We are a health, physical education, sports and fitness publisher and will be sending representatives to meet with authors and organization presidents in Taiwan. Our company does not normally invest in logo brand gifts, but it is appropriate that we send business gifts for this trip. Does anyone have ideas on what would be appropriate to send? Thank you!
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Hi Jeanne,
Sorry for the delay in responding to your question. I have a small booklet published by CondeNast Traveler called Etiquette 101: Gift Guide. It talks about the exchange of gifts in many cultures in Asia, Central and South America, Europe and the Middle East. Perhaps you can contact the magazine at cntraveler.com and get a copy of this helpful booklet.
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Anonymous on
5/9/2012 1:44:35 PM
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If it were me, I'd look up local customs in Taiwan. Many cultures have different meanings to things we take for granted. For example, in some cultures discussing business at dinner is a huge taboo, and could be construed as an insult. I'd look for the book "Kiss, Bow, and Shake Hands", (I don't remember the author), as it gives cultural lessons on dealing with non-American businesses and what each may consider to be acceptable business practices.
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Lynne on
4/11/2012 1:40:12 PM
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Hi Jeanne, One of our members works for Case Knives and she suggested them as a gift. They can be personalized with your company information and she says that Asians love knives. If you're interested, I'll hook you up with her. Let me know.
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Anonymous on
4/11/2012 12:50:30 PM
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Here are a few suggestions:
? Water bottles
? Pens
? Stress balls
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Anonymous on
4/11/2012 8:38:45 AM
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We do alot of international travel and this website is a businees nonprofit and has been accurate in reagards to Asian countries and what we have experienced:
http://www.asianresearch.org/articles/1382.html
It is always better to be more generous than not and just as we investigate business customs abroad, they usually do the same when meeting us and would understand that a gift can be customary here in the US.
Good luck!
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Robin Lewis on
4/11/2012 8:11:08 AM
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We have a Sister City in I-Lan Taiwan. When we give them gifts, we make sure the item does not say "MADE IN CHINA" on it anywhere. Not an easy task. One time, our group here made them a quilt (if you have the time) where several from our organization got together and made one. We also have dedicated park land and named it after them, They have dedicated a bridge after our City and then gave us a mock rendition of the bridge. We also received a large tree trunk and had it put in a glass case. So they like unusual items or maybe something you have in your building you could dedicate to them.
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Julie Minegar Stasi on
4/10/2012 3:45:22 PM
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International Gift Etiquette - Taiwan
GIFT GIVING IN TAIWAN*
BUSINESS GIFT GIVING / PERSONAL GIFT GIVING
General Guidelines
Exchanging business gifts is popular in Taiwanese business culture. Be sure to take an assortment of gifts, so that you can have at least one for any occasion. This strategy will be particularly useful if you are unexpectedly presented with a gift.
You may be presented with a gift during a first meeting. Ensure that you have gifts on hand so that you can reciprocate.
Good gifts for a first trip include items featuring your company logo. Do not give a gift, however, that has been manufactured in Taiwan.
It is Chinese custom to decline a gift three times before accepting; this ritual prevents the recipient from appearing too acquisitive. In the face of these protestations, continue to insist. Once your gift is finally accepted, say that you are pleased. When you receive a gift, you will be expected to go through the same routine.
A gift should be received in both hands, palms facing upwards.
Gifts are not opened in front of the giver. Opening presents alone allows both the giver and recipient to 'save face.' There is a cultural belief that the giver and recipient may be embarrassed if the gift turns out to be a poor choice.
It is customary to reciprocate a gift with one of similar value. Therefore, choose a gift that takes into account the recipient's financial resources.
The Taiwanese tend to give very generous presents and Western visitors should be prepared to reciprocate with gifts of the same value.
Gifts of food are appreciated by the Chinese, but avoid bringing food gifts with you to a dinner party--unless it has been agreed upon beforehand. To bring food suggests that your host's hospitality is inadequate. Instead, send food as a thank-you gift afterwards: candy or fruit baskets are safe choices.
Give an even number of flowers. An odd number of flowers will only be perceived as an omen of bad luck.
At Chinese New Year, it is customary to give a gift of money in a red envelope to children and to the service personnel who frequently assist you. This gift is called 'hong bao'--a government-mandated type of gift-giving that may be of importance to you if you are considered an employer in the country. Give only new bills in even numbers and even amounts. Many employers give each employee a 'hong bao' equal to one month's salary.
Gifts and wrappings in red, pink, and yellow are happy, prosperous colours.
Avoid using black or white gift wrap.
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Anonymous on
4/10/2012 3:18:10 PM
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Name not a reflect on you sorry I forgot to change it from a scathing post I put on here about an admin where I work not calling you ignorant :)
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Anonymous on
4/10/2012 3:14:24 PM
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I would do some research on what is appropriate in Taiwan as you don't want to offend anyone. I know sometimes customs in Asian countrys are far different from the US.
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Anonymous on
4/10/2012 3:13:15 PM
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