Concierge gifts- when to give?

[*123JOANNA123*]

For those of you who give little gifts to the concierge staff instead of tips, when is an appropriate time to do so?

I have been discussing this with another member and wondered if you give the gift on arrival (as appreciation for all their hard work with PS's), could it look as if you're expecting special treatment?

Personally, I think it's nice to show gratitude, but I guess it could be misconstrued as a sort of 'bribe'.

Any thoughts?

 

[>>^..^<<]

Hi Joanna.. good question,


I was at AKL concierge for 10 days and I took up 8 boxes of chocolates about 3 days before my departure. I personally gave them to the 3 CM's who were on duty and asked them to thank they others and distrubute the boxes on my behalf. They were really thrilled and happy about being recognized for providing great service.

For the rest of the 3 days - everytime there was a new CM on duty - they would come over and thank me

Having said that - on the current trip that I am planning I was so impressd by the itinerary planner (who was able to book me breathless and get me guest of homor badges) I sent her flowers - I don't think she thought of them as a bribe - just a reward for a job well done - she was very grateful.

Good luck deciding - what are you taking as a gift for the staff?

>>^..^<<

 

[*123JOANNA123*]

Thanks for the input!

I was thinking of taking some Irish chocolates and some little 'guinness wishing stones' (they're a stone that looks like a little pint of guinness (kinda cute), but haven't decided yet.

 

[>>^..^<<]

Joanna.. ummm, are you in Ireland? LOL

>>^..^<<

 

[lizzie64]

Hey Joanna,

I totally agree with >>^..^<< . We had several boxes of Godiva chocolates that we gave to the CM on the third night of our stay. Jill quickly took them over to the kitchen area and I heard her say "We have goodies, thanks to the Lombardos". They were so happy to have a little snack to enjoy for themselves.

Then on the day we left, we gave them some boxes of Godiva cookies and shortbread crackers.

They did so much for us. We were happy to do it. They really feel like part of the family when you're there.

 

[dg39]

Hey, thanks Joanna. (it's me again). Now thats what I'll do. I'll bring the candy & give it on or around the 3rd. day we're there.


Just want to let you all know: Joanna's been helping with some of my plans privately. She's been great about all my silly questions, answering them quickly & suggesting things. Thanks again........Denise

 

[hookedup]

If the OP doesn't mind I would like to ask another question along this same line - I have been trying to think of something besides candy to bring. I wish I had brought something last year - there was a CM who did something extra special for us (w/o being asked) and of course he would not take a tip. I was trying to brainstorm for ideas of some small nice token gifts for the concierge CM's at the GF & Swan.

We are traveling via train to WDW and therefore our packing space is REALLY limited. We travel very light to keep the stress and hassle to a minimum.

Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks!

 

[LvsTnk]

Before Christmas I send a box down to the staff. This year it was the 2 piece box of Godiva with a pen (it said Chicago on it and had Mickey and Minnie holding an umbrella being blown by the wind) from TDS in Chicago tied to it. I think I sent 10 of them in care of my planner.

 

[floridafam]

If you can't take a gift because of limited packing space you could always take a card and put something in the card.

You could always buy something nice while in Florida and give it to the staff.

I know some people won't accept tips but I have heard that concierge staff can take them up to $75.

My MIL wouldn't take a birthday gift from DH and I so we just snuck one into her birthday card because it was impossible for her to hand it right back to us.

I know some people think giving cash is not creative but if they can truly take tips then I don't see anything wrong with it.

 

[PLibster]

We live in N Myrtle Beach, SC, so on our recent stay we gave gift bags that had a coffee mug, pencil, pen, keychain, sports bottle, and taffy; all had Mytle Beach logo on them. I just thought it was neat to grab a bunch of things from our home town as gifts. Concierge manager said he felt like it was Christmas, .

 

[Uncle Scar]

We won't be down there until 7/25, but I went ahead and sent my thank you gift now.

Tara has done an outstanding job in planning our trip, that I wanted to thank her right away. I also plan on asking for her once we are there, to meet her and thank her in person.

I sent some Texas items. I sent a bluebonnet scented candle, specifically for her and a selction of hot sauces and chips she can share with all the planners.

They do such a great job, in probably trying conditions sometimes.