[VaSteve]

Originally posted by K. Roman
Hi all, need some advice.
I have a few employees that work for my business. They all have desktop computers to work with in the office and use them everyday. (except weekends of course) My office manager is asking for a laptop to be able to continue with emails and certain tasks outside of the office. Also when she travels either for the business or for her own sake she'd be able to bring along a computer and conduct business.

My question is,

1. do I, the business owner buy her the computer?

2. do I put up the money then have it taken out of her check?

3. Pay for half of the computer?

4. Have her buy her own computer?

Please help, I am a little confused.

If she's your employee, you buy the computer and you own it. If she quits, she gives it back. If she's a 1099 employee or some other independant, she buys the computer, it's hers. If she's legitimately using it for work to benefit *your* business, I don't see why you wouldn't buy it.

It seems like you don't trust her to work when she's away from the office. If that's the case, you have bigger issues than a $2000 computer.