So I manage a cell phone store. Recently we got the software and everything to start "flashing" phones, which is converting another carrier's phone into one of ours. So the owner of the store is now having me buy prepaid phones new from Best Buy or Wal-Mart or somewhere, flashing them, and then selling them for much more. Only cash transactions, and no receipts are used. Any money or commissions made from selling these phones are paid out in cash, no record. Even keeping inventory of these flashed phones is to be done on paper only, kept in the safe. No e-mails regarding these sales are to be transmitted among me or the owner or his book keeper or anything. I don't know whether or not it's because of our cell phone carrier's policy on flashing phone sales or just straight tax fraud. I mean, I've known the owner for almost two years, and trust him okay. Or at least, I don't think there's a reason to set up a giant conspiracy to take down a 23 year old making a measly 30k a year. But it seems shady. What should I do?
CYA, man, CYA. Cover your ass. There's no way in hell I'd go along with an operation like that. Make photocopies (if possible) when nobody's looking. make photocopies of the receipts from best buy/walmart before returning to the store. Do whatever you can to show that he's the mastermind behind it all.
Definitely shady. Tricky situation though; if you ask too many questions he could start doubting your trustworthiness. Unless you are really afraid that this could get you in trouble, I'd just go along with it.
Should I just come right out and say I don't want to do it? I don't want to, but I could probably be bought with a nice raise.
Actually, the blackmail thing is why I don't want to try and parlay this into a raise. I'm trying to veer away from the morally gray. I just don't know whether to shut up and go along with it (But still doing the CYA thing) or just come right out and say I don't feel comfortable not even being able to e-mail about it.
It is shady, but its not like your boss is selling broken or stolen phones to people. Can't blame the guy for trying to make an extra buck, blame the people who are dumb enough to buy a flashed prepaid phone. As to what you should do? You should "persuade" your manager to assuage your morales with a bigger commision.
My problem isn't with the act itself...in fact, I don't think there's anything wrong with buying a product, modifying/improving it, and then selling it yourself. Even the tax thing I can look past, cause we all like to make a tax-free buck... But all the cloak and dagger stuff that revolves around it is what makes me uneasy. Considering the owner lives all the way near Dallas, and we have no official record keeping other than my hand written receipts and tallies (and calling the accountant, not e-mailing) It just seems like all the accountability, should something go bad, would fall on me.
Definitely shady stuff ... unreported income, tax evasion, and possible fraud come to mind - but I am no lawyer but enjoy watching Matlock. It would seem like you are in the wrong just as the boss man is if you consider it all to be aiding and abetting. I would seek legit legal advice and most likely not want to plan on working there for much longer. I would not continue doing the boss man's dirty work in exchange for a possible pay increase.
Welcome to the world of Business. Unless he is banking in loads of money, then you don't have anything to worry about.
yeah im trying to keep it clean like clutch asked everyone to do. but it definately sounds funnier the second way.
I have a friend that is a management level rep for Sprint. I am emailing her your original post to see what she thinks...
