I don't think directors actually buy those things - I think the consultant purchases her own ladder, and she buys each star from the company by putting in huge orders for product (that's how I go mine). I don't know if directors actually buy the "beginning consultant pins"- not sure on that one.

Interesting. There seem to be at least 2 people on ebay buying every ladder pin they can get their hands on, stars or not. I thought maybe they were directors giving them to their consultants, but maybe they are planning to go to seminar next year encrusted with stars and ladders from head to toe. Who knows what they'll do next, after all?  At least it's cheaper than getting the stars from the company, LOL! I had either one or two stars (can only find one now) and I knew I paid over $1800 apiece in orders to get them, but I couldn't remember if the director gave them to me or if they came with the orders. Anyway, I am amused because there's a listing up now that says in part, "Now is your chance to update your statement of the success you have accomplished!!"

Maybe it should continue by saying, "...by buying your ladder & star on ebay for five bucks, saving thousands of dollars and years of regret for yourself!" 

I highly recommend listing any and all of that stuff on ebay, my Red Jacket sold for $30, my beauty coat for $25 and I can't wait to find out how much I can get for all of the jewely I "won" from the company  evil

A completed auctions search under "mary kay ladder" is showing sold prices ranging from $1.25 to $15.73. Under current auctions there is one at $9.28 and a couple others as part of lots of pins: one lot is at $1.99 and one is at $12.50. It's fun to look up the people buying them and see what else they are bidding on--this is how I found out that people sell dresses on ebay advertised as "Mary Kay seminar gown". I obviously have too much time on my hands!