I have bought small gifts over the years for my SA (chocolate, wine, champagne) at the Hermes concession in Harrods, and because I am a self-admitted lazy person I usually buy these things inside Harrods...My SA told me a problem once where the Harrods security guard stopped her leaving at the staff entrance because she did not have a receipt for the goods I had given her.
etiquette on giving gifts to SAs?
- Thread starter lilpicotin
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I always bring chocolates back from Paris for my SA, who is Parisian. One year I tried to get her to take a small token along with the chocolates, but she was adamant about refusing it. Seriously, it was very tiny and low cost, but she refused, telling me that it is against H policy for the SAs to accept gifts other than things that can be shared. I didn't want to put her in an awkward position, so I stopped badgering after a couple of tries!
From time to time I have come in with some chocolates, cookies and other edibles from my travels. It was never a problem. I do get handwritten thank-you note from my SA, tho, which almost always says "we all enjoyed them very much!" This gives me the impression that they do share the gifts.
I personally feel sort of uncomfortable giving a gift to my SA. I've been toying with sending something, but I don't want it to come off as looking like a bribe. I normally send hand written thank you notes. I think the best thank you is repeat business and continued loyalty.
I definitely agree that repeat business and loyalty are the most important, however, I did send a box of cookies to my SA recently. I only met her in late September. I had a wishlist of items including china, an Apple watch for my husband and boots. I had also mentioned that I would love to purchase a B30 at some point. Well, about two weeks later, she made all my dreams come true! Plus, other SAs at the shop were also incredibly helpful (with picking out a tie for my husband and getting his watch set-up) so I really hope that she shared the cookies. I also debated whether to wait until the next time I see her, but this will probably be in mid-December and it seems as though that's a popular time of year for giving treats to SAs.
Each year, at the holidays, I send chocolates or cupcakes or some sweets to my store (SM) for everyone to share. I know they share the stuff. I have been told multiple times. It's the only type of gift they can accept.
(I have them delivered, I don't do it personally.)
(I have them delivered, I don't do it personally.)
I was told that the manager considered it a gift. The actual value of the CD was one dollar but he took it away from my SA because he did consider it a gift which is against their policy.Wow
Maybe she liked it and wanted it for herself
That really sucks, I'm sorry that happened, @audreylita.
I think that was a really nice idea, Audreylita. Bet your SA was disappointed. I was actually disappointed that I could not get my SA to accept a small token, but it finally dawned on me that I was actually putting her in an awkward position, which us the last thing that I wanted to do.
When I get thank you notes for the chocolates, my SA always mentions how much they all enjoyed them. That being the case, I get a bigger box!!
Last year I gave my SA in Paris a gift of jelly from Texas to share with the team. She had to give it to security to approve Days later they still hadn’t released it. I don’t know if they ever did. At this point it’s just not worth it. My SAs at LV can accept small gifts no problem.
I'd asked him if they at least let him listen to it and he said no. So someone ended up with a nice disc of great 60's songs.
I just thought I would share. I’m newish to H, but I see my SA like an out of town friend (since the store is 3 hours away). I’ve brought in goodies for the store and it hasn’t been an issue....especially if it is genuine. I’ve brought macarons from my local bakery...mini cupcakes from Sprinkles....and for Christmas, I sent a boxed tower of treats (smaller size) from Harry & David. I only do this for H because I really love my store, and they are all so nice. We share photos and talk like friends so it’s not awkward at all. For the cupcakes, I brought them in after going to the VIP sale. They mentioned earlier that week that they were working extra and expecting a lot more shoppers due to the sale. Me and my friend brought them in and was like, ‘I feel like you and your staff could use some extra sugar to get you through the sale week.’
The Harry & David treats were a big hit since there was such a variety (fresh pears, nuts, chocolates, etc). They ship really nicely too. I just addressed it to my store with ‘ATTN: [SA’s name].
Bottom line, don’t do it if you think it might help you get a bag. If it feels fake at all, it might come off that way. I try to have empathy (not sympathy) and try to think of others...especially if it’s extra busy time for them. I also try to listen to them too. When we delivered the cupcakes, two of the SAs were having an epic fitbit/fitness tracker battle....so next time I brought treats with more variety.
If you stick with a treat that’s shareable and it’s sincere, coming from the heart, you can’t go wrong. I would just advise against baking because people don’t know how others cook and it’s harder to figure out allergy-causing ingredients.
Sorry for the novel...just wanted to share my experiences!
The Harry & David treats were a big hit since there was such a variety (fresh pears, nuts, chocolates, etc). They ship really nicely too. I just addressed it to my store with ‘ATTN: [SA’s name].
Bottom line, don’t do it if you think it might help you get a bag. If it feels fake at all, it might come off that way. I try to have empathy (not sympathy) and try to think of others...especially if it’s extra busy time for them. I also try to listen to them too. When we delivered the cupcakes, two of the SAs were having an epic fitbit/fitness tracker battle....so next time I brought treats with more variety.
If you stick with a treat that’s shareable and it’s sincere, coming from the heart, you can’t go wrong. I would just advise against baking because people don’t know how others cook and it’s harder to figure out allergy-causing ingredients.
Sorry for the novel...just wanted to share my experiences!
My gift to my SA is building my Sales History with non-handbag purchases. She is spectacular but gifting someone that should be going through hoops to get your business hence commission on her sales just seems a bit out there and setting unattainably high standards for people who are looking tonbecome part of the Hermes family and alre already intimidated. more so, i ve bought several other high end items such as VCA, Cartier, Chanel etc and they are the ones giving me gifts for being a loyal customer. I think this should be discouraged especially when some people already have to spend hefty $$$ on frivolities just to score a K or B.