Pink Cadillac

In the US, cosmetics is big business. One such business is Mary Kay, well known for its famous "Pink Cadillac." And here it is... although the pink color is quite faint and not "flamingo pink" as I thought it would be.

One of the most asked about, and most misunderstood, features of Mary Kay is its car program. Do Mary Kay consultants (salespersons) actually win free cars? How much Mary Kay cosmetics do you have to sell to get a Pink Cadillac?

Since the beginning of the company’s car program in 1969, Mary Kay claims that over 100,000 consultants have earned the use of a Mary Kay career car or taken the optional cash compensation.

To qualify for the car at the “Grand Achiever” level, a consultant must build their team to 12 members and have a minimum “production” of $18,000 within 4 months. Once a consultant “wins” their car, they do not own it, nor do they get to keep it unless they and their team maintain a specified level of production for every month that follows. Mary Kay actually calls the arrangement a “Co-op Lease”. Depending on the net production of the sale team, it will either own the full lease payment, a portion of it, or nothing. The lease agreement lasts for 24 months. If the team fails to meet minimum production requirements for several months, it will lose the car. I'll apply for a job with them if they offer this car in pink.