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.)