Good practice with AD

[Busyboy]

I generally tip in decent restaurant...
I generally tip taxi drivers

For "choosing" to give me, over another, a fairly difficult to obtain watch, I definitely tip. It also just happens to be my life's defining passion - to say I was greatful, is the understatement...
Flowers and chocolates
Moet and single malts
Even, yes even, poetry

And in the last few years landed, pateks both the11/12, daytona 500, and a couple of other Rolex

[jstan9]

Originally Posted by Dennisoul

Looking for any opinions on if it’s good practice to hand in a bottle of bubbly to my AD for getting me my Explorer 214270. I put my name down 2 months ago and they turned one up for me on Thursday past, which here in the UK is extremely quick. I also asked the guy I was dealing with if he could get me a couple of Rolex spring bars for my 14060M, they phoned today to say they had those for me too....so when I go in tomorrow I was gonna hand in a bottle of bubbly to the guy I was dealing with, he’s been brilliant.....good idea or not?

I’ve done exactly that as a small token of gratitude. My AD does lots of nice little extras, like changing bracelet for a rubber b and then back again a few months later. During one of these visits I put two bottles of Chandon in my work backpack and gave one to our rep and the other to the tech in the upstairs lab who did the work. They were genuinely surprised and refused at first but I insisted as thanks for doing all the little extras they do for us (and in addition they got an Explorer II for me after a two or three month wait).

So, in addition to being genuinely surprised, they were also genuinely appreciative.

It goes a long way.

[filsgreen]

Originally Posted by Monte Cristo

I guess it’s a cultural thing.

In Australia it’s usually the supplier that gives the customer a small gift of appreciation for the business, not the other way around.

We don’t tip for delivery guy, bellboys, taxi drivers, even waiters at restaurants more often than not. Yes I know what Americans think of Australians when it comes to tipping

So turning up to an AD with a gift, ie. a bottle of Moët would feel somewhat awkward to most.

Not that I’m averse to the gesture of thanking someone with a small token, but as it’s outside the cultural norm for a retail transaction it would feel a little uncomfortable.

Just my 2c.

If you've been brought up that way, I fully understand. The Australians working in the pubs and restaurants around England, probably soon drop this cultural difference.

[playford]

Originally Posted by superdog

Giving gifts is the outcome.

Showing respect and appreciation is the underlying issue.

The guy that sold us blinds was awesome. Saved me literally thousands from the first place my wife wanted to go to. He was awesome and I was grateful. St one point he mentioned a steak dinner and how much he enjoys it.

So after it was all said and done, I made sure he and his wife got one.

I do this kind of thing a lot. And I enjoy it very much. I like seeing how people light up when you show them appreciation.

This is one of the most classy posts I've read in a while. Fine work.

[2ltdjorn]

Originally Posted by Marcjvr

My AD invokes “prima nocte” upon any SS purchase and I have to hand over my wife and collect her the next day.

He prefers that in lieu of a fine champagne...

I guess the question would be do you have ceramic Daytona yet?

[superdog]

Originally Posted by playford

This is one of the most classy posts I've read in a while. Fine work.

Thank you. I appreciate that feedback.

FWIW, I can understand why people dont “personally” want to do this.

What I can’t understand is how they are so adamantly against it and how they don’t at least understand why others would do it. And how they can go so far as disparaging it. It makes me question their own character. That piece just blows my mind.

Empathy is what makes a difference when dealing with others. Truly. If we could all just see things from another point of view, and at a minimum, try to understand how other people feel, the world would be a much better place.

[AK797]

If you think they have done you a good service, then no harm to tip, happens in all sorts of businesses.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by superdog

Thank you. I appreciate that feedback.

FWIW, I can understand why people dont “personally” want to do this.

What I can’t understand is how they are so adamantly against it and how they don’t at least understand why others would do it. And how they can go so far as disparaging it. It makes me question their own character. That piece just blows my mind.

Empathy is what makes a difference when dealing with others. Truly. If we could all just see things from another point of view, and at a minimum, try to understand how other people feel, the world would be a much better place.

They've been watching the opening scene of Reservoir Dogs too much.

[jeffnnj]

Originally Posted by joli160

That's weird, gifting to somebody who made thousands of profit from you, really

yes

[jaySL350]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

The person that sells the watch is very unlikely to be the store owner. That’s like assuming your waiter is the restaurant owner. Both can happen, but in reality both owners are more likely to employ people on fairly low wages to do the work.

As you say, different cultures view this thing differently and I respect that. In some countries tipping is disrespectful.

But acting like shop staff should worship you for blessing their store with your money is petty and disrespectful too. I’d rather lose a customer than pander to a client that needs to feel superior than the person serving them.

Yes,,
Good manners, a smile and respect costs nothing,