Once you are invited to be an employee, you enter a unique compensation plan. You may need to think about all of the elements of this plan before it becomes really appealing. There are essentially five elements: (1) base, (2) a standard, (3) bonuses, (4) a cap and (5) benefits.

       Base: The base, approximately equal to minimum wage, at this point is $7.50/hr. Every employee earns this base. There are no benefits attached to the base.
       Standard: There are a number of components to standard pay. (a) approximately 10% below whatever is standard in the industry, (b) ability to buy at 20-60% below retail, (c) specific benefits, (d) a reduction factor during times of economic distress and (e) a production level equal to or better than standard in the industry.
       Bonuses: based on a production level greater than standard in the industry. May consist of cash and benefits.
       Cap: At this point everyone's salary (cash) is capped at $50,000.
       Benefits: Cafeteria style benefits are unlimited and based on achievement.