Fundamentals of Selling 13th Edition by Charles Futrell

Exercise 21

People buy from you for many reasons, but primarily because of your excellent products and the service you and your company provide to customers. You follow the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have done unto you." You feel customers put the meat and potatoes on your table. They are responsible for the good income you earn. You appreciate that and always try to show how much you appreciate their trust and business.
You occasionally have been taking one of your customers, whom you like personally, out to lunch. Recently, this customer's purchases have increased from $50,000 to $650,000 a year. You want to show your appreciation by buying your customer two season tickets for the local professional basketball team. The buyer and his spouse are great basketball fans. However, if your other clients and coworkers find out, they may view the gift as unprofessional.
What would be the most ethical action to take
Do not buy the season tickets. It is unprofessional to mix work and social ties. Instead, write your client a nice thank-you letter stating that you appreciate his continued business.