Continue our topic about business culture in China. If you haven’t seen previous post about it, you can have a look on it first ^^
6. We have stopped on presents. So do you know what you shouldn’t gift in China and what the good present is?
Don’t consider sharp objects such as knife or other weapon, an umbrella as a present, because they symbolize cutting the relationship, breaking up.
Watch, clock and headwear are also not a good choice.
If you want to gift flowers, don’t chose white flowers, especially chrysanthemum because it associates with the funeral.
Don’t gift anything with number 4, pronunciation of 4 and death in Chinese is similar and this number is associated with a bad luck.
If you live in Shanghai and want to visit someone in a hospital, it is a good idea to bring fruits, but take apples out of it. The reason is pronunciation of apple in shanghai dialect is similar to illness, disease.
Then you might ask what is good for present?
First of all, Chinese people love foreign stuff, something which you cannot buy in Chine or it is hard to buy. If you can bring some souvenirs from your country, it will be great present.
Secondly, Pens of famous brands such as “Parker” will be a great surprise for your Chinese partners. A particularly interesting idea would be a pen with an engraving — for example, the name of the owner.
Another idea is painting or printing photos on canvas, statuettes and sculptures.
Fourthly, wine or any other imported alcohol – especially the Chinese love European wines.
Fifthly, household appliances-the Chinese appreciate practical things, so giving a person a slow cooker or toaster you will get right “in the bull’s eye”….
Sixthly, table set — another good gift for a business partner. Items included in it can be decorated with the logo of your organization.
Last one but not least is candy, and again some imported.
Use the red gift wrap as it symbolizes good luck and happiness.
When choosing a surprise for business partners, you need to count on the entire delegation, not just the leaders.
At the time of receiving a gift, it is not accepted to look at it immediately.
You should always give a gift with two hands.
7. Communication
As for communication-it will be difficult to achieve a good level of mutual understanding if you do not know Chinese, and you do not have a quality translator. For important meetings, it is really worth hiring a professional. Сommunication in China can be a slow and time-consuming process, which in addition is fraught with a series of misunderstandings and translation difficulties. Pay attention to it – because of poor-quality translation, you will never understand what went wrong and what should be emphasized in the next interaction.
Another reason for possible communication problems is that the Chinese, like other Asians, will never say no to your face.
Direct refusal conceals mutual embarrassment and loss of face of the proposing party, so it is easier to agree in person and subsequently refuse than to embarrass both parties during negotiations.
Be ready to this kind of situation, sometimes for western people it is much easier to just hear a direct refusing and start to find a new option, but for the Chinese it is not like that. If you have decided to lead a business with them, then you should respect this part of the culture, too.
8. Dinner
Dinner is an opportunity to ask for something in return.
Put the Chinese “on the hook” – pay for dinner, which, in theory, the Chinese side had to pay for. And Yes, don’t forget to politely point it out to them. Works flawlessly, because otherwise the Chinese risk “losing face”.
One of the best ways to pay for dinner is to get up, go to the bathroom and pay the bill before it comes to a ” pretend fight at the checkout.”
Dinner seems to be nothing, but behind it is 5000-year-old culture and traditions. When you have paid the bill, do not be afraid to continue in a polite tone: “If I have paid for your dinner, you can make up for it…”. And then explain to them how they can thank you.
