JuicyKlay profile picture
JuicyKlay profile picture

JuicyKlay

AM

Celebrated Contributor
Politicker
Arsonist
+10

Employer making you buy your own laptop?

Anyone ever have a potential employer give you $400 to put towards a laptop that you have to purchase on your own (pay any of the difference) and use for work? Why would they do that instead of just issuing you a company laptop?

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75 comments

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Rallier
Politicker
12
SDR Manager and Consultant
$400 bucks? Hope you enjoy that 10 year old used MacBook pro
JuicyKlay
Celebrated Contributor
0
AM
Yeah I was looking at some refurbed 2012 models 😂 
Justatitle
Big Shot
9
Account Executive
Huge red flag. I’d laugh and tel them I’m out. 
JuicyKlay
Celebrated Contributor
0
AM
What if they offered you a huge base though?
Justatitle
Big Shot
2
Account Executive
Bigger red flag. Invite you with a big base then not be willing to supply a computer… is the big base cause people aren’t making commish?
JuicyKlay
Celebrated Contributor
0
AM
Everyone says commish is decent but no formal plan as it’s “ever changing”
Justatitle
Big Shot
3
Account Executive
My man, I’m not trying to give you anxiety but each line item you’ve put in here is a red flag. Making you pay for a good device to sell for them, offered a high base to get you in the door and there isn’t a formal commission plan because it’s always changing?!?! WTF is that? Doesn’t sound like they have a lot of structure or process to set you up for success 
JuicyKlay
Celebrated Contributor
0
AM
I mean other then those flags, everything looks amazing. Great solution, cool team, great culture, explosive 5 year growth, more MBA’s per employee then I’ve seen anywhere else in this space, etc. I’m just having trouble getting past the variable comp and laptop thing. 
Justatitle
Big Shot
0
Account Executive
Those are good reasons and you’ve done your homework, don’t let a rando tell you whats what by any means but again seems sketchy to me. Maybe bring it up to them and be like this is strange why is it like this?
JuicyKlay
Celebrated Contributor
0
AM
That’s my plan. I’ve got a list of questionable things to get addressed before signing anything. I’m maybe a 3/10 on the sketched out scale. The wife is a solid 9/10 😵
Justatitle
Big Shot
3
Account Executive
Well, wives are known to spook easy. They’re like Buffalo. I’d def get those items addressed and all. Fools gold looks the same as real gold it’s not til you break it open that you know it isn’t gold. This seems similar…
braintank
Politicker
1
Enterprise Account Executive
Define HUGE
JuicyKlay
Celebrated Contributor
0
AM
Lol maybe huge was the wrong word - but in the 90's
Justatitle
Big Shot
2
Account Executive
Hmm, that's interesting when you said huge I was thinking 150... I'd probably say no to be honest with you 
braintank
Politicker
1
Enterprise Account Executive
That's a big no no. Any SaaS company should have an established comission plan based on COGS.
JuicyKlay
Celebrated Contributor
0
AM
I mean 5 years ago starting out in sales I had a 40k base with no benefits/health insurance/401k so huge comparatively. It's in line with my past couple bases and this market/geo.
Justatitle
Big Shot
0
Account Executive
5 years ago is an entirely different story than today. Don't know your personal situation but for me, there's too many variables working against the company that made you this offer. 
braintank
Politicker
0
Enterprise Account Executive
^^^This. Don't know your situation but I'm confident w/ 5-10 years experience you can find a comparable offer from a company sans red flags.
OhhhhhhSnap
Valued Contributor
7
Business Development Manager
I actually sell cyber security solutions and having employees buy and set up their own laptops is a massive security risk and any company worth a damn would know this and provide you with one... 
braintank
Politicker
2
Enterprise Account Executive
Amen to this! 
justatopproducer
Politicker
4
VP OF SALES -US
Yikes, I would ask (half sarcastically) if there is anything else you may need to pay for on your own to be able to complete your job. Then I would say no problem, the local library has internet, printers, and computers you can use when needed and then ask again "Do I really need a laptop to be successful"? When they say yes, ask if they can show you  laptops to purchase or others use for under $400.I am in a similar situation currenlty so thank you for posting your question. Also, see if they have corporate discounts anywhere.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
1
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
"I hate quitting until I am the        "

