Depending on how its stocked-- I'd buy it.
I'd pass if:
*If the line is spotty- with only 2 or 3 items (a shampoo with no conditioner, and maybe a leave in thrown in)
*The line is never really kept in stock from week to week.
*The packaging isn't current.
*The product doesn't smell of look right.
Then its probably diverted product.
But if the line is 1.) FULL-- from the shampoo, conditioner, reconstructor, neutralizing poo, leave in, gel down to the last hair finishing gloss, 2.) is always replenished weekly/monthly and 3.) is wrapped in the manufacturers current packaging-- its meant to be there.
Here's my conspiracy theory.
I think the goal of most product manufactorers is to go mass retail. Remaining salon exclusive doesn't really pay. The bottom line is always money. Once they get their lines to bigger stores like Trade Secret, Ulta, and Duane sales sky rocket. I think they use independent salons as marketing tools to get the name out and once the product has a reputation they slowly market it to mass retailers. Look at Nexxus. They let salons/stylists build the name and then sold out to mass retailers. Same thing with Tressemme, Pantene, and others that were once salon exclusive. And salon exclusive doesn't really mean that much. All a mass retailer has to do is slap a salon chair in the back to be considered "a salon" which is what it looks like ULTA and Trade Secret have done
Thats why I don't feel sorry for people like Paul Mitchell.
I think he has a hand in the mass diversion his products are experiencing. His products are on every Target and Walgreens shelf in America! FULLY STOCKED week after week. Now wouldn't the purchasing of enough product from distributors to keep Targets across the country fully stocked at all times raise an eyebrow at headquarters if diversion was such a big concern? They know Mom and Pop salons are NOT selling that much Paul Mitchell.
I think he puts up such a big fuss to keep salons loyal to his line. If he acts like he is against diversion, they'll continue to retail his stuff too. Money.