I own a Z Palette that I won in a contest a few years ago. Since then, I’ve made a few posts mentioning it, and some of their other products. No more. The recent Z Palette scandal resulting from their disgraceful PR-nightmare is too much for many former customers, myself included. Z-Palettes will not be mentioned or featured on this blog henceforth.
I can empathize with the frustration that one would experience on the receiving end of criticism for a new product launch. After receiving some skeptical and critical responses on an Instagram post – not even on their OWN Instagram, mind you, but on TrendMood’s, ZPalette lashed out. The results were jaw-dropping.
The Unbelievable Z Palette Scandal
This is a screenshot of just SOME of the responses they sent to Instagram users on TrendMood’s post about their new Z Potter (overpriced induction) device. Instagram users had expressed a ton of thoughts ranging from excitement to uncertainty and skepticism to criticism. The job of a social media manager, however, is not to strike back with acidic replies:
These are fairly tame. The list of things they felt it appropriate to respond with included calling young ladies cheap dates, insulting people’s financials, or suggesting that they are somehow less evolved. Here’s some examples of the classy replies from the brilliant soul manning the Z Palette Social Media desk:
- “You look like a cheap date, but we’re not messing with you?”
- “Listen to some Jim Rohn — it’s not that it’s expensive, it’s that you can’t afford it.”
- “If that’s a stove to you, I wonder how big your kitchen is.”
but wait, there’s more:
- “So all the working makeup artists and beauty lovers who are easily de-potting with this machine are idiots? Hmmm, I think we know who the idiot is.”
- “Yep and burn your shit up you sure can?“
- “Have you heard of the word ‘induction’? Use it in a sentence.“
Hacked?
Some thought the Z Palette Instagram had been hacked. Nope! Later, the CEO replied with a bit more – but not much more – taste. Unapologetic, and instead defensive acting as though the responses were a justified response to criticism.
Later, on Saturday evening, they posted a wall-of-text to Twitter further defending themselves.
Loyal customers are indeed valuable, but attempting to defend this egregious move by saying that people who are offended by their poor judgment are simply disloyal is incomprehensible.
Criticism
Frankly, the CEO could have probably run with the idea they were hacked to run damage control. Glad they’re honest, though, so we can choose to vote with our dollars and drop Z Palette like a bad habit.
Yes, it sucks that people called out your new-fangled gadget. That’s one of the risks you take as a company that sells products – some people are going to think your product, no matter what it is, is overpriced and not worth it. The higher the retail price, the greater the skepticism and criticism brought against it will be unless you can convince people that it is undoubtedly worth it.
The Bottom Line
Unfortunately, Z Palette has so far not only failed to convince the masses that their Z Potter induction device is worth the $85 they’re asking for, but they’ve landed themselves with a PR nightmare and scandal.
Looking for a similar product? Adept Cosmetics has a double-sided magnetic palette for $35.
It is most unfortunate that this is now going to be considered “Acceptable Behavior” in Trump America. Common decency and class are a thing of the past and if it worked for him people and business alike are sure to follow. This won’t be the only one. The only response is to hit them where it hurts,the only thing they value and that is their bottom line.Happy boycotting folks!
Classless inexcusable bullying. I will never ever support them. That’s just disgusting.
I agree with Christine! It seems like this type of behavior is getting much more open and I’m convinced it’s in no small part due to the new world leadership paving the way.
I had actually been debating buying a palette and the Z palette simply did not appeal to me due to the design and price point. Mediocre (imo) product design, high price point, AND nasty attitude that is bullying and classist. Bye Felicia! I will add them to the list of companies I’m boycotting.
(Which by the way includes Benefit for similar unapologetic PR “blunders”, and Maybelline and Covergirl for the misogynist, racist, and bullying attitudes of their new spokesmen.)
Yeah – I’ve been meaning to write about Manny recently. I don’t know anything about the kid Covergirl brought on, though. I assume much of the same.
Its interesting – it is even one thing to not acknowledge a PR snafu, but it is another entirely to acknowledge it as a business and essentially say, “Sorry not sorry!” Not that it’s fine to not acknowledge/fix problems, but I find it (oh-so-vaguely) more palatable.