Hiring/Dealing with Part Time Help or Outsource?


dvanvleet

Recommended Posts

For those with a full-time business, I'm curious as to how you handle(d) hiring qualified woodworkers for part time work. As part of that, how do you handle the potential of accidents and such? I have been super swamped, luckily my customers have been willing to wait (months), but I'm sure that will end sometime. I'm wondering if it would be best to have someone part time or to outsource parts of the builds. Thoughts??

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just guessing, but I think you might be safest to hire an 'independant contractor', rather than a part-time employee. But honestly, a chat with your lawyer and insurance carrier is probably a good idea before hiring. Farming out part of the work is a viable alternative, but Coop's point about quality control will be a big issue of risk.

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

If they’re working for you in your shop, you should get an insurance policy. 

Be careful classifying them as an independent contractor. Make sure you know and understand the differences, which vary by state. While you may be able to fly under the radar, this has been under a lot of scrutiny. 

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree that if you try to go independent contractor the burden of proof is on you, and in the setting of a woodworking company it's unlikely to pass an audit.  

In addition to insurance, and if you haven't already done so, you would probably be wise to incorporate your business as an SC or LLC so that your personal assets are protected.  Such incorporation is not costly or difficult and can help with keeping track of business expenses.

Getting back to your original question I think it may come down to how well you work and play well with others--and whether you can find a guy or gal with skills of their own, but who understand that at the end of the day he or she is there to build your projects.  

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
  • 1 year later...
  • 4 weeks later...

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.