Ok, MAC Cosmetics has got all sorts of bad rap on this site so far. It seems to me that the issue of bad service must be something that M.A.C should address, unless they see it as part of their branding – I’m not sure that is a smart consumer move, really.
There is one thing however, that I must commend M.A.C for. Their “Back to M.A.C” recycling program. In an effort to protect the environment, MAC encourages recycling by offering a brand new full size lipstick for 6 plastic primary packaging products.
Basically, if you have 6 plastic cases of MAC cosmetics products, you can take them back to your local MAC store and exchange it for a lipstick of your choice (except Viva Glam lipsticks as their proceeds go towards AIDS research). So e.g. if you have 6 lipsticks or eyeshadow cases or a mixture of lipstick and eyeshadow plastic cases, you can take it to the MAC store and choose a lipstick for free.
I haven’t tried it myself, simply because I have never owned 6 of anything from MAC but I know of people who have used this Back to MAC programme to get all their MAC lipsticks for free. Instead of waiting for your lipsticks and eyeshadows to finish (which might take forever!) some people expedite the process by de-potting the eyeshadows i.e. removing the pan from the plastic case. I’ve never done it so don’t ask me how its done! They also take cases with products still in them so its not necessary to be an empty case.
Here are a list of items which are not accepted for the Back to M.A.C program:
- 1. Secondary packaging of any sort [paper box, plastic/cellophane wrapper, shopping bags, etc.]
- Samples [sample containers, special/trial size products for promotional/seasonal kits]
- Cosmetic applicators/tools [disposables, puffs, sponges, scissors, spatulas, swabs, sharpeners, tweezers, curlers]
- Accessories [bags, belts, makeup cases, lashes, Blot Film].
When in doubt as to whether any item can be exchanged, ask the sales assistants or if they scare you too much in person, call up and ask. To be fair, I got some decent service at the M.A.C store at KLCC where they explained the program to me nicely even though I only bought 1 item. Thus far, I think the KLCC store has probably got the most helpful sales people (some but not all).
There is one caveat. The Back to MAC program may not be available in all countries. I read that it might not be available in Germany (or I could be mistaken) and that some countries place restrictions on what items can be exchanged. However, I can confirm that the Back to MAC program is available in Malaysia as I was told about it by the sales people.
So, M.A.C isn’t all bad, right? 🙂 Have you used the Back to M.A.C program? Do you have any tips or information to share?
Stay beautiful,
Hey PB, I totally agree. While their service is lacking, at the very least they’re doing their bit for the environment. I’ve never had the chance to collect enough items for the B2M promo, as I don’t depot. Can we even get those empty palletes here in Msia? Makeup never finishes!
I’m sorry to revisit the “bad service” at MAC, but I have had both bad and good experiences at the MAC KLCC. So I think it’s a matter of who attends to you. Though I have to say there is a very obvious reluctance to serve the customers-that’s the impression I always get from MAC. I can’t comprehend it!
i’ve taken a whole bunch of eyeshadows after depotting them recently and gotten one lipstick and one eyeshadow for free! I have a few more so I’m looking forward to getting a lipgloss next 🙂
If we want to depot eyeshadow,where can we get the magnet sticker in Malaysia?
Look in hardware or craft or diy shops. But MAC eyeshadow pans should stick in the MAC palettes without needing magnet sheets
Does Mac Malaysia accept eyeshadow case that has no metal pan in it if i decided to depot them?
What products they accept for back to mac? Do they accept foundation?prep&prime?
Go to youtube for depotting tutorials
Yeah…i think MAC KLCC is the most helpful counter in KL. I just went there everytime i need something from MAC. I also got this information (back-2-mac) from MAC KLCC too.
i was just wondering where you got that image for this article. i am designing a line of clothing and want that picture so badly to be on my inspiration page…please help me.
Can you back to mac for a limited edition item?
Hey I’m from Germany and I can tell: It is available here.
it is true that to wait for each item to finnish can take ages….mm now i am wondering how to relocate some of those eye shadows…..so that we can recycle and get a lipstick….Agree fully that the KLCC counter is very customer friendly…keep it up!