etiquette on giving gifts to SAs?

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#46
Hello All, I do know that the policy in my H store is that any gifts received eg chocolates, cookies etc are to be shared amongst the staff so it is a good to read you're giving boxes and plates of goodies. In this day and age, a hand written thank you on a beautiful card is special too. Just my 2 cents worth.

Maizie
 
#47
Well after reading this thread (and thank you to whoever moved my post!) I will be adding a small box of chocolates with my official thank you letter. Since my store and SA are far away I obviously don't get to go as often- which means I can't go in wearing my new items or pop in for visits so I want to be able to properly show my appreciation from far away!
 
#48
Since I no longer live in NYC, but in Asia this summer when I visited, I brought along a gift of the Mandarin Oriental's signature rose petal jam for my SA. Agreed that usually a card suffices and around holiday season some nice sweet treats meant to be shared is thoughtful enough. Anything more could breach client/SA relationships- plus it makes me wonder if they have guidelines (like they do in finance). On a side note~ Husband's colleague once got sent an Hermes wallet by a client.. And I have to applaud her for her professionalism.
 
#49
taylorrd said:
Hi y'all
I am so glad I found this thread because I have been wondering about this. My wonderful SA just got married this fall. I have been wanting to get her a small gift to celebrate her nuptials but I have been stuck on what to get. I have a bad habit of going overboard and I don't want her to feel uncomfortable or put her in a bad position. I just want to give her something to show her I care and am happy for her.
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hey there was wonderin if u ended up getting anything for ur SA? its kinda hard to think of something to give when it comes to getting engaged/married and stuff like that . Just need some ideas. I wonder if its too much if I give my SA something just for getting engaged.. do u think it looks like im trying too hard? just wanna show im happy for them, ykwim? thanks!
 
#50
beginners_luck said:
hey there was wonderin if u ended up getting anything for ur SA? its kinda hard to think of something to give when it comes to getting engaged/married and stuff like that . Just need some ideas. I wonder if its too much if I give my SA something just for getting engaged.. do u think it looks like im trying too hard? just wanna show im happy for them, ykwim? thanks!
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Hi Beginners_Luck,
No I did not. I never had a really great feeling about it and the ladies on the forum cemented that it probably wouldn't be a good idea. Here is what I am going to do.
1) Bring in a tin of my homemade cookies for the store at Christmas time with a card.
2) See if I can pick up something uniquely American when I am in Atlanta celebrating Thanksgiving.

I know my SA knows I care as I am sure your SA knows you care. I think if you continue to ask how the wedding planning is going and share in her joy, then that will be plenty. Imagine how many customers she probably encounters who just see her as a means to get a Birkin or Kelly. I always ask her how she ( my SA) is doing and how married life is treating her. For me going to my Hermes store is not just about getting my next H item. I enjoy being around people who share the same passion for this brand. Hope this helps.
 
#51
taylorrd said:
Hi Beginners_Luck,
No I did not. I never had a really great feeling about it and the ladies on the forum cemented that it probably wouldn't be a good idea. Here is what I am going to do.
1) Bring in a tin of my homemade cookies for the store at Christmas time with a card.
2) See if I can pick up something uniquely American when I am in Atlanta celebrating Thanksgiving.

I know my SA knows I care as I am sure your SA knows you care. I think if you continue to ask how the wedding planning is going and share in her joy, then that will be plenty. Imagine how many customers she probably encounters who just see her as a means to get a Birkin or Kelly. I always ask her how she ( my SA) is doing and how married life is treating her. For me going to my Hermes store is not just about getting my next H item. I enjoy being around people who share the same passion for this brand. Hope this helps.
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Thank u for ur reply! Im not close to the store so I can't go in to talk to her. Also I think i'm kinda social awkward so can't really carry a convo. I agree I don't want them to think im only trying to only get a B or K. it'd get too expensive for me too! :laugh:
 
#52
I had pizza delivered for the whole store but it was really for my SA. But usually I give a $50 Starbucks card. Everyone loves Starbucks. I think $50 is just right not too much and not to little.
 
