Thank You Note Examples for Declining a Client Gift

Need thank you note examples for returning client gifts?

Perhaps your company has a policy that forbids you to accept gifts from clients.

Many companies do.

Others have a ceiling for the value of a gift received.

They require their employees to disclose to management any gifts received which are valued above $25.

Such policies are not meant to hinder your success or personal prosperity.

They are meant to limit unethical business practices between staff members and clients, which could negatively impact the reputation of the company.

Nevertheless, it is not always easy to know how to politely decline a gift without causing offence.

So if you find yourself in a position of having to return a gift from a well-meaning customer, we’ve provided a few thank you note examples to help you do so gracefully.

The key here is to communicate your appreciation for the gift and the thought behind it, without offending your client.

NOTE: These examples of how to politely decline a gift are intended for the corporate world. Sometimes, we may have other reasons for needing to know how to refuse a gift. Please jump to the end of this article for more personal examples of how to decline a gift.

Thank You Note Examples for Declining Client Gifts

The plant you sent was lovely. Unfortunately I could not accept it, and had it returned. Our company policy does not allow us to accept gifts from clients.

Still, I sincerely appreciated the gesture and look forward to our continued association.

Sincerely,

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You must have read my mind. I have been wanting a fountain pen like the one you sent for some time. It was very thoughtful of you to send it to me.

Sadly, I cannot accept your generosity because company policy prohibits employees from receiving gifts. But be assured that I truly appreciate your kind gesture.

My warmest thanks,

More Thank You Note Examples for Declining Client Gifts

I was stunned by the impressive sterling silver key chain that you sent last week. How very thoughtful of you!

I regret to say that I cannot accept it, however. Per company policy, we are not allowed to accept gifts from clients. Nonetheless, I deeply appreciate your generosity and I hope to be able to repay it some day.

Sincerely,

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How kind of you to send me tickets to Saturday's ball game! Regretfully, I must decline the gift. Company policy does not allow management to accept gifts of greater than a $25 value.

I hope you understand. Thanks so much for thinking of me.

With warm thanks,

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What a surprise it was to receive your gift this morning! The golf bag is awesome, and I can always use extra balls.

Unfortunately, our corporate policy forbids associates to accept gifts from clients. Therefore, I will be returning your gift later this afternoon. I hope you understand.

Please know that your generosity is much appreciated. I look forward to serving you in the near future.

My warmest thanks,


Interested in more thank you notes for customers? If so, check out our customer thank you notes page .

Or visit our customer appreciation notes page.

For notes you can use in your business, please see our business thank you notes page.

How to Reject a Gift Politely - Personal Notes (Non-Corporate)

The bracelet you sent me was beautiful and I am very grateful to you for thinking of me. 

However, I'm afraid I don't feel comfortable accepting such a gift and feel I must return it. I do hope you understand  and realize how much your generosity was appreciated.

Sincerely,

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The painting I received from you this morning showed immense talent and was a lovely thought. 

I am anxious not to hurt your feelings in any way but feel I must decline such a special gift. Please know, however, how very much I appreciate your thoughtfulness.

With thanks,

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