What's For Lunch?

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Permalink Reply by Dental Sales Rep on April 4, 2009 at 7:05pm

Ah, the age old question. Well maybe that's a bit much. Anyway, the larger question is how many people and how much are you or your company willing to shell out.

Pizza is great for large groups, but the health conscious folks don't appreciate it much. Sometimes you make out better having the office choose a local (non chain) establishment that everyone in the office appreciates and have the office order the food. Give them guidelines on cost or they may think you are a pharma rep with an unlimited expense account.

Hope there are some creative reps out there with some edible answers to this question.

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Permalink Reply by Jackson on April 4, 2009 at 7:16pm

I find the practice offensive

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Permalink Reply by Dental Sales Rep on April 5, 2009 at 7:04am

What practice would that be? The office asking for lunch or the rep trying to get in the office and do the lunch and learn? It is the only time you can speak to the dentist and staff for longer that 10 or 15 minutes.

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Permalink Reply by Zack Branch on April 5, 2009 at 12:37pm

There are times when I'm repulsed by the "pay to play" aspect of it, too. (Eat to compete?) On this occasion, I am happy to do it. I'm asking them to take an hour out of their day to participate in a hands-on demonstration, and lunch is a small way of showing my gratitude. After the retail rep told me we were finally getting an at-bat, I offered to bring lunch...

In the past I have been asked to provide lunch by the front desk girls, and when I've told them I'm working with a very limited budget and a large portion would have to come out of my pocket if I were to agree to that, they acted like they expected me to pay!!

Another time, when working with a brand new retail rep, I got hoodwinked by an office in Pasadena, CA. He was basically cold calling on this "account" and they agreed to a lunch-n-learn, but when I came on our scheduled day it was a lunch-n-burn. They wouldn't listen or try the product and it was all I could do to keep my composure, lol.

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Permalink Reply by craig kodimer on April 7, 2009 at 2:53am

WHY ARE YOU LETTING NEW REPS USE YOU

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Permalink Reply by Zack Branch on April 7, 2009 at 10:49am

On that particular occasion it was the practice, not the rep. But when I was new there were more than a few times when I feel like I was taken advantage of (by reps both new and experienced!) Partly had to do with me not being real sure of how the business worked and being a people pleaser - partially the fault of those looking to "get over." We've all had to pay some dues and learn some things the hard way, no? In any case, I'm a strong believer in the Karmic boomerang; what goes around comes around baby.

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Permalink Reply by Bill Neumann on April 6, 2009 at 10:35am

I find the practice of an office using a dental rep for a free lunch with no intention of ever buying or even listening to the presentation offensive. It doesn't happen often, but when it does it ruins your day.

I am very cautious now when I set up lunch and learns. There is a tremendous value to them, but watch out.

On the other hand some of my largest sales have been in a lunch and learn.

Pizza with no toppings LOL

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Permalink Reply by Zack Branch on April 7, 2009 at 10:52am

Bill, I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who's ever been duped by an unscrupulous office! Lol

Pizza w/ no toppings? How about I bring a hot plate, can opener and some Beanie Weenies? At least they'll get some protein. :D

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Permalink Reply by Joe Donohue on April 5, 2009 at 3:46pm

Many catering companies are now offering "food to go" and will even deliver for a reasonable price. It's a neat way to offer some fresh creative cuisine at a reasonable price.

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Permalink Reply by Zack Branch on April 7, 2009 at 10:53am

I'm going to look into this today! Thanks, you da man.

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