#53
I'm relatively new to H and am just really beginning to cultivate a relationship with my SA in Paris. When we met this past summer and he offered me my Kelly, I gifted him some chocolates. I'm going back this weekend and would like to get him something for Christmas. My first inkling was to get him something nice, but I didn't even think about whether it would make him feel uncomfortable or not. Truthfully, I would have assumed to give him money (not allowed?) or treat him to dinner, but I've finally decided to gift food again that can be shared with other employees or his friends/family. I think it's a small gesture, but safe since there may be rules about what an SA can/should/should not accept. So I'll be flying to Paris with a dozen of my favorite cupcakes from a local bakery lol. I sure hope they make it without getting smashed or whisked away by TSA.
 
#54
stephc005 said:
I'm relatively new to H and am just really beginning to cultivate a relationship with my SA in Paris. When we met this past summer and he offered me my Kelly, I gifted him some chocolates. I'm going back this weekend and would like to get him something for Christmas. My first inkling was to get him something nice, but I didn't even think about whether it would make him feel uncomfortable or not. Truthfully, I would have assumed to give him money (not allowed?) or treat him to dinner, but I've finally decided to gift food again that can be shared with other employees or his friends/family. I think it's a small gesture, but safe since there may be rules about what an SA can/should/should not accept. So I'll be flying to Paris with a dozen of my favorite cupcakes from a local bakery lol. I sure hope they make it without getting smashed or whisked away by TSA.
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That's very kind of you to bring cupcakes! I just wanted to warn that FSH has become very strict from what I've heard about gifts...even those of food....but if that's the case then maybe you can just give a card and use the cupcakes elsewhere (or eat them!):smile1:
 
#55
kat99 said:
That's very kind of you to bring cupcakes! I just wanted to warn that FSH has become very strict from what I've heard about gifts...even those of food....but if that's the case then maybe you can just give a card and use the cupcakes elsewhere (or eat them!):smile1:
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I've had this conversation with my SA, and he told me that they are allowed to accept food delivered to the boutique, which is always shared with the entire staff. So, I would stick to that approach to express your appreciation.
 
#56
I too just had this conversation with my SA. He said "NO, cannot................." I pestered, and he said, (my paraphrase) food, or edibles are okay, but he kept on repeating that he would just prefer I stopped by to say "Hi" more often. So, since I hate making the effort to go to BH, I am thinking of sending over a lovely lunch or dessert platter for everyone to enjoy! Probably a lunch platter from a wonderful shop. Everyone has to eat, and desserts have too many calories. My 2 cents worth.
 
#57
stephc005 said:
I'm relatively new to H and am just really beginning to cultivate a relationship with my SA in Paris. When we met this past summer and he offered me my Kelly, I gifted him some chocolates. I'm going back this weekend and would like to get him something for Christmas. My first inkling was to get him something nice, but I didn't even think about whether it would make him feel uncomfortable or not. Truthfully, I would have assumed to give him money (not allowed?) or treat him to dinner, but I've finally decided to gift food again that can be shared with other employees or his friends/family. I think it's a small gesture, but safe since there may be rules about what an SA can/should/should not accept. So I'll be flying to Paris with a dozen of my favorite cupcakes from a local bakery lol. I sure hope they make it without getting smashed or whisked away by TSA.
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Customs gets hyper about food. You might be better off buying his gift of food in France.
 
#59
Every so often I take in to my SM a large box of chocolates for her , as she is always so good at helping me throughout the year finding what I am looking for, and it lets her know that I appreciate her help.
 
#60
Update:

I was indeed warned (by my local bakery) about customs regulations about bringing food into France (especially dairy or meat products).

I brought my fave cupcakes anyways and didn't encounter any problems. However, they were quite mangled by the time we landed in Paris (from being tossed around in my carry on baggage). So I chose to keep them and eat them ourselves and instead bought a box of macaroons from Angelina Cafe for my SA. He graciously accepted (as he did last time when we brought him chocolates, again purchased in France).

I figure it's best to give something that can be shared (or not if they choose to keep them personally). I wouldn't be worried if it gets thrown away. After you give a gift, you oftentimes don't know what truly happens with it anyways. It's the thought that counts, right? I think any SA would be appreciative of the gesture.
 
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