was about time! I love the new magnetic compact! Very sleek design and very versatile! I am having a great time presenting the new products to everyone. Oh, and I am having a run on Moonstone currently. Everybody is asking me for this color. Thanks again to MK for denoting the soon to be discontinued shades in our Look Books!! Very communicative to the public!! Very helpful to our businesses!!