1 gift selection. When choosing gifts, we should make some simple investigations on the hobbies and interests of the gift recipients, which vary from person to person and suit their interests. In addition, we should also pay attention to each other's customs and religious beliefs and understand each other's basic taboos. If you believe in Islam, don't send wine or pigskin products. When western countries send flowers, they prefer odd numbers to even numbers, and generally don't send a single flower seed, which will make the colors richer and look more beautiful. All countries have taboos on color, and it is generally believed that white is a symbol of purity; Black is a symbol of solemnity; Yellow is a symbol of harmony, while red and blue are symbols of good luck. Many countries use black as the color of funerals. The hearse is black. Belgians avoid blue. Brazilians regard brown as the color of mourning and think that death is like a yellow leaf falling from a tree. In the act of giving gifts, the protagonist is of course a gift. When choosing gifts for foreign friends, generally speaking, we must abide by four guiding principles:
(1) Highlight the commemorative nature of the gift. In foreign-related exchanges, gifts should still pay attention to "courtesy is light and affection is heavy". Sometimes, "there is nothing in the south of the Yangtze River, a plum ceremony" is often more popular with the other side. Because in many countries, giving too expensive gifts is out of fashion. On the other hand, it is likely to make the recipient feel accepting bribes.
(2) Reflect the nationality of the gift. Someone once said, "The things with the most national characteristics are often the best". Giving gifts to foreign guests is actually the same. Kites, erhu, flute, paper-cutting, chopsticks, stamps, calligraphy and painting, tea and so on, all of which are very common in China. Once in the hands of foreigners, they will often be favored and their value will double.
(3) Clarify the pertinence of the gift. The pertinence of gifts means that the choice of gifts varies from person to person and from thing to thing. It varies from person to person, that is to say, when choosing a gift, we must fully understand the character, hobbies, cultivation and taste of the recipient, and try our best to make the gift popular with the recipient. It varies from case to case, that is to say, under different circumstances, the gifts given to the recipients should be different. For example, during a state visit, it is wise to give flowers and works of art to state guests. When attending a family dinner, it is advisable to send flowers, local products and handicrafts to the hostess, or send candy and toys to the children of the host family. When visiting patients, it is advisable to exchange flowers, fruits, books and periodicals, CDs, etc.
(4) Pay attention to the difference of gifts. Giving gifts to foreigners never goes against each other's customs and habits. Therefore, when giving gifts, we must regard this as a major event, that is, the difference between foreign-related gifts. To solve this problem, we must understand the customs and habits of the other country and take the initiative to avoid the following six taboos that the other party may have when choosing: First, the taboos related to gifts; The second is the taboo related to the color of gifts; Third, taboos related to gift patterns; Fourth, taboos related to the shape of gifts; Fifth, taboos related to the number of gifts; Sixth, taboos related to gift packaging. These six taboos are sometimes called "six taboos for choosing gifts".
2 methods of giving gifts. When giving gifts to foreigners, we should not only pay attention to the choice of specific varieties, but also pay attention to the methods of giving gifts. According to the etiquette convention, we should pay attention to the ways and means of giving gifts in foreign-related exchanges. Specifically, we should show that we are in the rules and are not chaotic in the packaging, timing and method of giving gifts.
(1) Pay attention to the packaging of gifts. In the past, people in China paid attention to goods rather than packaging when giving gifts. No matter how high-grade gifts are, most of them are "streaking without worry", or at most they are packed in a pack of newspapers and cartons. This practice is not in line with international practice. In international communication, gift packaging is one of the organic components of gifts, and it is regarded as the coat of gifts, which is indispensable when giving gifts. Otherwise, it will be considered as dealing with the recipient at will, and even lead to the "depreciation" of the gift itself. In view of this, gifts for foreign friends must be carefully packaged in advance, and all materials used for packaging should be used as well as possible. At the same time, the outer packaging of gifts for foreigners, in terms of its color, pattern, shape and even ribbon knot, should be considered together with respecting the customs and habits of the recipient.
(2) Grasp the gift-giving opportunity. In foreign-related communication, the specific time of giving gifts can't be the same because of the different relationship between subject and object, specific time, place and gift-giving purpose. According to international practice, it is very important to grasp the best time to give gifts, which should be analyzed in detail. When meeting or talking, if you want to give a gift to your host, you should generally choose the time to get up and leave. When congratulating your communication partners, if you intend to give them gifts, you should generally give them at the beginning of the meeting. Give a gift to the host when attending a banquet, either when you get up to say goodbye or when you eat fruit after dinner. When watching a cultural performance, you can prepare some gifts for the main actors as appropriate, and give them in person when you come to the stage to congratulate after the performance. When traveling and sightseeing, if the visiting unit gives gifts to itself, it is best to return some gifts to the other party at that time. Gifts for special receptionists and staff should generally be given to each other as soon as they arrive in the local area.
(3) Distinguish the ways of giving gifts. The way of giving gifts here refers to how to give gifts to the recipients. In foreign exchanges, there are two ways to give gifts: one is to give gifts in person; The other is to entrust others to transfer money. These two ways of giving gifts are often suitable for different occasions. Sometimes, they often have some special requirements. In general, gifts for foreign friends. Most of them can be given by the giver to the receiver in person. Sometimes, such as giving gifts to foreign friends, or giving gifts to important foreigners. It can also be sent by a concierge or through diplomatic channels. If necessary, the gift can be delivered to the recipient in advance. Usually, when giving gifts to foreigners, especially when entrusting others to foreigners, you should attach the business card of the giver, which can be placed in a gift box or an envelope with the recipient's name written on it, and then try to fix this envelope on the outer packaging of the gift. If possible, try not to send gifts to foreigners.
3 receive gifts. When accepting gifts, friends in western countries like to open them in person and say a few words of thanks. In the business etiquette of accepting gifts from foreign friends, there are generally three aspects that need attention:
(1) gladly accepted. Generally, foreign friends should accept gifts for themselves generously and happily. There's no need to push each other. It's very kind. When accepting a gift, you should stand up, smile, take the gift with both hands, and then shake hands with each other, and solemnly thank each other for this. When accepting gifts, it is very impolite to keep a straight face, accept gifts with your left hand, and not thank the giver after accepting gifts.
(2) unsealing appreciation. In the international community, especially in many western countries, when accepting a gift, the recipient is usually used to opening the gift immediately in front of the giver, then appreciating the gift carefully and giving appropriate praise. This practice, which was previously unacceptable to China people, has gradually evolved into a kind of etiquette that recipients must pay attention to when accepting gifts. In many countries, it is considered impolite not to open a gift on the spot or put it aside for a while. You don't need to pay attention to this when accepting gifts in foreign exchanges.
(3) Thank you afterwards. After accepting gifts from foreign personnel, especially the more expensive gifts from the other party, it is best to write or call the giver within L weeks to formally thank the other party. If it is a gift from others, the above practice is even more indispensable. When you have the opportunity to see the giver again in the future, you may wish to express your gratitude to the other party again at an appropriate time. Or tell the other person that he not only likes the gifts he gives himself, but also uses them often. This makes the other party feel that their gift is "value for money" and is highly valued, which will make the other party extremely happy.