Preparing for a business meeting requires several important things to be discussed or presented, materials to be distributed, and perhaps a business gift. Giving business gifts a social gesture that is practiced in some countries, but could be a form of bribery in others. Knowing and understanding first the custom of a country that will be visiting will help make gift-giving a success.
Most big companies and some government agencies have policies with regards to giving and receiving business gifts. To avoid problems, a giver should learn and respect the policies of the companies that he /she do business with.
There are some countries like Malaysia and Paraguay that have this bad impression upon any gift that could be construed as a bride. One could not give a business gift until a professional relationship is established. It is even more strict in Singapore, where government employees are not allowed to accept business gifts from firms. In the United States, business companies and government offices limit their employees to accept gifts within the dollar value they have set.
While aforementioned countries have been quite very strict regarding accepting
business gifts, countries like Japan, Indonesia and Philippines have been strongly rooted in business gift-giving tradition. In fact, they usually accept gifts in most gracious way they can, just like also when they present gifts. That's why, people in these countries are very particular in planning a gift-giving with style.
When accepting business gifts, it is important in Asia and in Middle East to use the right hand or both hands. The same thing when offering gifts. In Japan and Hong Kong, they use both hands when accepting and giving gifts.
In Singapore, a recipient may graciously decline the gift three times before accepting it. However in Chile, business gifts can be accepted and opened right after receiving it. In Indonesia, giving small gifts is usually done in a frequent basis.
Another thing that should be keep in mind when giving business gifts are the religious laws. For example, Jewish and Muslim religions are very strict when it comes to pork. Therefore, one should not pick a gift made from pigskin or anything that comes from pigs. Also, it is a prohibition for the Muslim faith to consume alcohol, thus bottles of wine and beer must be avoided. As in India, never give something that is made from cowhide.
Today,
personalized gifts are popularly given as business
gifts for employees, clients, business partners, target audience and retiree. These personalized business gifts range from engraved
business card holders,
personalized pens, engraved
desk clocks, personalized business gift baskets to
leather gifts and more.
