First let me say I am an unconventional boss. I'll cover more of that in time.
Second, I'm stuck in a bit of a Catch 22 situation. I need a helper in order to expand, but until I expand there isn't a whole lot of work for the helper to do. However for the trusting and adventurous soul that can work out well. You get to start slow and learn each step of the business without being thrown into chaos. Ideally I am looking for someone that can handle at least the first four levels, however if you can only handle the first or second you can still be useful (and employed) but know that you will be replaced when I find that worker that can do it all.
Third, what I need is someone that is punctual, has good attention to detail and can handle tedious work without making mistakes. I have always treated my employees well, and looked for ways to make possibilities available for them. I'm not greedy, and I pay well, but I'm looking for a dedicated worker who isn't looking merely for the most pay with the least effort. On the downside, there are no benefits, and while I'll do my best, there is not a lot of job security (there never really is in any job any more, but I'm upfront about it), and there are slow periods (especially Jan-Feb and May.)
The Job
Location: private residence, Orange City.
Level 1: Assembling DVDs.
This involves:
cutting covers, one by one, with a ruler and razor knife. It's tedious and the margin of error is almost nil.
placing the cut cover correctly in the DVD case sleeve.
putting the correct DVD in the case.
shrink-wrapping the product
putting the product in the correct alphabetical order on the shelves.
Skills required:
punctuality
ability to do tedious work without your mind drifting or rushing to get the work done.
ability to follow simple instructions
knowledge of the alphabet
Compensation:
$7.50 per hour
Hours Needed:
Currently 3 to 5 per week, usually Monday or Friday morning.
Level 2: Preparing the orders for shipment.
This involves:
Taking the order sheets
Locating the DVD(s) on the order
Packaging the DVD(s) in a bubble mailer
Placing the Invoice inside and sealing
Placing correct address label on correct package with correct DVD inside
Knowing the special procedures for Priority, Express, Prepaid Foreign and Unpaid Foreign labeling.
Having all orders for the day packaged by 3:30 PM and taken to the Post Office.
Skills required:
punctuality
ability to unfailingly get the job done by deadline
ability to do level 1
ability to perform all checks against mistakes without exception, ensuring that no mistakes occur no matter how many orders that are processed without a mistake.
ability to follow simple instructions
ability to drive and ownership or use of a car.
Compensation:
$10.00 per hour (this includes level 1 work as well)
Hours Needed:
Monday thru Friday: 10 AM until orders are mailed.
Saturday: 9 AM until orders are mailed (Post Office closes at noon). This is negotiable, I can handle this day if necessary.
Level 3: Labeling and creating the DVDs
This involves:
Basic familiarity with computers
Ability to learn use of a couple of programs, not by rote.
Ability to handle without mistake, the simple steps for a DVD recording tower.
Ability to learn basic problem solving (handling paper jams, disk tray jams, tower crankiness)
Ability to change ink cartridges and toner.
Ability to change laser printer paper.
Ability to multitask without getting confused and making mistakes. DVD creation is often down at the same time as levels one and two, because the printing and recording mostly involves waiting for it to finish.
Once again, attention to detail, so that the right material is recorded on the DVD with correct disk artwork.
Ability to determine what needs to be made. This requires walking the fine line between having enough stock on hand, while attempting to commit as few resources as possible. It involves a feel for what is selling and that will come with time.
Skills required:
punctuality
ability to unfailingly get the job done by deadline
ability to do level 1 and 2
ability to perform all checks against mistakes without exception, ensuring that no mistakes occur no matter how many DVDs need making and how many other tasks are being performed.
ability to follow simple to mildly complex instructions.
Compensation:
$10.00 per hour. In reality this level adds extra work with little added compensation as much of the work occurs concurrently. It does however fulfill my basic needs and so, assuming acceptable competence, locks you in as my permanent helper.
Hours Needed:
As needed, at your digression.
Level 4: Preparing Orders
This involves:
Basic familiarity with PC operation.
Ability to learn, not by rote, simple program operations: use of a browser and PayPal.
Printing on the orders, invoice and if foreign, Custom Forms.
Skills required:
punctuality
thoroughness
comfortableness with a computer
ability to change ink cartridges
ability to learn the Dazzle program
Compensation:
$10.00 per hour
Hours Needed:
Coming in an hour or two before the start of the Level 2 shift.
Level 5: Manager
This is harder to explain, but basically it involves being able to handle all facets of the operation except customer relations, ads and feedback (the functions that can be handled on the road).
This allows to me to get away on mini-vacations and completely free up my time for expanding the business and seeking new venues. This does not mean doing most of my job all the time, just being able to step in when I need you do
At this point commission kicks in: 10% of net. When Ray was doing this job he was making $800 to $1250 a week. Given the state of my health, my lowered focus, and the current marketplace I don't think those figures are sustainable any more, but with the right idea, the right employee and the will to get it done I could be wrong. With some serious work and expansion at least the lower end should be obtainable consistently during the peak Holiday months (Nov-Dec)
Level 6: Protégé
I've got three years to live. However I've had three years to live for six years, so who knows.
Basically this is learning everything you need to do the business yourself, eventually running the show, getting use of my experience and materials.
Compensation: a 50/50 split on net while I'm alive and contributing, 75/25 split if I retire nearly completely (acting as consultant only), and it's all yours if and when I kick..
Additional revenue streams and compensation possibilities:
There are some, these can be discussed in detail when you are more familiar with the operation.
Use the email at the top for questions, or to setup an appointment.