Pros
Immediate coworkers were largely good Relatively relaxed atmosphere Management did not seem outwardly malevolent? Lots of available time to look for alternative employment.
Cons
Hourly pay (for sales staff) was capped at minimum wage, regardless of tenure. You will never be paid more than this. No raises. Ever. The company does not pay overtime, and any hours that would qualify as overtime are put in banked time. You are forced to use this banked time by year end, they refuse to pay you out. Commission was not paid out on any camera equipment. Not cameras. Not lenses. Some manufacturers provided spiffs, although management discouraged selling according to the available spiffs. For the products that commission was applicable to, the commission rate maxed out at around 1% of an item’s full retail value, going as low as 0.5% of an item’s full retail value. An employee discount was provided to those working more than half time, however the company still charged a significant profit even on employee purchases. This wasn’t of much concern, however, as given the rate of pay it was impossible to be able to afford anything the store sold. Even full time, it’s impossible to afford the bare necessities such as rent, food, transport, etc. The commission and spiffs are not sufficient to add even an extra $1/hour to one’s pay rate. This dismal rate of pay, from a company selling such high-value goods, is unconscionable. This role is most appropriate for retirees who need an excuse to get out of the house, people with a rich spouse, or people who live with their parents. Unsurprisingly that described a large percentage of the sales staff.