Estée Lauder 1908-2004

[maruppharm]

It’s not that the queen of cosmetics, Estée Lauder, didn’t trust others to do the dirty work; she just loved her company so much she insisted on getting her hands dirty with every little detail. Starting with skin creams concocted by her chemist uncle, she sold the products at beauty shops and resorts, worked the major department stores until Saks Fifth Avenue gave her counter space, and she kept on selling. Known to visit her cosmetics counters herself, Lauder would school sales staffs in giving customers personal attention and a gift. Her gifts—chic cosmetic bags full of samples—were brilliant innovations that continue in popularity.

Quote: "Put the product into the customer's hands, it will speak for itself if it's something of quality."