Originally Posted by ozinus

I believe there are a few good ways of doing things. One is pricing out what you consider to be good gear and setting the company budget limit. After this any climber may contribute to buy him or herself whatever they want in addition to your subsidy. Another way is a tool allowance similar to carpenters. Identify if new employees wish to learn to climb and pay them X per week into a tool account they won't be climbing in the first year so this can accrue so after a month they can afford a handsaw next month hand pruners etc. The bank builds and if they don't end up climbing the allowance is forfeited back to the company. A time limit on their employment can also guarantee the gear is theirs upon leaving. this can be set to ensure a generous time of commitment they give to you or their gear is also forfeited to the company. Many ways to skin a cat