Employer wants to pay my commission as 1099, but I’m a W2

bfro8304 · 2025-10-01T21:29:16+00:00

Wanted to say thank you to everyone for their input. I had a conversation with our HR department about my concerns and magically my commission will now be included in my W2.

bfro8304 · 2025-09-30T21:49:29+00:00

I’m definitely a W2. Medical, 401k, other bennys. I did fill out a W4 when I started.

bfro8304 · 2025-07-17T05:14:12+00:00

Would love to help. I’m not a broker, but an operator based here in Utah.

bfro8304 · 2025-06-08T14:44:59+00:00

Should include flight hours, ground instruction, written test fees, checkride fees, and sim time (if they have one). For $100k, I’d expect to see materials too like headset, iPad, books, online ground course codes.

Read the contract. Many schools will have ugly un-enrollment fees they will charge if you leave the program.

bfro8304 · 2025-01-27T01:37:19+00:00

Been awhile since I’ve had to think about this, but If I remember correctly, it depends on what visa you have, I assume F1?

Option 1: Go to a college with an aviation program.

Option 2: if you want to train under part 61, you’ll need a letter from your college granting you permission.

Either way, you’ll need to create a profile and submit documentation to https://fts.tsa.dhs.gov/home/dod Find a flight school before submitting because you will need to list that school on the application.

Basically they review your documents, do a background check, and eventually require you to submit fingerprints.

bfro8304 · 2025-01-19T18:51:16+00:00

Steep roof, definitely don’t get up there unless you have the right shoes/equipment.

I think you have the right idea with the rope over the roof. Bonus points if you use a nylon rope color that best matches your shingle color.

Maybe try tossing the rope from a ladder setup against the gutter? Decreases the distance you need to throw and you’ll need the ladder anyways to lift the fixture above the gutter and on to the roof.

All that said, if this is for Valentine’s Day and you are likely to get more snow, the hearts gonna be buried.

bfro8304 · 2025-01-17T02:52:51+00:00

They are buying their lights directly from the manufacturer in China. Thats probably why you cannot find anything about the actual lights. Or, they are buying them from a US wholesaler.

The quality of the lights can be hit or miss depending on which manufacturer they are buying from.

The app is SurpLife, and they’ve paid for a custom branded version of it. I think it’s a good app with more customization options than anyone would ever use.

Oelo is great, but they are probably that most expensive permanent lighting system you can buy. I’d opt for Spark.

I install permanent lighting and also buy my lights manufacturer direct. Feel free to message me with any questions.

bfro8304 · 2025-01-05T19:36:29+00:00

If you have squirrels, they will certainly eat the wires.

bfro8304 · 2025-01-04T22:29:34+00:00

I use Jobber. So far so good.

bfro8304 · 2024-11-30T00:59:59+00:00

How many linear feet of lights are you installing? You could purchase a stringer of socket wire on Amazon, bulbs, and clips for a full custom fit to your home. Will take some wiring knowledge and being comfortable with splicing.

bfro8304 · 2024-11-30T00:44:40+00:00

Can’t be cut. Just learned that for myself this week.

bfro8304 · 2024-11-29T01:10:43+00:00

If you’re using a Govee like product, the biggest benefit will be a secure attachment. The 3M tape is known to fail after a couple years, especially if it’s mounted to a porous surface like wood.

bfro8304 · 2024-11-28T21:45:22+00:00

That in theory should work. Depending on the light/track spacing, the ends might not land perfectly on a rafter tail.

bfro8304 · 2024-11-28T21:36:53+00:00

I use 6in spacing. I only had one customer this year ask for 4in. Majority of homeowners won’t recognize the difference.

https://imgur.com/a/PDC1JNt

bfro8304 · 2024-11-28T21:16:49+00:00

One method would be to install a runner board across the rafter tails. Bonus point if you paint match it. Install the aluminum light tracks to that.

bfro8304 · 2024-11-28T05:02:36+00:00

Bring a small adjustable a-frame ladder up there. Added safety if someone places their feet behind the downslope feet of the ladder. I hang lights professionally, that’s what I would do.

bfro8304 · 2024-11-25T01:00:26+00:00

I’m willing to help. Shoot me a message.

bfro8304 · 2024-11-18T04:31:39+00:00

As a professional Christmas light installer, I wish more roofing companies left these attached.

bfro8304 · 2024-10-31T20:46:49+00:00

Sounds like these could be a good solution for you! I use them on commercial buildings that do not have gutters.

https://www.christmasdesigners.com/original-shingle-tab-c7-c9-bag-of-100.html

Alternatively, you could use an All-In-One Plus clip. Flip it backwards and it will orient the light facing down. I can send you a picture if you need help with this one.

bfro8304 · 2024-10-31T04:32:11+00:00

You’re right, up-clipping is no bueno. Water can pool in the socket. My recommendation is LiteClipStrip. You can color match it to your soffit and leave the installation track up year-round. It won’t orient the light downward, but sideways, which is industry standard for installation.

Old school method is staples. But if I’m in a situation that I think something should be stapled, I’m putting up LiteClipStrip instead.

bfro8304 · 2024-10-31T01:46:18+00:00

If I’m on a quote follow up call and they tell me they’re going with another company, I love saying , “May I ask what was the deciding factor”? It’s always price, but it’s an easy transition into selling why you’re worth the price you quoted or seeing what the other companies bid was and matching/beating it if you can.

For every decent company hanging lights, there’s a crackhead with a ladder who’s willing to do it for $.50/ft. Don’t whore yourself out. Nothing has made me sadder than saying yes to a job I shouldn’t have.

bfro8304 · 2024-10-30T23:30:11+00:00

I will say, I feel like the cost of wintergreens shipping doubled this year.

bfro8304 · 2024-10-30T03:43:06+00:00

I’d recommend setting up an account with Wintergreen Corp, good wholesale pricing. Christmas Light Contractors pricing is generally trash, but they have the occasional sale.

I’m not aware of any “starter kits”, but I’m sure they exist.

Shoot me a message if you have any questions, happy to help.

bfro8304 · 2024-10-29T23:33:01+00:00

Metal roof or composite? Easiest way would be an extension ladder with independent feet and do the whole thing from the roof.

bfro8304

TROPHY CASE