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Gifts around the globe

In today's world of global companies and global markets, where we communicate and do business with different countries and people of different religions and cultures, it is important that we stay competitive and respected as a business partners. It is a must to know well; the rules and etiquette of giving proper gifts.

Written by Gordana Popović,  PR & Event Agency PIARTIS

 

 

Gift giving in business is a way to express respect, happiness, recognition or even an apology. Gifts can strengthen or improve cooperation, correct wrong moves, but can also damage the relationship. Inappropriate gifts, as well as routines or negligence in selecting and sending gifts will show us in a bad light and undermine good business relations. It is better not to send gift at all then send the wrong gift.

 

In some countries such as Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Russia, Poland and Ukraine; it is expected to bring a gift at the first visit. In the other, particularly European countries; the gift is considered a more personal choice and not mandatory.

 

Appropriate color of wrapping paper

 

The first step when it comes to gifts is to carefully inquire about the customs and traditions of the country or religion of the client or business partner. The emphasis must be on the feelings and preferences of the person you are giving a gift. We must show that we care about these people, about the company and about business with them. If we care about choosing the right gift, we will probably care as much in doing business with them.

 

Be sure to check that the appropriate color wrapping paper is used; but first of all; check the rules of the company; since some companies prohibit its employees to receive any gifts. The purpose of the gift, the selection; the presentation and delivery of gifts should never be embarrassing for a recipient. There is a possibility that the person will return a gift, which is not an unusual gesture if the gift is not in accordance with the custom or policy of the company, personal beliefs; or if the purpose of the gift is in question. It is best to avoid such a situation. If it happens, we should mention that we understand and take the gift back.

 

If we send gifts around Christmas time, and we are not sure about the religious beliefs of the person you send it to; the safest is to wish Happy Holidays. This way it is neutral and can also congratulate all the religious holidays that take place at the time, common in multicultural environments like New York or London.

 

If you and the person to whom you want to give a gift already have established a close relationship, you should personalize a gift from the usual corporate gift giving. It should, therefore, be taken into consideration the preferences and hobbies of the person; demonstrating that you took the time and effort to remember some information about the person. One idea is to give a personalized box of golf balls or nautical accessories if the recipient is a golfer or sailor.

 

Balance between valuable and not obligatory gifts

 

It is important to find a balance, to give nice and valuable gifts; but on the other hand not to make person feel obligated in any way. Some practical countries like the U.S., made the task easier by defining the price categories, depending on who sends and receives a business gifts. So for example, a gift of $25 is suitable if a younger manager sends it to the client and $100 if it comes from leading people in the company. Larger amounts are appropriate only for specific situations. We should avoid the situation that our recipient has to pay customs or other duties for the gift.

 

Generally these gifts to foreign partners and clients, should be avoided:

* Sharp objects such as knives for opening office mail, professional kitchen knives, pocket knives, and travel sets with scissors ... because in many cultures they are interpreted as symbols of cutting relationships and contacts.
* Products for which that country is famous for, for example avoid sending wine to France, vodka in Russia, silver in Mexico, olive oil in Greece and leather goods in Argentina.

It is impossible to list all of the advice and recommendations in one text, but I will mention some of the most important facts of gift giving in some countries and religions:

China: Caution; a business gift could be associated with corruption

 

Communism in China has led to skepticism about the giving and receiving of gifts. State officials have long been forbidden to accept gifts. Today, it is not as strictly defined, especially in larger cities; but it still requires extra caution. The best is to give the gift after the deal is signed. A gift is given with both hands, as well as; business cards. Gifts are opened in private, rather than upon receiving; so we should act the same when we receive a gift.

 

Appropriate colors for wrapping presents are red, pink, yellow and gold. Colors that should be avoided: white, blue and blacks should be avoided as those are the colors of mourning.

 

Appropriate gifts:

*An invitation to dinner or lunch.
*Group gifts to the company; rather than individuals.
*A gift with company logo
*Products from your country

 

Inappropriate gifts:

Clocks, handkerchiefs and umbrellas; as the Chinese associate those with death.

 

Japan: Do not give anything in 4 or 9 pieces

 

Gift-giving is a very important part of business protocol in Japan. The emphasis is greater on ritual than the gift itself. It may be of different value, very expensive or inexpensive, even extravagant and without fear that it is giving a bribe. We should thank alot and treasure the gifts when we receive one. When giving gifts, it is good to state that your relationship is more important than the trivial things. The gift is given with both hands and at the end of the meeting and should be opened in privacy; not at the moment that is received.

 

Do not send the same gift to people of different rank, and make sure that all people who are present receive one gift. When visiting Japan, it is always good to carry extra gifts with you. If you really find yourself in a situation that you have no gift for someone; send a gift or flowers the next day.

