Business Etiquette Question

[BLPen163]

I am meeting for the 1st time a group of Engineers from China that I wish to develop a business relationship with. They are in Canada and I'm traveling to see them. I have read some on giving of gifts and have chosen a nice pen and pencil set to present to the Senior Engineer. I cannot figure out what would be appropriate to put on the card with the gift?

Any and all advice would be most welcome.

[flameproof]

I would not give gifts. It can only go wrong.

What are they? Customers or suppliers? Suppliers will not receive gifts anyway, they have to give them out. If they are customers a simple pen wound do anyway.

Giving anything is like opening a can of worms, don't do it.

[BLPen163]

They will be supplying me with parts...I have a basic pen and pencil set as a gift.....If this is wrong I can always leave it at home???

[simonlaing]

I think basic gifts are fine . try not to have it say made in China on it.

They will likely be bringing you some gifts. probably Olympic 2008 nick nacks as it the fashion this year.

More important try and take them to a nice restaurant. Chinese people appreciate good food.

Also a tourist outing to some scenic place if there is time is good.

When you give your business card use two hands, also look at theirs carefully before putting it away.

Engineers are fairly down to earth.

have fun,

Simon:)

[gougou]

Like flameproof said, if you're the one buying from them, it shouldn't be necessary to bring them gifts. Nor invite them to meals.