Giving the right business gift for the right occasion is always a challenge. How much should you spend? Should you wrap the gift? Is it even appropriate to give a gift? While gift giving in your country can be complicated, giving business gifts in Asia has a whole other level of nuances. Some general principles apply in all countries, but each one also has its own distinct traditions.
First off, it’s important to understand that your gift shouldn’t be too lavish or over-the-top because you want your host to be able to reciprocate without feeling uncomfortable. Additionally, in some countries, like China, gift giving can be seen as bribery and is frowned upon. Another consideration is whether or not you are going to present gifts to the entire team, or just to the senior most members. The senior member should always receive the most valuable gift.
You also need to be aware of what not to offer as a business gift. Never give someone a sharp object, such as a knife or scissors, as it can be seen as severing the ties of your relationship. You should also avoid clocks because they’re associated with the word for ‘death’ in Asia. Gifts indicating the number four or groups of four, as well as odd numbers and the number 13 are considered unlucky in Asian culture. Finally, gifts that could be considered to have romantic connotations also should be avoided.
Some acceptable gifts for Asian business partners include electronic gadgets, desk and office accessories, liquor, chocolate and flowers. In some countries, such as China, you may even want to host a banquet or dinner at a local restaurant for your business colleagues. The most important element is that the gift is of the best quality.
Red is considered a lucky colour in Asia, so it’s a good choice for wrapping paper. Other positive colours include pink, gold and silver. Always check with the local customs, though, as a certain colour of wrapping paper might be acceptable in one Asian country, but get you into trouble in another.
Mawson Global is uniquely positioned to assist with supplier relationships, from selecting an appropriate business gift to identifying the best source for your products. For more information on how we can help with all your global sourcing needs please, contact us!
