Has anyone ever gotten a gift, even something small from a client before? We just received something in the mail from a client (who happened to be on the other side of the coast). We have never gotten a gift before, and it had a note that said to share with the office during downtime. Not sure if we should return it or not.

Note - I should also point out that the client shot and email off and said it was for awesome customer service.

Not here, but I've gotten plenty of free stuff over the years from clients - Cardinal basesball tickets, Rams football tickets & Blues hockey tickets. We're always getting free candy, cakes and cookies at the salon.

Relish the gift and be sure to send a thank you note and add them to your holiday card list for future mailings etc.

We've received gifts from customers before, everything from CD's to Coffee Mugs and T-Shirts, and even a notebook computer specifically to one of the employees for their outstanding customer service. I've received some high dollar gifts myself ranging from rounds of golf to cigars, but I'd not received a computer before, and the staff member was overjoyed!

When you receive these things, take a minute to pat yourselves on the back as you've truly gone above and beyond and the customer not only appreicates it, but has taken time out of their day (and money out of their margin) to send you something for you to remember them with.

Chances are, the next time that customer has a problem or question, they'll have a few staff members fighting over how quickly it gets answered! Don't return the gift. This was something that they wanted you to have!

Went recently to help out a local client of ours who we both host and Id personally beforehand designed their site,who had had problems installing a program to their computer. I'd said it was free was there practically 10/20 mins... he'd subsequently slipped an envelope containing £200 with a note into my work diary... due to the kind of person I am id not have accepted it out right as he was aware so rather cheeky.. and as he refuses to take it back...

Had a few others like that but try not to make a habit of it.

There's nothing wrong with accepting minor gifts. The problem comes in when you fish for those things, or if there's some sort of implied quid pro pro.

Just returned from a conference in Las Vegas and I happened to stop into one of my favorite bars (Nine Fine Irishmen in New York New York Casino). While enjoying my pint(s) of Guinness, I looked up to see a little gal bouncing around on the stage with a fiddle. While I know the members of the band (used to be in Vegas every weekend, and have been in contact with them since 2001 or so), the girl was a different player than in years past.

It finally dawned on me, I knew the player too! She was actually a client of mine at Hands-on, so I went backstage, she knew instantly who I was (although we hadn't seen each other in 4 years) and said "I'll be right back".

She returned with hats, t-shirts and CDs for myself and my girlfriend, to say thank you for the hosting etc.

It wasn't expected, but it was sure appreciated! Another happy customer, and an equally happy system admin! I think I need to visit Las Vegas more often and keep in touch

Awesome stories. I hope to have some of those some day. I suppose your reputation will afford gifts and praise like this.

We have never received gifts from our clients but we do get gifts from various data center and bandwidth providers that we buy from. Mugs, chocolates, etc.

Receiving a gift from a client just means you're doing something right. Great job and keep it up

We've received gifts too, lots around the holidays. It always puts everyone in such a great mood... especially the cookies!! :-)

When it comes to gifts, I don't see any problems with it as long as they're being ethical about it. (e.g. not sending you NFL tickets because they want to make sure they get priority over other clients or so they can get a discount over someone else.)

But sounds like you guys have received some pretty exciting gifts. Even I wouldn't mind a new coffee mug every once in a while! Of course, I've been in positions in the past where I wasn't allowed to accept gifts because I once had someone try to hand me $100 cash for something and I had to decline. But as far as I know, I'm now allowed to accept gifts!

damm ... i wish i got a gift.

Just send back a hand written thank you note

Seems backwards to me... but then it is a company motto thing (lagniappe = a small gift) We try to give the occassional gift to customers... mardi gras paks, ping! magazine, etc.

The gift we're most happy with is good word of mouth referrals.

I used to work for a surveying firm. We got gifts all the time. Just a few are

Padres Game Tickets
Charger Game Tickets
Wine Bottles
Beer
Expensive chocolate assortment
Candy
Cake
Magazines (ALOT)


And alot more. It was crazy .. our busiest week of the year I didn't even have to buy any food we kept on getting food gifts :p

I receive bullets by mail on a regular basis from web hosting companies. It is a strange gift, but I'll take it. jk