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Ask HN: When a startup supplies a computer, do you own it?

9 points by bcursed ↗ HN
I'm considering an offer from a startup. Among their perks is a new laptop, monitor, etc.

Now at a typical job, I'd expect this to be supplied and owned by the company. But this is a remote startup, and thus feels different somehow.

Would the equipment typically be owned by the employee or the employer? Just having to ship it back if you were to quit seems odd. Especially if you add a chair into the equipment mix. Thoughts/experiences?

7 comments

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YoAdrian
This is something you need to clarify with the company. My company has remote employees, but they get company owned laptops, monitors, etc.. When the employee leaves the company, they have to ship the company owned equipment back. You need to have this clarified in writing if you expect to keep the equipment.
caw
I'd almost assume the company owns all the equipment. You'll be expected to ship it back with them covering cost of shipping unless your reach some kind of agreement. Maybe they won't want to pay for freight shipping on a desk and chair and tell you to just keep it if you leave on good terms. But you shouldn't expect it to be yours. While probably not a good negotiation topic (there's more pressing ones like pay and vacation), it's something you could inquire about or negotiate in the discussions.
patio11
Typically, the employer. They'll probably want to manage it, include e.g. "nuke from orbit if you lose physical control of the device." Owning the computer makes their claim to your code (even) stronger. Owning the computer means that e.g. the company's insurance won't insta-deny any claims that they make because they fail a checkbox item about letting uncontrolled hardware access their network, etc etc.

Buying you a computer is also not tax advantageous when compared to buying a computer for your use. If they buy you a $3,000 Macbook and give it to you, that costs ~$4,500. If they buy it for you, the cost is upper bounded by $3,000, since they can book the depreciation on it as a business expense and carry forward the tax loss as an asset.

rmc
Almost certainly they own it. Mostly because they want to be able to control it. Remember if they buy it for you, then you will have to be taxed (benefit in kind). It's not a great deal as a perk for you, you're much better asking for a 5k raise. :P
thejteam
The startup may be able to fly under the radar for personal property tax considerations, but in many states if the company owns property in the state then they have to file a personal property tax return, with the proper filing fee, etc. This could get pretty burdensome if the employees are spread out over a few states, to the point where they may just let the employee own the property.

This varies by state, of course, and if all the remote employees are in the same state is probably not a big deal.

JSeymourATL
This perk is no different than a company car, or club membership. If you ever separate from the company, the equipment rightfully belongs to them.

If the company fails, as was my experience-- the founder said just keep it as a souvenir.

suzyperplexus
I agree that the company owns the laptop, but also that they own any inventions ever mentioned, worked on, or accessed from it. If you're working on your own projects, make sure you offer a list of inventions dating the creation of any intellectual property you don't want your company to claim rights to.