letters and views Editor’s Note: Oftentimes, we feel obligated to show our appreciation for a good deed or a job well done. Sometimes, however, the only thank you needed is for us to make good on our word and do the best job we possibly can. A recent post on the cmmonline.com Bulletin Board focused on walking the fine line between gratuity and bribery. The conversation in its entirety unfolds below. politicians take things for granting favors at the taxpayersʼ expense. Just take him to lunch a couple of times to talk business and express thanks. of the need to never let them down is the way to go. Peter Weiss 4/6/2009 Buy him a gift certificate to an expensive restaurant in the area. Make it enough for two people to have a great dinner. Shane Deubell 4/8/2009 I wouldnʼt give a customer any gift ever for any reason. I would focus on making that person look good and deliver great service. Posted By: Milton Doss 4/6/2009 The manager of a company went to bat for me to renew my contract, and with his help, my contract was renewed. Would it be appropriate to give him a gift or something to show my appreciation? Any idea what? I'm sure it depends on the individual. I donʼt want it to seem like a bribe. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Robert Jess 4/6/2009 I would do the same, a gift certificate to cover two for dinner at a nice steakhouse. That way, they can take their spouse with them. The manager will be happy and will be there ever year to bat for you. Responses: Tim Herr 4/6/2009 I think most companies — and the IRS — have set limits on what kind of thank you gifts you can give. Chris Wheeler 4/8/2009 Many companies, nowadays, have strict policies about gifts, but I donʼt think you could go wrong in having a “business” lunch or two. My advice would be to not put your new business friend on the spot, unless youʼre certain of his companyʼs ethics (HR) policy. Melissa Jent 4/8/2009 I agree. I wouldnʼt give a gift to a single indi-vidual because they went to bat for you. What happens when the person that actually decided to keep you on finds out you gave gift certificates to that person and not to them? Iʼm not sure what your money situation is or the size of the office, but when my accounts renew my contracts I send in pizza for the whole office. I ask my contact if it is OK and that way nobody is left out, and I make sure it is done right after the contract has been renewed. I am there to make sure of the delivery and let them know this is to show my appre-ciation in the faith and trust that they have bestowed to my company and myself. You have to show your appreciation to everyone, not just one person; the whole office plays a part in your success. Matthew Stowe 4/6/2009 In the state of California, if you are [a] licensed contractor, any gift over $5 is illegal. Fortunately, most BSCs are not regulated by the state, so you should be good. Ed Samson 4/6/2009 It will look the same as it does when our Jan Wade 4/8/2009 Letting the manager know you appreciate what he did is important. Here are the steps: 1. Tell him how you feel 2. Provide excellent service in the future (prove him right). There are those in the industry who can be “bought.” I am not implying that he is one, but if he is, you will eventually lose to a higher bidder. Giving a gift in response to a good deed is not appropriate. Putting a heart next to accounts that treat you with respect and thus remaining aware Bob The Cleaner 4/9/2009 I give client-oriented gifts for holidays and such. If Iʼm showing appreciation for a contact who led me to a new gig, well, nothing says thank you better than a fat envelope. Melissa Jent 4/9/2009 Can you do that Bob? I used to give out what we called “birddog fees” for anybody that gave me a lead and I landed the account. 6 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • May 2009
CMM – Archives May 2009: 6
