An interesting development

This is a bit longer than usual. My boss at the import store (part time job) asked me to make jewelry for the store. As some of you may recall, I just took an earring class last week, so it can't possibly be for the quality of work. I'm more inclined to think it is out of convenience. He has a lot of beads he has bought at different shows, and is probably going to Bali again this year, so I won't have to lay out very much money. We don't have any findings, except what I bought last week at the show. I'll be able to recover the cost for whatever findings I supply from my stock. We're buying more findings this week.

I look at it as an opportunity to practise and build skills. I am supposed to do it on my work time, so when I am 'working', I will be able to sit and play with beads. So I don't make any extra money. He gets the profit from whatever is sold. So far he has put out two bracelets and one sold within two days.

I told him I couldn't do anything complicated yet, and he said that's OK, simple is what he want. Although as the situation has evolved, he has started to suggest I do some research and find some designs to copy. (Arrrrgh!)

He's a bit paranoid, and is always afraid of staff stealing from him. He also stashes things in little corners and forgets where they are like a squirrel. So I'm a bit apprehensive about having to deal with that. We used to have a staff member who stole jewelry. I think in some cases he suspected me of stealing as well because our shifts would sometimes overlap.

On the other hand I get to go to the 'trade' jewelry show in June. Hee hee. (if my boss doesn't drive me absolutely bonkers ducking up and down the aisles dodging people he doesn't want to talk to, and futzing around)

Wish me luck. I might need it.

Dora

Reply to
Bungadora
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Good luck and be careful with him. As soon as you're comfortable with your experience and designs make him pay you extra, watch his profit. I get a feeling that won't take very long because you have a good eye for what components compliment each other.

Reply to
Margie

Thanks. Yes, I'm costing everything out on the store computer and mine, and keeping track insofar as I can because he doesn't tell me how much everything costs. The profit on the first three bracelets I made should pay for the course and initial materials.

I've known him for several years and am most concerned about going to the trade show with him. He's going to drive me nuts and interfere with my shopping experience.

Another thing I have to watch is putting in my personal time and money. I've already made several expenditures I would not have otherwise made because of his little project. Dora

Reply to
Bungadora

When I have gone to Market, or a trade show, on the company's dime (they paid the airfare, hotel room, etc) and as a representative of the company's store (they were the retailer who was invited to the wholesale event), I was free to do my own thing. But only after putting in about 10 or 12 hours of shopping for the store.

I don't know if this is the same sort of thing that will be expected of you. I am guessing this is a strictly wholesale event, so spend some time arranging to get invited to the show next year as in independent business owner.

Tina

Reply to
Christina Peterson

Tuition reimbursement is always nice. :=)

Ah yes, well while shopping with him jot down the vendors you'd like to see all by your lonesome and then tell him you have to have a two hour lunch. Spend fifteen minutes eating and shop quickly! lol

That's what I was a little concerned about but I can tell you're already paying attention to this. Good for you, Dora.

Reply to
Margie

It's in the genes. Dora

Reply to
Bungadora

I suspect it will be more like 3 or 4 hours that feels like 12 hours. I'm a fairly decisive shopper. My boss is not. Fortunately, he only knows a few jewelry wholesalers, so I won't have to duck and weave down aisles after him trying to avoid people.

I hadn't really thought of the show as an opportunity to expand contacts, as you and Margie have suggested. Thanks. It has put my brain in another direction.

Dora

Reply to
Bungadora

Best of luck with the new venutre!

Reply to
KDK

Thank you! I wasn't thinking of doing things for sale at all, although I've been doing repairs at the shop for the past year or so. Dora

Reply to
Bungadora

Your boss must be a really... interesting... person if he has to avoid so many people.

-Kalera

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Bungadora wrote:

Reply to
Kalera Stratton

Oh yes. 'Odd' is another way of putting it. He's actually quite a nice guy though. He just suffers from chronic guilt. Dora

Reply to
Bungadora

Dora,

I tried emailing you privately, as I remember you from RCTN as well and I think we're in the same place. Maybe we even met at the rock show at the beginning of the month. I'd love to talk to you about your earring class and beads. Could you drop me an email privately?

Cindy

Reply to
Chris or Cindy Alexander

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