Gift for SA

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

elizabethtwrs

Member
Nov 27, 2013
259
146
Hi ladies,

My SA has gone above and beyond in providing exceptional service. I would like to get her a token of appreciation just to let her know that her efforts have not gone unnoticed. What might be an appropriate gift to get? I thought flowers might be a bit boring. Maybe some elegantly packed snacks? Like Macaroons?

Any ideas? TIA!!
 
Hi ladies,

My SA has gone above and beyond in providing exceptional service. I would like to get her a token of appreciation just to let her know that her efforts have not gone unnoticed. What might be an appropriate gift to get? I thought flowers might be a bit boring. Maybe some elegantly packed snacks? Like Macaroons?

Any ideas? TIA!!

That's funny, I got my sa a box of Laduree macaroons, i've also given them godiva chocolate as well. They usually share with the team so I buy a bigger box. It also depends on your relationship with your sa, my sa has taken me and my husband to lunch as well.
 
...i will get crucified for this....

is it not their "job" to provide exceptional service? I've always assumed the high price tag should (and does in my case) reflect the customer service.
 
...i will get crucified for this....

is it not their "job" to provide exceptional service? I've always assumed the high price tag should (and does in my case) reflect the customer service.

It is their job to do so but there is nothing wrong with rewarding people that exceed expectations. It's the same as rewarding a waiter with a larger than average tip, since both are working in the service industry.
 
It is their job to do so but there is nothing wrong with rewarding people that exceed expectations. It's the same as rewarding a waiter with a larger than average tip, since both are working in the service industry.

I completely understand your position. However, in this case i don't think it's the same thing since waiters/waitresses do not even make minimum wage (tip compensates for that) in the case with VCA SAs they make commission based on how much they sell (on top of their regular paycheck) which in my case with my SA is a lot. Therefore, i really don't see the need to reward someone for doing what they are suppose to do.
 
I completely understand your position. However, in this case i don't think it's the same thing since waiters/waitresses do not even make minimum wage (tip compensates for that) in the case with VCA SAs they make commission based on how much they sell (on top of their regular paycheck) which in my case with my SA is a lot. Therefore, i really don't see the need to reward someone for doing what they are suppose to do.

I regularly give holiday gifts to my local seamstress and the forwarders that we use at the office (FedEx and Purolator). As for a need, there certainly isn't one, it's just the gift of giving. As for waiters, they make minimum wage in my province and can easily make upwards of 500$ a night on tips alone.

Anyhow sorry for derailing your thread OP! As for a token of appreciation for your SA I would also recommend the previously mentioned heartfelt note. Most SAs cannot receive a personal gift with any monetary value aside from flowers/food that can/must be shared with fellow coworkers.
 
I completely understand your position. However, in this case i don't think it's the same thing since waiters/waitresses do not even make minimum wage (tip compensates for that) in the case with VCA SAs they make commission based on how much they sell (on top of their regular paycheck) which in my case with my SA is a lot. Therefore, i really don't see the need to reward someone for doing what they are suppose to do.

I know what you're saying, and giving little gifts to outstanding SAs definitely isn't required or something everyone does. When I was a teacher, some parents would get me gifts at Christmas or the end of the year and some wouldn't. I never expected anything and I would have done the same job regardless, but I did appreciate those that gave/made me something as a special thank you. I sometimes take cookies or donuts to some of the gals that work at my pharmacy when I see that they are frazzled. It just makes me feel good to let them know I appreciate how hard they work. Lol. :-)


All that said, I think a nice note and maybe some chocolate might be a good idea, OP. I've included Godiva bars when I have to sent VCA things in to my SA for alteration. I just like the idea of putting a smile on someone's face during the workday.
 
Christofle is correct. Most SA's are prohibited (via corporate policy) from accepting personal gifts other than food/flowers. Interestingly enough, I am typically the recipient of gifts from VCA vs the other way around...and while I have expressed my gratitude for excellent service I have not felt compelled to send tangible gifts back. The best reward of course is to be a repeat and loyal customer....
One exception is Hermes...I will admit to having dropped off cupcakes or other treats for everybody to enjoy following the purchase of a coveted handbag or two. The SA's are always so kind and sweet to me that I love to treat them all..not just my SA (who is an angel).
 
I regularly give holiday gifts to my local seamstress and the forwarders that we use at the office (FedEx and Purolator). As for a need, there certainly isn't one, it's just the gift of giving. As for waiters, they make minimum wage in my province and can easily make upwards of 500$ a night on tips alone.

Anyhow sorry for derailing your thread OP! As for a token of appreciation for your SA I would also recommend the previously mentioned heartfelt note. Most SAs cannot receive a personal gift with any monetary value aside from flowers/food that can/must be shared with fellow coworkers.


Ah I see, didn't know on the prohibitions. Looks like food will be the way to go.
 
That's funny, I got my sa a box of Laduree macaroons, i've also given them godiva chocolate as well. They usually share with the team so I buy a bigger box. It also depends on your relationship with your sa, my sa has taken me and my husband to lunch as well.


This is too funny as I had exactly Laduree macaroons in mind! Good tip on buying a bigger box to share, she did have to work with another team to sort out my issue. I'll get them enough to go around :)
 
I am all for showing people appreciation, it is a lovely thing to do, no matter how small we all love to be recognized. Just personally speaking i have never been compelled to give gifts to my VCA SA, i am her loyal customer and will only buy from her (she refers to my hubby and me as her VIPs lol) but that is as far as I'll go. :)

To answer your question OP, my SA gifts me Diptyque candles, so maybe a nice candle would be great too :)
 
Another option would be to write/email a letter to the head/manager of the store. Be specific with instances in which he or she went above and beyond your expectations. CC your SA. The letter will go in the employee's personnel file and may help their career with promotions and other recognition.

I sometimes buy my jewelry SA flowers or bake treats. She's been a good friend for 20 years. As has been said before, it's always nice to be recognized.
 
Last edited:
Nothing beats a nice hand written thank you note. Seriously, nobody takes the time to write down these days. I'd like to bring treats to the store so that everybody share.
 
Top