Visiting technician "hospitality"...thoughts?

[TekChik]

So we're doing this major upgrade of a database here at work that I've been kind of in charge of. There's a technician here on site today thru wednesday. I've never been in charge of something like this before so I'm wondering - what are the conventions for this kind of thing? Do I offer to take him to lunch? Or just point out where the nearest McDonald's is?

Their company had reps out here a couple weeks ago and they've really been wanting us to do this upgrade (since we'll spend gross amounts of money on their products) and the reps took 3 of us from my company out to lunch...

-Clueless TekChik

 

[djheater]

Originally posted by: TekChik
So we're doing this major upgrade of a database here at work that I've been kind of in charge of. There's a technician here on site today thru wednesday. I've never been in charge of something like this before so I'm wondering - what are the conventions for this kind of thing? Do I offer to take him to lunch? Or just point out where the nearest McDonald's is?

Their company had reps out here a couple weeks ago and they've really been wanting us to do this upgrade (since we'll spend gross amounts of money on their products) and the reps took 3 of us from my company out to lunch...

-Clueless TekChik

You'd be really cool if you treated him to lunch, but you are in no way obligated too.

I would if I wanted to get him on my side.

The salesmen come out and treat you to make the sale, they ream the tech not to offend you so that he keeps the sale. If you think you can milk him for more info or you want him on your side, against the salesmen you might consider treating. If however it's a done deal and his job is already set in stone, there's no real reason to treat.

I'd base my decision on your feelings about his character. If you can stand to sit wiht him that long, go ahead.

 

If your company is the one spending the dough, I don't see why you should pay for his lunch too.

 

[T3C]

Originally posted by: jumpr
If your company is the one spending the dough, I don't see why you should pay for his lunch too.

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

beer and burgers!

 

[Mr N8]

He is getting an allowance for the food, but he will probably be more willing to do a better job if you offer lunch / dinner. My buddy does that kind of work, and if he gets to have lunch with somebody, he loves it. Its a lonely job, especially when he goes out on his own.

 

[TekChik]

Originally posted by: cybpnk

Originally posted by: jumpr
If your company is the one spending the dough, I don't see why you should pay for his lunch too.

That's what I was thinking, too...but on the other hand, he's out here in an area he knows nothing about. There's a deli IN our building, so it's not like we'd even have to TAKE him anywhere. I didn't really think about that - he could just go downstairs and grab whatever he wants. That way it's quicker, too...we'll get more time out of him. The sale is already complete and they're billing us for 8 hours/day of his time and he didn't get here till after 10. I know I'M not gonna stay till 6:30 to make sure we get 8 hours work for our money...LOL.

Thanks for your thoughts, everyone 🙂

 

[kranky]

Originally posted by: TekChik
I know I'M not gonna stay till 6:30 to make sure we get 8 hours work for our money...LOL.

That's one way to make sure you're not in charge of the next upgrade.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Usually, that's why the techs have expense reports.