Need some opinions.

[Skyysthelimit]

I have starting selling cars for a previous employer on ebay. I have done all of the leg work. I have started a dedicated ebay email address, paypal account (their checking and credit card), html template, fielded emails, "delivered" cars. So far I haven't billed them for any of the leg work, I have taken commission on one sold vehicle (the owner and are are close not too worried about getting payed). I went in today to do some paperwork for another sold vehicle when the manager (don't know him too well) asked for the password. Now they "hired me" to handle all of the ebay stuff, and I plan to provide monthly invoices for everything. They can check their statements if the are worried about theft (not that they would ever have to worry). Do I give up the password or stick to my guns? Seems childish but I have been burned in the past. What would you do? Your opinions will be greatly appreciated.

[LingerieLady]

I'm hoping i understand this situation correctly.

Are you working within their business?
Or is this your own seperate business, where they've contracted your business to do this for them?

The reason i ask, is because, if this is your business, i'd think you'd call the shots and you don't have to give anyone your passwords..

I mean it's not like people ask their accountants for passwords to their computer so they can see what's going on.. lol

I would put together your statement or invoices, right away if it's that urgent. Print them out, hand them to him and see where it goes from there.


If it is within their business, however, they have all the rights to what goes on within their own business.

Does this make sense?

[JohnYE]

I think LingerieLady is right on the money. If you are contracted as an outside business that is performing work for the company, all passwords and means of providing that service belong to you.

I did work for a guy once who wanted a partner of mine to give up spreadsheets he had created to evaluate real estate buys. Our answer was "absolutely not." If I'm your employee and create something for the business, it's yours. If I'm an independent contractor, my tools and methods are mine, unless a signed contract states otherwise. It's like asking a mechanic for his tools after he fixes your car. You're paying for the work, not the tools.

Good luck with this. I've worked a lot with car guys, and I know they can be strong personalities. Stick to your guns.

Best,
John

[Skyysthelimit]

I guess I'm in the wrong. I am using their funds (checking and credit card). Sales have been going well, i'm just afraid they'll change the password and then I'd be S.O.L. Not too worried about that but you can never be too safe. How do you suggest I avoid this trouble in the future? I have other dealers that could benefit from my experience.

[DerekS]

I'm still confused as to your exact role. It sounds like it's obvious that you've been hired to help setup their EBAY sales operation- but what's to say that that they just don't cut you out of the equation once it's setup?

In the beginning, what arrangement was made to get you paid? Was it a setup fee, plus commission for cars sold? If they have "hired" you as an employee, I'd want to be on a weekly or bi-weekly pay cycle, based on your sales. If you're contracted as an outside entity- the invoice approach would work- but once you've handed over the passwords, you've essentially given them they keys to the operation. After all, they know how to sell, you were only providing the technical services.

Like John said, be wary of car biz guys. I grew up around it and a lot of them play fast and loose with the rules.

[JohnYE]

I don't see where you're in the wrong, but you know more than we do about the situation.

In any case, going forward, I would set up your own eBay account and offer to sell cars for dealerships through your account. Put together a contract that they sign, spelling out everything. You can find some good generic agreements by doing a Google search and customize them for your situation. Obviously having a lawyer do it is best, but if you don't have the money right now, do what you can do and build from there.

Become a consultant for car dealers who want to use eBay, or a service that does it all for them. Treat it like a real business, and you could do well. Remember this quote: "If you do what it takes, you'll get what you want." And banish the phrase "I would if I could" from your vocabulary, replacing it with, "I can, and I will."

Good luck, and keep us posted.

-John

[Skyysthelimit]

It's a tough situation. I was under the assumption that I had full control. But since I use their checking and credit card they assume that I am just an employee. But in the beginning I didn't have the funds to cover the ad's. I have decided to fork over the passwords and see what happens. I hadn't set up a payment structure. The owner has always treated me very well in the past.
But I will certainly draw up a contract for future ventures.

[freeliving]

I think everyone is missing it here! you are friends with the owner correct? and it was the "manager" who you are not friends with, who asked for the passwords? I would NEVER give the passwords to the manager! and talk to your friend the OWNER,it sounds like the manager is trying to cut you out and take your commision, this is business and why most people tell you never work for friends or family