Handout 1

Art Supply Store

Chris, an art student, is applying for a job at Rembrandt’s Art Supply Store.

MANAGER: So, why do you want to work here at Rembrandt’s?

CHRIS: Well, I’ve been working at Art Supplies & More for about two years – after school and on weekends. But my family just moved, and your store is just a few blocks away from our new house.

MANAGER: That means you could walk to work.

CHRIS: Which is great, because I hate taking the bus. It’s always late.

MANAGER: I know…My Employees…Never mind…So, how much are you making at Art Supplies & More?

CHRIS: Six dollars an hour.

MANAGER: That’s a problem.

CHRIS: Why?

MANAGER: We start sales people at minimum wage.

CHRIS: But I’m experienced.

MANAGER: I understand, but it’s company policy. Everyone gets hired at minimum wage. Everyone. No exceptions.

CHRIS: Then I guess this isn’t going to work out, because I can’t work for less than I make now.

MANAGER: I don’t blame you; no one wants to take a pay cut.

CHRIS: Well, thanks anyway.

MANAGER: Sure. Good luck. (CHRIS starts to get up.) You know I wish we could make this work. I really need another experienced salesperson, someone reliable.

CHRIS: (sitting down) And I really want the job.

MANAGER: Let’s try and work something out.

CHRIS: Okay. If I started at minimum wage, when could I get my first raise?

MANAGER: After six months.

CHRIS: How about three?

MANAGER: Okay. After three months, we’ll make it $5.50, and after six months, we’ll make it $5.75 an hour.

CHRIS: That’s still less than I’m making now.

MANAGER: But you’re saving bus money. And out employees get a very generous discount – 40 percent.

CHRIS: Forty-percent? At Art Supplies & More the discount is only 15 percent, which means I can’t afford the sable brushes I like to use.

MANAGER: You’re an artist. We like that. So, what do you say? Do we have a deal?

CHRIS: No. Almost. I just had an idea. What if I did painting demonstrations on Sunday afternoons? You know, to show off new products.

MANAGER: Sundays are kind of slow. It might help…Actually, it’s a great idea. Deal?

CHRIS: Only if I can get more per hour when I’m doing the demonstrations.

MANAGER: That makes sense. What seems fair to you?

CHRIS: How about $10 an hour?

MANAGER: Eight.

CHRIS: Eight is good.

(They shake hands.)