Rewarding accepting SAs?

[Robin414]

I remember my very first time buying a wig and the SA asked if it was for 'me', I swallowed hard and murmured 'yes'? Wow, talk about acceptance 😀 Anyhooo, I came back the next day with a thank you card and a box of chocolates for the ladies!

I don't shop a lot so it's not a financial issue but I carry a movie GC when I do as a 'Thank You' from US when I come across a deserving SA (and I've met a couple).

Just curious, anyone else do this and how do you qualify the SA if so?

I've even thought about giving one to a 'non accepting' SA, maybe trying to convert them? 😕

[Nadine Robles]

Damn I wish shopping was not a financial issue for me... I would drawn in my own wardrobe so quickly :daydreaming:

Sadly in my country clothing is awfully expensive (not less than u$s100 for any decent pair of shoes, even more in larger sizes) and most SA (sales attendant? Salvation army? Im not familiar with that acronym, sorry) are bad mannered regardless of your gender or sexual orientation. They ussually just hate their job and treat everyone like s**t, so I'd probably never think of rewarding in any way,

[sara.rafaela]

Why? That is their job. Years ago I sold electronics, car stereos, cell phones. I got paid based on how I sold. I did not care how anyone looked like, race, appearance, cross dressed... did not care. I made everyone feel like they were made of gold. I was sincerely grateful for them coming to see me because their patronage paid my rent and my college costs.

[junetv]

I dont reward with gifts, but if there is a survey to take, I always give them a great review.

[bridget thronton]

I like June's suggestion - praise on the Internet or to their manager

[Claire B]

I actually think that is a wonderful idea. Some SA's are snobs and would just shoot you down if they could. The few exceptions should be rewarded in a way that an individual can afford. It only helps our acceptance to advance.

[Lexi Moralas]

Nice gesture

[Candice June Lee]

Rewarding certain SA's is cool. Some are extremely deserving of it. Even just a small gesture like a thank you card. Many SA's just go through the motions, others are hating and poor at the job, them then few that go the extextra mile. Those extra milers are the ones I'd be sending a card to at a very minimum. Yes it's their job, but if they go that extra mile for any of us regardless is worth the trouble of a tip more than normal or in this case a card and chocolates.

[Jennifer0874]

I think I reward them by continuing to shop at their stores. I prefer shopping in small local shops instead of big box retail for the most part. So often times I am interacting with the store owner. They tend to understand the importance of a sale and how important it is to respect all customers. I'm a very loyal customer.

[nikkiwindsor]

I always generously tip the SA at the wig boutique for styling my wigs...they really appreciate it and take extra care of me!

[Kristy 56]

I always let corporate know that the SA provided me with a pleasant shopping experience.

[Carole]

The owner of my nail salon is so cool with crafting my nails, I bought her a bouquet of flowers for the shop just before Christmas.
http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=256477&stc=1

[Krististeph]

It depends on the particular incident. Anything from a kind message to a supervisor, to a handwritten note and gift. Be yourself and if you think someone has gone the extra mile, or if it really meant something special to you- then that's what you do.

But just in general? Reciprocal cordiality and respect for their profession: Asking an SA their opinion on coordination items or appreciating their own outfit is a big thing- shows trust and respect for their taste. People like to be trusted to do their jobs.

[sissy meg]

I stopped at a store and the manager helped me and suggested I come back at a time the store wasn't as crowded so she could spend more time with me. It wasn't because she didn't want me there when others were, it was legit that she wanted to help. I went back in a few days later right at opening time and brought her flowers. We had a fantastic experience. She even gave me her discount for the stuff I bought

[Amy Lynn3]

In one retail outlet a young woman helped me so much I take her flowers often and we have become friends, on a first name basis. She goes the extra mile with all people, but she acts like I am the only person to show my appreciation.

[gabriella1964]

Hey Nadine, what size are you're shoes ....I'd get you some and send them to you.

[Beverley Sims]

I do the corporate thing and acknowledge their service.

I do the same for extremely bad service.

Done properly and with full information I have been rewarded on a number of occasions.

The one I specialise in is suggestions to my ski resort people, they appreciate both good and bad criticism as long as it is constructive.

No free season tickets, but I do eat cheaply and get plenty of coffee. :-)

[susan54]

I have given chocolates at least twice. Once was for several evening openings of an upmarket boutique specially for me. The other was for inviting me to us the changing room to change back to male clothing when I had to meet a friend. To sum up I reward service above and beyond normal expectations from very nice people.

[bstewart9901]

I don't have many interactions with SA's in my bag of experiences, but I remember the woman that gave me a makeover. She sat and talked with me for 20 minutes because she could tell I was really nervous. Once I calmed down, she got started. I really appreciated that extra step and I made sure to give her a good tip!

[Tracii G]

The card was a nice touch.
I did tip an SA at Kohl's once just because she was so accepting.
She was very into the guy dressing up thing and worked with me for 45 min making sure my look was top notch.
She had all my stuff laid out perfectly when I came out of the dressing room.
She was super nice so I tipped her with $50.00 picked up my outfits and headed for the registers.
As i was walking away she screamed (in a low tone) OMG!!! She ran up behind me and said I can't take this.
I turned around and said sure you can just stick it in your pocket its my way of saying thank you. She said can I give you a hug? I said sure thing you deserve it.
A few months later I ran into her and her Husband at WalMart and she thanked me again for being so nice because she really needed the money.
Her husband shook my hand and said you are a straight up dude thanks you made her day.
After I got thru the check out they were by the door leaving WalMart so we said our goodbyes and I leaned over to her and said your guy is cute you did good LOL

[Robin414]

Wow, great story Tracii! I love making the day of someone who makes mine too!

[Tracii G]

She did a great job and sure I didn't have to tip her but I did anyway.

[Sheila11]

I have been in sales and customer service for over 30 years. To me every customer is signing my paycheck so every customer is the best one. As a result I have customers reward me with cards, letters, cakes and cookies. Some of them repeatedly. I enjoy them and they enjoy their time in my business.

[Robin414]

I get it Sheila, I've been on both sides of that fence and who picks up the lunch cheque? Depends on who picked it up last time...it truly is a relationship!

[Allison Chaynes]

From the perspective of a retail SA, the best thing you can do is provide feedback to the company (or local manager) informing them how happy you are with the person who helped you. This time of year, the hours are getting cut, and every little thing that can help get hours over others or avoid layoffs is a positive.