Things to know before doing business in China

Adam Rusek, who works for a Poland-based Chinese company, offers advice on Chinese business culture and etiquette.

Meeting and greeting:

1. You have to have a good quality business card - it is a part of the "face". It can also be wise to wear some accessories - forexample, a good quality watch or shoes - to create a good impression.

2. Business meetings are similar to those in the "Western world," with some differences:

- A lot of tea

- The meeting may start with some personal questions "to know each other". For instance, you may be asked if you have a wife, children,etc.

Gift etiquette

Regarding gifts from your Chinese business partners - don't accept if they are every expensive/extravagant, as they could be a sort of"bribe" - for example, to overlook quality issues...)

Dinning etiquettes:

1. A business lunch is for everyone, a business dinner is for business partners.

2. The "most honorable" seat faces the door.

3. You can ask for a knife and fork, but it would be much better if you use chopsticks.

4. You don't have to eat everything that is on the table, - your hosts may be trying to impress you - but it would perhaps be a good idea to try.

5. They will try to get you drunk by "drinking in turns" - if they try, always ask everyone to drink with you at the same time, not only one person.Explain this is the custom in your homeland.

Conducting business

1. Business relations in China require "personal contact", but you may want written agreements – and it could be a good idea if you preparethese yourself. However, written words may only be words on paper, without any meaning/validity.

2. For the first delivery/production - pay special attention to the quality. For the next ones - be even more careful: If you give a finger…youmay lose a hand.