Gift Giving Etiquette Japan

•Gift-giving is a central part of Japanese business etiquette. •Bring a range of gifts for your trip so if you are presented with a gift you will be able to reciprocate. •The emphasis in Japanese business culture is on act of gift-giving not gift itself. •Expensive gifts are common. •The best time to present a gift is at end of your visit. •A gift for an individual should be given in private. •If you are presenting a gift to a group of people have them all present. •The correct etiquette is to present/receive gifts with both hands. •Before accepting a gift it is polite to refuse at least once or twice before accepting. •Giving four or nine of anything is considered unlucky. Give in pairs if possible.

Gift Giving Etiquette in Saudi Arabia

•Gifts should only be given to most intimate of friends. •Gifts should be of highest quality. •Never buy gold or silk as a present for men. •Silver is acceptable. •Always give/receive gifts with right hand. •Saudis enjoy wearing scent – ‘itr’. The most popular is ‘oud’ which can cost as much as £1000 an ounce. •It is not bad etiquette to open gifts when received.

The above are a few of many examples of cross cultural differences in gift giving etiquette. It is advisable to try and ascertain some facts about gift giving etiquette of any country you plan to visit on business. By doing so, you maximise potential of your cross cultural encounter.

Neil Payne is Director of Cross Cultural Communications consultancy, Kwintessential.

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The lesson learned here is to feel passionate about what you sell. Try it out ,use it, test it, drive wheels off it. More importantly be creative in your marketing .Creativity rules marketing world no doubt about it. Take out a notebook and brainstorm a marketing campaign so powerful that people who don’t even need product will be pulling out credit cards.

To Your Success.

Christophor Strobel