Is an autographed football a compliance-violation?

Yes! An autographed football can be a compliance issue.

A rare or high-value gift may exceed corporate gift limits and create the appearance of improper influence.

Why Does This Matter?

Gifts that are rare, personalized, or high in value can create the appearance of favoritism or improper influence — even when no wrongdoing is intended. These situations can put both the employee giving the gift and the recipient at risk of violating company policies, damaging trust, or creating compliance concerns.

Here’s a short (26 seconds), real-world compliance scenario employees often face:

Scenario Transcript

EMPLOYEE QUESTION
I would like to send one of my favorite clients a holiday gift. It’s a rare, autographed football from her favorite team.

Is this okay?

COMPLIANCE FEEDBACK
Employees may provide a modest non-cash gift if it’s during the holiday season. However, the rare, autographed football sounds more expensive than our gift policy allows.

Why Asking Questions Is the Right Decision

Employees are encouraged to ask questions when something feels unclear or uncomfortable. Raising concerns in good faith helps protect both the employee and the company.

Top Frequently Asked Questions and Answers(FAQs)

Does it matter if I give the gift with good intentions as a sales employee?

Yes. Even well-intentioned gifts from sales employees can create compliance risks if they exceed policy limits or appear to influence business decisions.

Sales professionals are responsible for ensuring gifts are modest, appropriate, and compliant, regardless of intent.

  • Good intentions do not eliminate compliance risk

  • Perception matters as much as purpose

  • Sales roles are often held to higher standards

Could giving a high-value gift put the client’s employee at risk?

Yes. Many companies have strict gift policies, and receiving a high-value or unique gift could put the client’s employee in violation of their own company’s rules.

This could expose the client employee to disciplinary action — and damage the business relationship.

  • Clients may have lower gift limits than your company

  • The client employee may be required to disclose or refuse the gift

  • A gift can unintentionally place someone’s job at risk

What should a sales employee do before giving a gift to a client?

Sales employees should understand both their own company’s gift policy and the client’s gift restrictions before offering any gift.

When limits are unclear, it’s best to choose modest items or seek approval in advance.

  • Review internal gifts and entertainment policy

  • Consider the client’s company gift limits

  • When in doubt, ask Compliance or Legal

Can a gift harm a sales relationship even if it’s allowed?

Yes. Even permitted gifts can create discomfort or pressure for the recipient. Many clients prefer modest, transparent interactions to avoid compliance concerns.

What if a gift is intended to strengthen business relationships?

Even gifts intended to strengthen relationships must comply with both your company’s and the recipient’s policies. If the value or nature of the gift exceeds allowable limits, it should be disclosed or avoided.

Can I give a gift card instead of a physical gift?

No. Most corporate policies treat gift cards or “near-cash” items as cash gifts, which are strictly prohibited regardless of the amount.

What if the client is also a personal friend?

The rules still apply. Even if you have a personal friendship, any gift given in the context of a business relationship must comply with company policy to avoid a conflict of interest.

How to use Compliance Scenarios in your training program

Don’t just teach the non-retaliation policy once. Xcelus recommends that three days after you  code of conduct training, ‘push’ this autographed football scenario to learners to reset the forgetting curve and ensure they remember that leadership’s responsibility is to create an environment where individuals feel comfortable speaking up.”

Looking for more real-world compliance scenarios? Browse our library of short, mobile-first scenarios covering gifts and entertainment, sales ethics, accurate records, reporting a concern, and other workplace conduct.