 

Appropriate gifts:

* Products of prestigious brands
* High quality whiskey, brandy, bourbon or fine wines
* Frozen Kobe beef steaks
* Gourmet foods
* Cufflinks
* Pens and writing sets from prestigious manufacturers
* Something that reflects the recipient's interests and hobbies
* Framed photograph with recipient

 

Not appropriate gifts:

* White flowers or flowers in pots
* Anything in the amount of 4 or 9 pieces, as those are numbers that bring misfortune
* Red cards; as red print is connected with funerals

 

Italy: Offer them something they do not produce

 

I have often witnessed how foreign business people leave bad impressions with their gifts. The catch is that the Italians are very sophisticated, and they have a very high quality and aesthetically remanufactured products. The best tactic is to offer them something they do not have, especially when it comes to food and drink.

 

Appropriate gifts:

* Richly illustrated books about your country

* High-quality food products that are not usual in Italy; such as domestic liquor and other alcoholic beverages

 

Not appropriate gifts:

* Olive oil, wine, leather goods from your country; unless they are very original

 

Muslim: Submitting and receiving of gifts exclusively with right hand

 

The first and foremost rule, is that the present is delivered and received with the right-hand; because the left hand is designed for hygiene. Gifts are opened in private. Be careful not to praise an object too much that you noticed in someone's home or office, because they will feel obliged to give that object to you; so it will be in an awkward situation.

 

Appropriate gifts:

* Compass, because every day they pray facing Mecca, so it helps them to determine the direction
* Silver, semiprecious stones, cashmere or crystal

Not appropriate gifts:

* Products that contain alcohol, since the Koran forbids alcohol. This prohibition includes drinks, candy, and perfume
* Products or food that has to do with the scavengers, such as pigs, birds and shellfish; and products of pig leather or ostrich
* Personal clothing
* Anything that has to do with dogs (drawings, paintings, toys) because dogs are considered unclean
* Art objects, sculptures, drawings or photographs of the human body, especially women.

 

Jews: Do not give anything with pigs or shellfish

 

If you are giving a gift to an Orthodox Jew, you should be well prepared and know their degree of religious practice; since they strictly abide their rules and rituals.

 

Appropriate gifts:

* Kosher  products from your country, and all domestic alcoholic beverages other than wine, because that does not have to be kosher processed, provided that we are sure that person drinks alcohol

 

Not appropriate gifts:

* Anything with pigs or shellfish

* Products that are not kosher processed and manufactured

 

Germany: The greater the gift, the better it is given in public

 

It is appropriate to give gifts as a thank you; mostly after work. The more valuable gifts are advisable to submit publicly, not privately; to avoid the thought of a bribe. An expensive gift is generally better to avoid; in order not to create a sense of obligation. Gifts are opened immediately after they are received. After the visit, it is polite to write a thank you note to the hosts for their hospitality.

 

Appropriate gifts:

* Imported liquor
* Expensive wine from your country
* Luxurious, richly illustrated book about your country

* Gourmet food from your country, but bear in mind that should be more standard; especially if it's a gift to the elderly.
* Silk scarves

 

Not appropriate gifts:

* Red roses and lilies as a symbol of romantic relationships
* Clothes and perfumes since those articles are considered to personal
* Beer; given that the Germans themselves are known for this product

 

India: White and red wrapped gifts bring misfortune

 

Gift-giving is customary in India, and is a sign of friendship. However, the gift is not expected at the first encounter; only when the relationship is already well developed. Gifts are given with both hands and opened in private. It is suitable wrapping them in colors that are considered to bring good luck: yellow, green and red. Do not give anything expensive, unless you're in a very close relationship with that person. Indians tend to return the favor, so expensive gift may result in discomfort. Gifts are not opened in the presence of the donor. If a man is giving a gift to a woman, it is good to emphasize that the gift is chosen by his mother, wife, daughter or other female.

 

Appropriate gifts:

* If you are visiting the business partners at home or during holidays; it is customary to bring a box of sweets
* Products from your country, such as perfume, chocolate, porcelain and crystal
* imported Scotch whiskey or wine; if you are sure the person drinks alcohol
* Joint framed photograph of you and the person you are giving gift

 

Not appropriate gifts:

* Presents wrapped in white or black paper because those colors bring misfortune
* Gifts associated with the numbers 11, 51, 101, 501 ... because they are numbers that bring misfortune
* Leather gifts; as many Indian are vegetarians
* Jewelry; since it is considered an intimate gift
* Avoid products that have anything to do with cows (leather, paintings, artifacts); given that the cow is a sacred animal in India.

 

Mexico: Yellow flowers symbolize death, red roses throwing spells

 

Gift-giving is not mandatory in the Mexican business culture. Small gifts will certainly appreciated as a gesture of good will and will be opened immediately upon receipt.

 

Appropriate gifts:

* Office accessories with the logo of our company, best given at the first meeting
* High-quality products and monographs about your country
A bottle of wine or whiskey

 

Not appropriate gifts:

* Expensive gifts
* Silver; because the Mexicans are big producers of silver and such a gifts are associated with street souvenirs
* Yellow flowers because it symbolizes death

 

Written by Gordana Popović,  PR & Event Agency PIARTIS