posted
We are a small sign, screen printing and digital shop. Myself and 2 1/2 full time positions. One of the full time positions is my key guy who looks after production... cutting and painting substrates, screen printing, textile printing, vinyl lettering (not brush lettering), pretty much can do everything except layout (computer) and order taking (customer relations). What would be a fair wage for someone in this position? He has been with me for a long time and although I give him annual raises I feel he may still be under paid but I don't really know what the going rate should be for this position.
I realize that every situation is different and it really comes down to what he's worth to the company and how difficult he'd be to replace but it would be nice to get some feed back from peers on this.
I'm also looking at the possibility of a health and dental plan. We are in Canada so this would not be the same as health insurance in the US as the province looks after most of the health side of it.
posted
Brian, Signs of the Times magazine does a salary survey every year. You might see if you can find a copy of the most recent survey and use that as a reference point. Good benefits are almost more important than take home pay for people with families. The laws for benefits are so different from place to place, you may want to find an expert close to home. Vic G
-------------------- Victor Georgiou Danville, CA , USA Posts: 1746 | From: Danville, CA , USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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Not sure what things are like up in Collingwood, but I would think a similar position down here in Kitchener would pay $14-$16/hr. I was offered a similar position up in Walkerton recently, which also included customer service and layout and they were only willing to pay $12/hr.
I've never been an employer so I may be a little biased, but I've always felt the employer should pay as much as they feel they can. I know it's hard to find good reliable help, and it sounds like this person has been a good employee to you. Pay him as much as you feel he is worth to you.
Also, as a side note, it's not just the pay that matters. I've left jobs for lower pay because of poor management, or bad working conditions or just not feeling appreciated. I'm a firm believer in giving as much respect as you would expect back.
It also depends on how much money he makes you in said hour, if he is fast and puts out quality work than maybe a little more. But again... how much money does he make you in a day or week.
posted
I wouldnt worry so much about what all the others around you are paying. Chances are, if it was an issue for him, he would have left you long ago for higher pay.
He might be very happy where he is, or he might be upset and too scared to leave a crappy situation..
You'll never know unless you talk to him and get it straight from the horse's mouth - ask HIM what HE thinks! You asking for his input will speak volumes more than any pay raise.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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posted
I was going to say Upper 20's to low 30....which is just my opinion on what I would expect to be paid for the duties you describe. If he's a good worker and a friend to-boot...I'd go on the high side if you could afford it.
I have no idea how the cost of living compares to the US....32K where you're at might not be near as much as 32k here in the midwest.
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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posted
Brian, here are a couple of stats from August Signs of the Times that may be helpful.
For companies $100K to $500K, the average sales per full time employee is $55,900. In smaller companies it is $33,500 per employee.
In the 100-500 range, total payroll is 28.9% of gross sales plus another 4.6% for fringes. Materials are 32.3%. So, labor and materials account for 65.8% of the sign shop's total budget.
To your original question, ask yourself "Do I REALLY care if this employee leaves?" If you can quickly and easily replace a person, then the wage question is easy. For the person who really cranks the value in your shop, well, you pay what you can afford. If your sales swing all over the place, another way to do it is give bonuses from time to time when the shop is busy.
Hope this is helpful Vic G
-------------------- Victor Georgiou Danville, CA , USA Posts: 1746 | From: Danville, CA , USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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posted
Thanks very much everyone for your comments. They have helped me a great deal in deciding what to do. The employee in question is right now in the range Terry has mentioned and I'm going to consider a benefit plan or profit sharing.
Vic, I agree with the bonus idea or profit sharing as it is difficult to cut back salary during slow times.
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