Maybe you feel a little silly to talk about the common sense of China business practices, after ever so many times of visiting the nation. However, it can truly help forward a foreigner to work more easily in China, especially for beginners.
The following Do's and Don'ts specify some of the important China business practices for a foreigner.
Do's:
Be aware of all favors done for you and prepare to respond in kind.
Do establish a trusting personal relationship that demonstrates your respect. Business
relationships are often set up on personal relationships in China.
Have a connection in China, getting help from local friend, business partner or
commercial service agency specialized for foreigners.
Due diligence survey on your potential resellers in China is required to evaluate his real
credit situation and capacity.
Be as informed as possible about current social, economic, and political aspects of
China, especially for local market information.
Don'ts
Don't insult or openly criticize someone in front of others; it is very important for
Chinese people to "maintaining face".
Don't poke fun at someone, even if in fun.
Don't stare at your counterpart; it may make Chinese uncomfortable.
Don't show up to a business meeting late if you're hoping to make a positive
impression. Chinese takes punctuality seriously.
When you select a gift to Chinese people, some custom should be attention.
Don't give a Chinese a green hat as a gift, which is extremely embarrassing. In China,
when a man wears green, it indicates his wife has been unfaithful. And don't give the
older people a clock; that is not auspicious as a signal of non long life.