...?   Don't leave me hanging!  What's the end of the sentence?
justatopproducer
Politicker
1
VP OF SALES -US
My bad lol, I meant to delete that.
JuicyKlay
Celebrated Contributor
0
AM
Good points here! I mean technically I could do most of my work on a phone but editing decks/contracts and CRM updates ars a hassle.
salesnerd
WR Officer
3
Head of Growth
Yeah I’ve seen this before and it really sketches me out. It’s never happened to me, but I’ve had friends who have asked me about it. A company that isn’t willing to invest in the bare minimum for an employee isn’t going to treat their employees well. Be very cautious. 
JuicyKlay
Celebrated Contributor
0
AM
I was kind of getting that feeling as well. At the same time, all the other benefits (salary, health, 401k, etc) are crazy good which is so weird. 
braintank
Politicker
2
Enterprise Account Executive
You working at a lemonade stand?
JuicyKlay
Celebrated Contributor
0
AM
200 seat SAAS company 
braintank
Politicker
4
Enterprise Account Executive
I cant imagine a tech company with a BYO laptop scheme. Seems like a nightmare for help desk and security.
JuicyKlay
Celebrated Contributor
0
AM
I don’t think there are either of those teams at the company 
braintank
Politicker
1
Enterprise Account Executive
That's odd...
UserNotFound
Politicker
0
Account Executive
I was thinking the same thing! I'd say this company is likely a legit company, but they absolutely don't have their shit together and are 'bandaid-ing' internal issues. As a person who has worked in similar environments, let me tell you- these things absolutely manifest into a customer facing issue. 

Now, if the heartburn of a poor CX doesn't bother you- grab that base, build a solid portfolio, and move on once you run out of Tums money. But I'd be asking your sales-peers more questions than you ask of leadership. 
goose
Politicker
2
Sales Executive
I'm dying to know what they are paying people...
JuicyKlay
Celebrated Contributor
0
AM
In the 90s for base with 130-150 OTE
poweredbycaffeine
WR Lieutenant
3
☕️
And they can’t set up a coroporate purchasing account via Apple? GTFO
JuicyKlay
Celebrated Contributor
0
AM
It would make more sense if base was in the 40’s...
braintank
Politicker
0
Enterprise Account Executive
In my first SDR job I was in the 40's and still got a laptop...
broette
Contributor
0
Enterprise AE
The OTE is rather low. At least for most areas where they hire for software sales. I truly hope this is in like the Dakotas....
slaydie
Big Shot
0
Account Executive
Agree that OTE is low....Are you being hired as a contractor? I interviewed with a company once who said that I would be hired as a contractor and thus I would need to provide my own laptop.

Not the type of opportunity for me though. Someone also mentioned security as an issue with this. I'd bring this up to the employer and ask how they deal with security when everyone is using their own devices?
Wanna.Be.Rick.Spielman
Valued Contributor
2
Account Executive
massive red flag. run.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
1
🦊
Do you get to keep it when you leave?
JuicyKlay
Celebrated Contributor
1
AM
Yes you do - should have mentioned that in the post. Don’t think you can edit yet. Still though, I’m on the fence about it. I’m not getting a decent work laptop under the $600-$1000 mark. 
CuriousFox
WR Officer
1
🦊
It's definitely odd. I've never heard of this before. 
JuicyKlay
Celebrated Contributor
1
AM
Neither had I! There’s hardly any conversation about this situation on Reddit either. Figured somebody on here would have experienced this and had a good reason behind it. 
softwaresails
Politicker
1
Sales Manager
Lol $400 hahaha that’s horrible. 
JuicyKlay
Celebrated Contributor
0
AM
Yeah I’ve been looking. You’re looking at entry level chromebook at that range 
softwaresails
Politicker
1
Sales Manager
Yeah that’s ridiculous. 
slaydie
Big Shot
0
Account Executive
Yeah, you can barely get an ipad for this amount...better save up that commish to get an ipad here haha
GDO
Politicker
1
BDM
I have a bad feeling about this. They problably have other strange HR policies.
JuicyKlay
Celebrated Contributor
0
AM
They don’t believe in HR. 
GDO
Politicker
2
BDM
I´ve never had a good relationship with someone from HR myself. So maybe I´m a non-believer myself, haha
braintank
Politicker
1
Enterprise Account Executive
Every detail you add makes the situation worse!
sugardaddy
Politicker
1
🍬
Indeed with most in here. 400 bucks for a laptop you are using around – what? 8-10 hours a day. Jesus! 
Chep
WR Officer
1
Bitcoin Adoption Specialist
If you quit/get fired what happens to the laptop?
ExtremeVibeChecker44
Arsonist
4
Inside Sales
They send Jason Bourne to retrieve it. Gotta secure that budget chromebook
Chep
WR Officer
1
Bitcoin Adoption Specialist
🤣🤝
JuicyKlay
Celebrated Contributor
1
AM
Lol you can keep the laptop
Hoss
Executive
1
Partner Sales Manager
I've had to pay out like 2K for equipment in my current position, but that was all expens-able so it was a net zero. 
JuicyKlay
Celebrated Contributor
0
AM
I’ve had to do this as well but it’s all good if you’re getting reimbursed. 
Smithy
Politicker
1
Director of Sales
Seems odd even if you get to keep it.

