[GraZZmaZter]

I am thinking about hooking my Nextel phones up.

When they were hooked up before, i gave them to my guys and would go in half on the monthly bill. If they went over on minutes they payed for ALL of that. What do you think of that compromise?

How do you handle this?

 

[tiedeman]

I pay the total bill for full time employees. But if they go over the minutes then they have to pay the extra charges. It works out great and they love having a phone for personal use as well

 

[redbull]

It is a nice way to keep in touch with your crews. How many different crews are you running?

 

[mrbenfer]

Are those the phones that double as Walkie talkies?

 

[Lawn DOG]

I had an employee run up a cell phone bill over $800. and quit just before I got the bill. Never again. They can get their own phone and I will pay an agreed monthly amount.

 

[tiedeman]

yes they are two way

the way to solve the issue regarding the $800 bill is have them sign a policy on it. That is what I have all the guys do. So if I do have to take them to court for anything I have a policy that they signed and it was witnessed by a third party.

 

[LAWNGODFATHER]

All the employee Nextel phones only have emergancy 911 phone feture and that's it, they can't call anyone on my phones.

Also cell phones are not allowed while at work.

 

[Evan528]

I give my employees a nextel with full service. Its nice to always be able to get in touch with them either out in the feild or at night to tell them to come in late/early or not at all do to weather. My guys have never abused the situation.

 

[GLAN]

I do as LGF is doing.

And I get the phones back at the end of the day.

 

[Rob T]

I believe you can also limit the useage on Nextel phones. So you could set them up with say 300 mins and if they use all 300 the phone won't call out until the new billing period.

Someone correct me if thats not true

 

[JML]

I asked my nextel rep, he said you couldn't limit the usage, why would they want to do this anyone, they want you to go over your minutes... I pay about 75% of the cell phone bill unless they go over the minutes. But they can take it home and do whatever they want with it... A buddy of mine has verizon phones for his company. he has all the numbers blocked on each cell phone so when you call someone from the phone it comes up restricted. He doesn't give anyone the cell phone numbers either. So his guys never get incoming calls unless it is him.. Its a great idea....

 

[Lawn DOG]

Originally posted by tiedeman

the way to solve the issue regarding the $800 bill is have them sign a policy on it. That is what I have all the guys do. So if I do have to take them to court for anything I have a policy that they signed and it was witnessed by a third party. [/B]

First, my time is far too valuable to spend a day in court.
Second, all you get is a judgment.
I had a signed agreement but you can't get money from a loser. The agreement was just to make them feel responsible for thier calls.

I like LGF's response.

 

[paponte]

Also cell phones are not allowed while at work.

I am with LFG on this one. All they need a phone for is so that they can contact each other. Give them cell access and they are BSing all day.

Employee phones have two way only activated. If there is a problem, they can contact me, or anyone in the company. No worries about anyone going over minutes... cause they can't.

 

[tiedeman]

we use the phones all day long with each other..mostly with the 2 way. We mostly use them the most during snow removal time. I seriously don't know where i would be without those phones

 

[Albemarle Lawn]

Neither do my vehicles, or mowers, or trimmers. The phones are part of the set of worktools that stays with the truck at the shop.

I will occasionally lend out a tool or mower to a trusted employee.

But not a phone. One of my guys was complaining about how his cell phone bill was $400 and he asked to borrow money. NO!

Just think about that guys, good thing it was his bill, he could have just as easily caused that damage to my phone bill.



If you MUST leave a phone (even on the clock) with a proven "phone princess" employee, program it so it only calls a few numbers... 911, your office phone, your cell phone, maybe a few key customers or suppliers, etc.

I set an example at work by not gabbing with friends on my cell phone at work. Maybe during lunch, that's it. It kind of annoys my friends who want to call me, but I'm disciplined.

KB

 

[Expert Lawns]

I finally bought a nextel for myself. I hooked up my old cell phone under a pre-paid agreement. Lets say you buy 200 minutes for that phone, then when they are up, thats it, you can't go over the limit. saves you a lot of hassle (and money)

 

[LGM]

Boy some of you bosse's are tough . Im not sure that stuff works in th real world. You all must pay about 20 bucks an hour plus insurance and 401 k to get those kind of dedicated employees.

 

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by LGM
Boy some of you bosse's are tough . Im not sure that stuff works in th real world. You all must pay about 20 bucks an hour plus insurance and 401 k to get those kind of dedicated employees.

No you have to set limits to keep from being taken advantage of and being used then they walk and tell you f you it's your phone and you can't take it out of my check cause that's illegal....

You learn the hard way and yes I did keep the MF's check.

 

[bastalker]

I have an employee that must have a thousands friends. The thing rings non stop all day. Awsome worker, but he is on this thing constantly. He is loadin an unloadin the trailer with this thing glued to his ear. Calls his girlfriend a dozen times a day. I have to listen to "tell me you love me cmon, just tell me" He's 39 too!!!

Least hes gettin the work done...When I'm around anyway..I have had to ride him a couple times about milking some mulch jobs an things, and I know its cause hes on the phone.

Might have to put the squash on the phone if it keeps up, or he can find a telemarketing job somewhere.

 

[GraZZmaZter]

Thanks for all the responses. Will update later.