Gifts and bribes:

During a sales visit, a sales representative offers you a coffee mug with a company’s logo on it. The
value of the mug if five dollars. can you accept this item.

Ans: Yes it is ok to accept this because the price is low and the cup has company name engraved on it
so it is a part of there advertisement and they usually gift it to every one.

Does the answer to this question change if this is a $350 crystal bowl with the name of the
company engraved on it?

Ans: in this case it is ok to accept this because the bowl has a company logo and it is also a part of
there advertisnemt and they usually gift it to everyone. But this time you need to check your
company’s policy that either this amount gift is acceptable or not. Other wise it is ok to accept this
gift.

How about if there is no engraving in it?

Ans: in this case it is healthier to either use It or not accept it. Because this time the cup has no logo
on it. And you can think of it as a bribe. So you need to visit their superior to verify that is it the part
od their policy or not.

Your meeting with a sales representative is running into the lunch hour. She invites you to go out
for a lunch. You go to a fast food restaurant and you pay for your own lunch. Is this practice
acceptable?

Ans: yes it is very safe that you are paying by yourself.

Does the answer to this question change if you go to an expensive restaurant?

Ans: yes it is also a very safe zone to pay for yourself. But the problem arise when the representative
pays for you.

If she pays for lunch?

Ans: the problem is here if the representative pays for you. Now you need to check your company’s
guidelines to either accept it or not.

A sales representative from whom you often purchase asks if you would like to play tennis with
him this weekend at one of the local municipal courts. Should you go?

Ans: the answer to this question is that it is normal to go and play because the municipal courts are
free and anyone can go there .

Is the answer to this question different if the match is at exclusive local club to which he belongs?

Ans: the answer to this question is same but if every person pay his own fee. Then it is ok to go and
play.

What If he pays the club’s guest fee for you?

Ans: now this is suspicious if they offers pay for you. It is highly recommended to go for such
invitations after the final decision taken against the company meeting .not to go before the decision
is being made.

A company sales representative would like you to attend a one-day sales seminar in foreign
country (turkey). Your company will pay for your trip?

Ans: in this case all seems well and your company is paying for you. So go ahead.

How about if the meeting is in London?

Ans: well, as long as your company is paying for your trip then it is ok to go for it.

What if the sales representative’s company is going to pay for you to go?

Ans: now this is another story. This time you need to look for other factors for assessment. It is may
be a part of their sales strategy. In this case you need to check your company’s policy that is your
company is ok with other companies for such kind of trips . also your need to check that : does
everyone else receiving the same treatment or not. If you are receiving a special treatment asides
from others than it is suspicious.

What if your family is invited as well?

Ans: now it is weird . you should avoid it. Why would they invite your family. That is no longer
professional.

So what is a gift? A bribe?

GIFT: is something of value given without the expectations of return.

BRIBE: is the same thing given in the hope of influence or benefit.
AVOIDING Bribery steps:

1. Look at your company policy.

• Some companies are zero tolerance like government agencies. They don’t allow any
kind of gift etc.
• Some companies allow but provide price limit. For example, you can accept up to
$500.
• Some companies require preapproval by management. you need to ask your
company’s management first. If they allows you then it is ok otherwise not.
2. The New York times test.
You need to ask yourself that if I accept this gift. And if it publish in newspaper next day. Will
it be ok. If you could easily defend your action of receiving gift. Then it is ok. But let say if you
are a government employee and your name comes in newspaper then it is a bad news. It
would be very fishy for the public.