I'd be asking questions around other tools etc if this was asked of me
SalesOctopus
Valued Contributor
1
Enterprise Business Development Representative
I have never worked at a company that doesn't provide you a laptop and $400 won't get you far either...
ChiefGreef45
Catalyst
1
Account Executive
That's certainly something to raise your eyebrow.  The fact that they are providing good benefits like you mentioned is peculiar.
JuicyKlay
Celebrated Contributor
0
AM
Agreed, it only makes things even more confusing.
dryspongebob
Opinionated
1
Business Development Manager
If they’re not a teensy little startup you are taking a chance on, this is super sketchy. If they’re a big business pulling this type of crap, this tells you that they have lots of employee rotation, which is a sign of an unhealthy work environment. 
braintank
Politicker
0
Enterprise Account Executive
Even teeny start-ups I've worked at (<20 people) gave me a laptop...
AlecBaldwinsHairline
Valued Contributor
1
Head of Sales Development
Because you can't find a good working laptop for $400.

It's a cost sharing tax deduction model without them needing to maintain any of the risk or ownership costs.
Naomi
Opinionated
1
Marketing
$400 will pay for the insurance on your laptop 
Feds_Watchin
Politicker
1
AE
I’ve got people in my company using their personal devices because they don’t like using the company issued surface. Nightmare waiting to happen.
sassy_seller
Executive
1
AE
Before I started I have asked about equipment allowance if any, I was told company is remote and has BYO
 equipment culture, which was fine with since I have pretty new macbook, so only bought second hand Jabra Evolve 85 2 and was told in a week that I could of get reimbursed for that if needed. Since it was a second hand there was no receipt lol
looper1010
Celebrated Contributor
1
Solutions Specialist
This sounds like a major security issue and sketchy...
Blackwargreymon
Politicker
1
MDR
Yikes, I would ask (half sarcastically) if there is anything else you may need to pay for on your own to be able to complete your job.
matty
Good Citizen
0
Sales Manager
Time to look for a new gig if you are not already. That's an employer, most likely a start-up, that is not long for 2021.
AinslieStreet
Politicker
0
Sales Consultant
I would have rather had that than the absolute POS my new company gave me. Literally the worst computer ive ever used. I prefer my $200 chromebook.
Clashingsoulsspell
Politicker
0
ISR
Hard to pick among all of these because only one of these wouldn't normally be enough to accept a job offer but I think trusting your manager is definitely a big one. If I don't believe my manager has my back, I will always be looking over my shoulders and its just not an atmosphere I can see myself thriving in.
MR.StretchISR
Politicker
0
ISR
Hard to pick among all of these because only one of these wouldn't normally be enough to accept a job offer but I think trusting your manager is definitely a big one. If I don't believe my manager has my back, I will always be looking over my shoulders and its just not an atmosphere I can see myself thriving in.

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