[moltenfe]

I have been THE design and sales guy here for the last 7 years and have worked for the same company for the past 12. I have been hourly untill now. I have known that this sallary thing was coming but have tried to ride the hourly train as long as possible. The owners would like me to present my salary requirements and I am having a hard time coming up with a number and or plan. I don't want to soak the company however I don't want to sell myself short either. Along with the design and sales aspect I am responsible to give 5 seminars yearly, source products, update the website, and plow snow. My question to the other proffesionals here is "what is a fair salary for someone who can offer these things?" I know that it would be near impossible for you to say exactly but even a range would be helpful. Thanks in advance for your help.

[Matt Kulp]

Lot of questions for you.

Will you be getting commission on sales in addition to your salary?

What type of revenue are you selling and designing per year?

Are you the first designer the company has had?

Will you and how much OT will you have to work?

If you work OT, will they pay comp time, or will you have to eat it?

Do you get any perks (company vehicle, sales expense acct., Health insurance, etc..)?

What type of work are you designing and/or selling?


There are just too many variables that come into play to give you a good answer. If you were strictly doing design and sales, I would say $40-$45k + commission.

A little bit of advice if you do go salary. Make sure that you get something in writing as too what is expected of you, for your protection as well as your employer. I would also cover the OT issue up front, especially if there is snow responsibilities involved. Don't fall for the you can take some time off if you work OT, or you will make it back in the winter when we are slow. Get it in writing and hold them to it, as well as they should you.

I worked for a company years ago that asked the same thing of me, which was fine, but they seriously took advantage of me. I had nothing in writing and when I left the company, they would not pay me $6k in commission that I earned. I also was expected to work 55+ hours per week and did not get compensated for the extra time. Salary can be good for both parties, but both need to make sure the expectations are laid out prior to the agreement.

Lastly, I find it odd that they are asking you for your salary requirements when they are requesting the change. If I am going to make that type of change in our company, I always bring the employee in and make the offer to encourage the transition. If the employee thinks he needs more, then it is up to him to ask.

[moltenfe]

Firstly I do work approx. 65 hours per week right now. it slows to about 45 in winter. I have health benifits as well as a company matched retirement account. I currently do not make commision and I get hassled when I take the company vehicle home, even when it is less miles to go home than back to the shop. My average sales for the year have been around 350k-400k per year with a 4 man crew. I know that I average a 55-65 percent profit margin on all projects (I know all of the overhead numbers including wages) I think you are absolutely right to suggest we put the expectations in writing. And I relly thought it strange they wanted me to make an offer first. I feel like they don't want to offer me more than they have to. This makes me feel a little aqward. You suggested commision, since I have no experience with that what would you suggest? Oh, the majority of he work I sell is residential design build (90 percent hardscape, 10 percent green) and I have a BA in; art history, design, and sculpture if that helps.

[agla]

I'd start with your gross annual income as a reference. Then improve upon it from there. Make sure you get the time off that you need and don't have to work beyond a certain amount of hours per month.

Remember that salary means no overtime pay. Sometimes this is a ploy to pay less rather than more.

If you really would really like to stay hourly, present that to them and make them give you a counter offer.