Posts by Angela Newman33

Look, I never actually said we were working under the table—everything was totally above board—it’s just that we didn't have a formal contract signed between us.

The real kicker is there wasn't even a formal contract between us—it was all just a handshake deal

and honestly, I don't think the legal system is going to do much for me here...

I think it’s a lost cause at this point. I’m just gonna cut my losses and walk away—anything to just be done with him already.

So, there’s really no point in debating it anymore. I originally started this thread just to figure out what a fair deal looked like and what kind of terms I should set, but that doesn't even matter now.

Thanks anyway for all the advice, everyone.
🙂

So he’s starting his own LLC and suddenly everything has to run through his business—meanwhile, I can't even send an invoice for the work I've actually finished

(Basically, I'm stuck waiting weeks for him to get his paperwork sorted just so he can collect the cash for my labor)

He’s already handed off some of the trial designs and test projects I did to another designer

But the big project we already agreed on? The one that's basically done? He wants to flip that over to his new company too

He’s even trying to hijack a job where he’s already been paid a deposit—he took exactly 50% upfront, while I'm the one footing the bill for everything else... taxes, overhead, all that nonsense...

And we're barely even started on it; I'll be grinding away on this for at least another two or three months...

Is this actually normal to you guys???????😢

I don't even need to mention that all these gigs came because of the client list I built up over years—and of course, they're tied to the firm he only joined a few months ago

Since we started working together, only ONE single job has actually been billed through him—his name was just on the proposal

Finding work isn't even the issue—I've got more than enough of that on my plate... after about two and a half years, people just start reaching out and calling me themselves...

It’s not like they're coming around because they love a manager who actually knows how to say "good morning" when they pick up the phone...

So, here’s the latest update on my manager...

He decided to launch his own LLC and—surprise, surprise—he basically swiped every single contract he ever landed for the agency (all three of them) to run through his new business (which doesn't even exist yet). Meanwhile, I’m just left hanging. And don't even get me started on the workload—I’m the one actually doing all the heavy lifting while he just plays the role of the "closer."

Now, he’s decided to outsource some of the work to another designer—someone who’s willing to take less than 50% of what I make.

Yeah, those deals were definitely closed based on his charming smile rather than any actual reputation the company had built up.

So, where does that leave me?
I honestly feel like I could lose it thinking about how much effort I poured into working for a guy who would sell his own mother out for a quick buck... though, I guess there's a silver lining in finally being done with him.

Joshua Chavez said:Gle, if someone pulled a stunt like that on me, they wouldn't just be blacklisted from doing business—we wouldn't even be grabbing a coffee together. I’d honestly rather go hungry than let anyone walk all over me like that.

I mean... yeah, but I don't want to end up being a total jerk myself 😢

I guess he figured I was just some airhead blonde who’d be happy to let him play boss for a month while I sat around being grateful he was "feeding" me work

Honestly, explaining all this is getting way too complicated... I was really just trying to get a general sense of how things usually work—you know, what’s considered standard versus what’s just going overboard.

Look, I’m totally fine with being transparent and doing a fifty-fifty split, but even that doesn't seem to satisfy him. So now I’m seriously questioning if I even want to deal with someone like this in the first place.

😢

The absolute kicker was when this gig—which was already a done deal under my name and my company’s name, and I’d actually already started the work—was handed off to some other guy just because apparently 50% wasn't enough cash for him.

So now, get this: I’m stuck doing all the work for a job I won't see a single cent from, and I still have to cover all the various taxes on it.

Kyle Nelson2 said:So, what's he actually bringing to the table at this company??

I mean, does he have connections, market insight, sales experience, capital, office space... you name it.

He’s done this kind of thing before—so yeah, he definitely has some experience and a few contacts under his belt...

The physical space and equipment aren't his, though—he just uses the gear he already has at home (laptop, printer, etc.).

Oh, and I totally forgot to mention one more thing...

Thanks, you're a lifesaver😘

So, I just officially launched my own design studio, and I’m currently sitting here at my desk with my boyfriend, who’s basically hunting for work...
The issue is, he’s under the impression that we should be equal 50/50 partners. He wants half of everything that comes through his leads, plus half of everything else—even stuff he had zero hand in—plus his payroll registration and gas money too.

Meanwhile, I’m the one footing the bill for every single business expense, taxes, filings, and all that fun stuff...

Honestly? It feels like a massive reach.😕

thanks a million, seriously

mod.... kill this thread

So, is nobody gonna help out this poor, helpless girl who’s just dying to marry some hot, dangerous corporate manager?

😢

Maybe this topic’s already been covered, but whatever...
hoping I can grab some insight here.

I'm trying to figure out what a standard commission looks like for a manager when they close a deal... specifically within a design studio setting.

1. Is it better to put them on payroll or just go with a contract basis?
2. If they're on the payroll, should we be looking at a fixed salary or a percentage?
3. What kind of percentage are we talking about?
4. And is that cut based on the total project value or just the portion they actually brought in?

Any help would be huge—I've got a feeling this guy might be trying to fleece me...
🙄