http://www.pressies.org/in-lieu-of-gifts-charity/
How Do I Respond to a Vendor’s Xmas Gift that Sucked!?
I haven’t received a vendor Xmas gift in years, but found an exquisitely packaged box on my desk today from a vendor who I have been championing within my company, who we spend 6 figures with, and stands to gain tens of thousands of dollars of new business due to me selling their capabilities internally.
Inside the box was an ornately printed card informing me:
“In lieu of a holiday gift we are proud to announce we have made a donation in your name to
I want to keep on good terms with the vendor, but point out to them that their choice of gift sucked! Why?
- this is not a gift to me
- the amount donated is unspecified
- the donation is to the vendor’s own charitable foundation (galls me the most)
Feels like someone back at the vendor is simply re-channeling funds into their own altruistic mission/foundation and getting all the kudos.
Am I an unreasonable scrooge or should I somehow tip the vendor off – if so how?
If there is any report between you and the vendor, I’d tell them how you feel honestly, but respectfully. They should be able to take criticism. I’d inform them that making a donation in your name, even to charity, is something that you want to do for yourself and you didn’t appreciate them doing it without your permission.
Also, I’d ask to know the amount and exactly the type/function of this charity so that you can then write it off on your taxes and decide for yourself if you’d like to continue this.
Teen Gives Instead Of Receives for Sweet 16th
