As far as inventory goes, MK consultants do NOT have inventory as a mandatory thing. Any and all inventory decisions are made independently by the consultants based on their needs. If they don't think they will sell $3600 in inventory, it's obviously the right thing to NOT BUY it. Directors will definitely encourage consultants to purchase at least some inventory (2 reasons: they make commission, and it's also good b/c women usually like stuff NOW when they buy it and don't like waiting a couple of weeks for postage, so its good customer service
) but they can never make that decision for the consultants.
One of my sorority sisters used to sell MK and she did not have inventory at all. She didn't host parties or do facials. She just had one of those Look Books and if people wanted to buy stuff, cool!
You do need at least 1 wholesale order of $200 (minimum) every 3 months in order to maintain your discount, but if you use the products yourself, that shouldn't be an issue!
For me, I think it's just going to be one of those fun things I do to maybe make some extra play money. I make a pretty good salary for my age, and I have excellent benefits, so I have no intentions of quitting my job or anything!
I'm really enjoying all the stories so far!