Etiquette Advices Needed on Being Wined and Dined by a Customer

[ClassyGuy1]

In the near future, a customer of the company that I work for is going to be taking my wife and I to a sporting event. The customer has mentioned that, because the tickets are theirs, they have to be present which is completely understandable. At one point, the customer stated in an E-Mail that we might be able to go out for dinner and drinks before the sporting event, which would have to be on their tab, since everything has to be paid for by their company. But that's the only time they mentioned that.

I don't believe there is going to be enough time to sit down for dinner and drinks before the event, and while I'm not holding my breath, if the customer offers to buy my wife and I some hot dogs or a burger and beer or pop at the event, do my wife and I graciously accept or politely decline and hold ourselves responsible for finding our own dinner on the way home? And if my wife and I happen to want a T-Shirt or something from the team's store or merchandise area, do we allow the customer to buy it for us or do we purchase it ourselves? Or, even further, would the customer even still be expected to cover any food at the event if we're not sitting down for dinner?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[tj100]



At one point, the customer stated in an E-Mail that we might be able to go out for dinner and drinks before the sporting event, which would have to be on their tab, since everything has to be paid for by their company.

My guess would be that the Company in question has a strict policy against vendors buying meals/entertainment/gifts for their employees to prevent conflicts of interest. You probably aren't allowed to buy them anything, but you also shouldn't be ringing up a bill on their account.

 

[ClassyGuy1]



My guess would be that the Company in question has a strict policy against vendors buying meals/entertainment/gifts for their employees to prevent conflicts of interest. You probably aren't allowed to buy them anything, but you also shouldn't be ringing up a bill on their account.

I would not be buying them anything, as I am the one who they are entertaining. But I do agree with the concept of politely and graciously accepting food and drink from them, but not buying the most expensive items on the menu.

 

[VinnyMac]

Unless they offer, you don't have to worry about any of the issues that you mentioned. Save yourself the stress, and just go to the event.