Pros
First off, let me say that I absolutely LOVED the nine months I spent at Ultimate Exposure. I learned TONS of valuable work lessons working there. Working alone made me challenge myself and learn to problem solve. I learned new things every day. Also, I adored my coworkers. If you actually talk and get to know the girls there, your time spent there will be much easier. I now live in a different state, but some of the girls I met there are girls that I still consider some of my best friends. You also receive free tanning on any bed / spray tanning, and 50% discount on all lotions. If you are a skillful seller, you get tons of hours and if you keep up a certain selling average you can even receive commission. If you are a friendly person, you can build a relationship with regulars and have them feel comfortable with you so they only purchase things from you.
Cons
Although I loved working here, there are many times I considered walking out and never looking back. There are a lot of underlying problems within this company. There is absolutely no communication between the sales associates and upper management. You can only really get to communicate with your district manager, who will go to the regional manager with your concerns and basically have him/her laugh in their face. Upper management has completely unrealistic expectations for their district managers and their sales associates.. if you do not reach these expectations they will complain and send out rude / disrespectful emails threatening to cut your hours, write you up, and sometimes even fire you. Never expect your good deeds or extra work to be noticed or complimented. They have very strict rules about standing around (you must be cleaning at all times), even when you have cleaned the salon four times a shift because you have only seen 6 people. They have a VERY strict dress code, and do not offer you a work shirt anymore. Also, they no longer have a customer service line.. so you have to handle all problems in store.. which they do NOT train you for. It often ends up with you having to call your manager and your manager telling you that there is nothing you can do so the customer stands there cussing you out when you are completely helpless. When I started they offered a two day, twelve hour seminar training you for every possible problem before you even start your three day in-store training. It was amazing. But they also, no longer offer that.. so they have a district manager train you for four days and then you are on your own.. which is not enough time to learn everything when you are working alone in a salon. Before I left, I ended up taking my off time, training new employees for FREE.. because new girls were constantly asking me questions and never knew what they were doing. They also require a thirty day notice to take any time off, and if something comes up it has to be an emergency to switch shifts and it is your responsibility to find coverage. Working here you have to be a quick learner, independent, be very patient, and have a very strong backbone! They closed four salons as of June 1st, 2014. I will not be surprised if this company is out of business within the next year or two.