Friday, August 26, 2011

MAC Pro Card: How I got mine

Let me just start off by saying that the MAC Pro card is heaven-sent. When I buy things from MAC, I don't feel guilty anymore! Some prices are even better than drugstore. Who wouldn't love that?! For makeup artists, this card is especially amazing because you can build your collection without going bankrupt. The following is how I got mine (I'm a freelance makeup artist): 


STEP ONE: Go on http://macpro.com >> Download an application. Easy right? The direct link is: http://www.maccosmetics.com/docs/applications/d_201008_macpro_application_pro.pdf Print that out. *For people living in the UK, France, Australia, or Spain, find your application here: http://www.maccosmetics.com/macpro/cms/membership/howtoapply.tmpl#applications.


STEP TWO: Fill out your information at the top. Under categories and available professions, check the one that applies to you. Since I'm a freelance MUA, I checked off 'makeup artist'. 


STEP THREE: 'Professional identification': for this I included a copy of my driver's license, my business card (I ordered mine from zazzle.com) and a comp card (I got mine at vistaprint.com). A comp card is an 'oversized postcard' with about 4 pictures and the information that is on your business card. Those 4 pictures have to be pictures of people you've done makeup on. Take pictures of them wearing the looks. GOOD QUALITY ONLY (goes for everything). Borrow your friend's, mom's, or grandma's camera if you have to. Nobody likes grainy pictures. Anyways, the comp cards cost me about $16. The business cards about $20. I'm so glad I invested in these because they looked very professional! And in the end, that's what we want. This step took about a week for me because I ordered the comp cards and business cards online.


STEP FOUR: Under 'membership status,' check off 'new' since you have never had a Pro card before. 


STEP FIVE: 'Membership fee payment information': The fee if you live in the USA is $35. If you live in Canada, it is $45. You can pay with check, money order, American Express, Mastercard, or Visa. NO CASH. I paid with a money order that I bought at the USPS (United States Postal Service).


STEP SIX: Sign and date the bottom.


STEP SEVEN: Get a manila envelope and enclose your membership fee (if you paid with check or money order), your comp card, business card, copy of your driver's licence, and application. The MAC Pro website states: "You can drop everything off at any M·A·C store for forwarding or send it directly to the processing department at: M·A·C PRO MEMBERSHIP, PO Box 435, 3219 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3S1. (FOR THOSE LIVING IN CANADA) OR MAC PRO MEMBERSHIP, 2316 Delaware Ave., PO Box 289, Buffalo, NY 14216-2687 (FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN THE USA).


THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
1. Make-up artists receive a 40% discount. Aestheticians, Cosmetologists, Hairstylists, Fashion Stylists, Nail Technicians, Costume Designers, Models, On-Air Talent/Performers, and Photographers receive a 30% discount. 
2. Are you a freelance makeup artist? You can still apply. You don't need a fancy license or be registered at a beauty school. 
3. You cannot use the discount on limited edition packaged items or Viva Glam products. 
4. You can only use it in store or online, not at the MAC counter
5. You cannot use the discount on other people. 
6. You can receive discounts off such things like the Make-Up Artist Magazine, workshops, classes, events, or tuition at the Make-up Designory. 
7. I got my card in about 4 weeks


(I originally posted this on Luuux).

11 comments:

  1. This was VERY useful! thank you, in the comp card you mentioned, the 4 pictures have to be of different looks or the same one? and also what size was it? thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad it helped you! To answer your Qs:
      -Should be different looks!
      -It was 8.5" x 5.47" - look for the oversized postcard from Vistaprint :)

      Delete
    2. can you use yourself in one of the picture or do you have to have models? most of my friends are camera shy so they wouldn't look very professional in the pics!

      Delete
    3. I did! I used 2 of me, and 2 of other people.

      Delete
    4. Thanks So Much Broken lipsticks !! Very Helpful

      Delete
  2. Thanks very helpfull ! Thumbs up

    ReplyDelete
  3. Is the website necessary?? if so, can it be a free google website page because that what i have...

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi, I need the application form for the MAC Pro UK version. Please can anyone help? My business has just kicked off and i'm paying too much on MAC products. Your help will be appreciated. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. The link for the MAC PRO UK doc does not work, can anyone help with this?

    ReplyDelete
  6. The link for the MAC PRO UK doc does not work, can anyone help with this?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi, I emailed Mac to see if they accept business cards since it wasn't listed in the requirements and they said they don't accept business cards :/ now I don't know what else to provide other than my comp card

    ReplyDelete