What is a good token of appreciation for an AD?

[jbenjamin1]

Hello All,

What do ya'll suggest as a "gift" to show appreciation to an AD? What is appropriate?

I just acquired a watch, saved a good amount, and was thinking a bottle of wine, chocolates, something to say thank you. The thank you is due in part because they give me the same level of service and courtesy as they do their A list customers (this is an AD in NYC, me I'm just a normal dude haha). Just want to make sure our business relationship is duly noted....

Some here may say "every dealer should give you the same level of treatment, if not walk out" but I've bought a A LOT of Rolex's over the past couple of years and this AD, situated where they are, gives far better service than T__eau and one other AD I have done business with.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

[beshannon]

Do you do this with every business you purchase something from?

[japenney]

A few small gift cards for coffee at your local star bucks? I bet the staff would really appreciate that.

[ddaly12]

Repeat business.

[jbenjamin1]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Do you do this with every business you purchase something from?

No, but because it's technically a birthday watch as well....it's a little special. (present to myself)

[Pix]

Gift cards, or a small catered breakfast/lunch for everyone

[rebel_1]

I can appreciate your loyalty to your AD. IMHO, your patronage is exactly the thanks they deserve. Your recommendation would also be a good way of showing your appreciation. I would, however, not publicize any specifics concerning discount amounts.

[jbenjamin1]

Originally Posted by rebel_1

I can appreciate your loyalty to your AD. IMHO, your patronage is exactly the thanks they deserve. Your recommendation would also be a good way of showing your appreciation. I would, however, not publicize any specifics concerning discount amounts.

Yes I agree 100%. The business deal itself is a private matter. Thanks for your suggestion!

[GerardoG]

Think small. That is the biggest gift.

Let me explain: on their slow day, stop by Starbucks and get a traveler and some pastries, show up at 10/11am. Female sales lady? Send a 'thank you' bouquet of flowers (not roses. If you are married, sign as you and family). If you spent time with them, you learned something from their life. Where are they from? Get that special candy or dessert that is a signature in their hometown.

While wine and chocolates are good ideas, it is the first thing that comes to mind, plus you run into the 'how much should I spend' issue. The biggest gifts are the least expensive. Something special? PM sent....

[datejust24]

Well they received several thousands of dollars of your money...I think that's fair enough..maybe a high five?

[Utomow]

It is very kind of you dude

[Masteryacht]

I guess it depends on whether you are thanking them or buttering them up for your next purchase.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Do you do this with every business you purchase something from?

Have to agree.

[stash21]

Jack shit they are a supplier.

[WAK4]

Thank you note and future business I think would do it.

[sco]

It's a nice gesture, but I don't think any gift is necessary.

[fishingbear]

Originally Posted by WAK4

Thank you note and future business I think would do it.

I agree with Bill on this ^

[DG123]

AD salesperson a good looking woman ?

[slide13]

As someone who has worked in retail I can tell you that such gestures are appreciated and will often earn you well more than the investment in future favors and considerations.

Now my situation wasn't quite as upscale as a Rolex AD but I worked in bike shops all through high school and college. We developed some great relationships with our customers and occasionally those customers would show some appreciation for something we did by bringing us beer, pizza, coffee, donuts, etc. It was remembered and when they came in for their next bike purchase you can be sure we were motivated to make sure they got the best deal we could offer them and we'd go out of our way to make sure to turnaround any service issues extra quick for them.

So it's absolutely not necessary or expected...but if you do it it's likely to be noticed and remembered and could serve you well in the future.

[RW16610]

I'm glad to hear you experienced top notch service. You're too kind (in the best of ways). Something small as mentioned above would be best in my opinion if you feel the need. Referrals would be most helpful in the long run though. Oh yeah, post some pictures of the watch when you can.

[Speed]

A Diet Coke?

[Chiboy]

I might write a note to the store owner (if independent) and tell them how much you enjoyed working with your salesperson.

[datejust24]

Originally Posted by Speed

A Diet Coke?

[Cru Jones]

.........so.....you work at an AD, right? and you're trying to give the readers here some ideas??

[melrob1]

WOW I can't believe some of the people on here with such horrible attitudes. Suggesting that you gave them "thousands" of dollars so that should be ok. Makes me sick! OP good for you! You are a class act and it's too bad more people are not like you, our world would be a better place. Reality is the sales person who sold it probably would never even dream of purchasing such an expensive item and can't afford it. They may get little commission but they don't have to give you above and beyond service. Whenever we get great servive when making a decent size purchase I always do something. The last watch I purchased my sales lady was talking about her teenage kids. I asked her if they liked a musician who was having a concert that weekend. She said they loved him. I had four extra tickets as I sponsored the show. So I walked to my car and gave her tickets so she could take her kids! I could tell she afford stuff like that and was blown away. Her and her kids had an amazing time and she felt amazing to be rewarded for great customer service and that she was able to make her kids feel special! Retail people like to eat. I suggest a nice basket from somewhere. They would appreciate whatever! Super classy of you and thanks for being such a great person!!

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by Speed

A Diet Coke?

In a clean glass

[RoyalCrown]

A good bottle of scotch

[jbenjamin1]

Thank you all for your opinions and suggestions thus far!

I actually didn't get a diet coke or champagne this time around lol.

Sometimes I am too nice and these things I do, while I don't do them to benefit me in the future (just dropped the equivalent of what my dad paid for a Honda Civic in 1992 so watch funds are now on the back burner), I do know are well appreciated by the recipient(s).

[G-Web]

OP, your heart is in the right place. And you can never go wrong with a small token to show your appreciation. I think coffee and pastries is a fine way to go about it. It's a small gesture that will go a long way.

Good on you,
-Grant

[Timesurfer]

Business: a good review online
Salesperson/watchmaker: a nice letter thanking them that also makes it to their boss...

Like the cookies and coffee idea as well