Accepting gifts from customers?

I peeked at your public profile and looked at your website. Was it a customer of your parts business, or, do you have a day job and it's a customer there, or did you do something personal for him?

I would say that, if this is a sales rep, or it's a situation where YOU are the customer, then it's a no-brainer. Take the gift, unless your company has policies against it.

If it's a customer of yours, and you really DID go above and beyond for them, accepting a small gift is okay, Especially if it's like, a watch with their co's logo. But send a thank you card and maybe a fruit basket for the holidays or something.

If they only PERCIEVED that you went above and beyond, and it was really all in a days work, then tell them its really not necessary, thank them anyway, and TELL them it's all in a days work, and tell them what they CAN do for you is refer you to their friends.

If someone is offering you a ROLEX for something you did for them, then they are EXPECTING you do bend over backwards for them in the future. Only you can decide whether or not to get involved with them.

 

I think offers of kindness should most always be accepted. If you think there is something else involved, graciously decline.........

Also, if he has his own JET (not prop), this is not likely a big issue for him.

Not to be crass, but do you know what kind of a watch it is?

 

Tell said customer that a gift is really not necessary; that you appreciate said customer's business and would gladly do whatever you did, over and over again for them...

If they insist, accept the gift and, as Dave said, send them something for the holidays (fruit basket, candy, flowers, a cheap Casio - whatever)...

Let us know how it goes...

 

MM was right - even though he may not seem like a personal "friend" right now, it seems like he values the relationship that you have already cemented with him. Your best customers don't have to be friends, but it sounds like he already considers you one! He sounds like someone who may be open to bigger and better things down the road than a "customer-supplier" relationship, if the opportunity arises.

 

That would be a prop plane. A jet would be there in 2-3 hours tops.

 

Everything relating to your business relationship, or everything including personal matters? And is your Business Mgr also your significant other?(not that it's any of our business, but might explain her disapproval.)

 

Accept the watch, wait a week and then call to complain that it doesn't fit right. Also say that you have broken out in a rash because you are alergic to the metal on the case, and you really don't like the color of the face.
You won't be bothered with any more gifts from this guy.

 

I was kidding, I would take MM's advice and graciously accept the gift.

 

I don't really understand why there would be a problem. there's no bribe or kick back or anything bad. You should take the gift, look him square in the eye and genuinely say "thank you, you are so kind", and mean it. No return gift is needed esp if it would seemed forced, but a thank you note sent very quickly is necessary.

Dr.Manners and Kitty Fishsticks

 

UT - Thank you for not describing the "gifts" that your patients give you everyday.

 

There are things about which we do not speak.


(Dingleberries and f@rts are on that list)