Your time for a gift card

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Author Message James Sandoz, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA Senior Member Username: jsandoz Post Number: 256 Registered: 06-2005 Posted on Monday, February 18, 2019 - 11:38 am:    With increasing frequency I am receiving requests to take a survey or give feedback of some sort in exchange for (usually) a gift card of nominal value. These are most often Amazon or VISA gift cards so their usefulness is as good as it can be. Personally, I don’t have much use for an Ulta or Forever 21 gift card. :-) My issue with this is two-fold. First, while the gesture is taken in the spirit intended I would like to believe most professionals in a position like mine would not expect, nor accept, a gratuity, such as a gift card, in exchange for their input. My thinking may be too high-handed but I believe it cheapens what we have to offer. Second, and this may seem to undermine my first point but here it is, if the offering is intended as a quid pro quo, the quo usually does not equate to the quid. Case-in-point, I was recently offered a $50 gift card in exchange for “45 minutes” of my time. My “time” is worth more than that to me and it is certainly worth more than that to my firm. I know this post will create some debate but I just needed to express my stance on the subject and would like to get the thoughts of my colleagues. I offer nothing tangible in return though I might buy you a refreshing beverage of your choice next time we meet at a master specifier’s retreat, Construct (not this year for me though), BOND event or similar. Colin Gilboy Senior Member Username: colin Post Number: 461 Registered: 09-2005 Posted on Monday, February 18, 2019 - 11:44 am:    I frequently suggest to manufacturers that they spend some time with a local specifier off hours. Suggesting reviewing their master spec and website to better understand the specifier's needs. I always suggest offering a take-our dinner and a $250 Visa card. Colin Gilboy Publisher, 4specs.com 702-505-9119 - Las Vegas Robin E. Snyder Senior Member Username: robin Post Number: 761 Registered: 08-2004 Posted on Monday, February 18, 2019 - 01:38 pm:    I don't mind them and, if I do take the time, I typically use them to buy items on a charity's "wish list" from amazon. Michael Chusid, RA FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: michael_chusid Post Number: 460 Registered: 10-2003 Posted on Monday, February 18, 2019 - 03:28 pm:    I was assisting a manufacturer to assess the market potential of a new building system. We wanted architects to give the product serious attention, so we hired them at their standard daily billing rate. We gave each a package of product information and a list of questions we wanted them to address in writing, then had a face to face meeting with each. The feedback was invaluable and saved the manufacturer from pursuing many dead ends. It was an excellent investment for the company. By and large, the individuals that participated took the assignment seriously and found it professionally rewarding as it stimulated fresh thinking and zero risk. Michael Chusid, RA FCSI CCS 1-818-219-4937 www.chusid.com www.buildingproduct.guru David G. Axt, CCS, CSI ,SCIP Senior Member Username: david_axt Post Number: 1757 Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Monday, February 18, 2019 - 03:39 pm:    I stopped doing phone or on-line surveys a while ago. I found that "a few minutes" turned in to 30 or 45 with no end in sight. I found myself answering questions incorrectly in order to end the survey. Usually answers will create more questions. That said I will do a quick survey of an event that I attended. But if the survey lasts more than 5 minute I quickly end it. David G. Axt, CCS, CSI, SCIP Specifications Consultant Axt Consulting LLC James Sandoz, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA Senior Member Username: jsandoz Post Number: 257 Registered: 06-2005 Posted on Monday, February 18, 2019 - 04:16 pm:    Colin, your idea is one I could sink my teeth into. I would willingly and assiduously participate in an exercise like that which Michael describes. Robin, I especially like your idea of what to do with these small windfalls; a better use I cannot imagine. David, I believe some of the negativity in my initial post came from the same experiences you have had and I have taken the same measures to deal with that. Thank you all for your perSPECtive and you do not have to pardon the pun. Lynn Javoroski FCSI CCS LEED® AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 2179 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Monday, February 18, 2019 - 06:24 pm:    Robin, what an excellent idea! I will definitely remember that and use it if given the opportunity. Thanks!