Notes on cross-border e-commerce: Overview of etiquette and customs in markets in Germany, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan and South Africa
German market etiquette and customs
Germany is the country with the largest population in the European Union. German is its official language and English is fluent in hotels. Germans are very sensitive about Nazis, religion, and partisanship, and it is not appropriate to mention them in conversations. Whispering in public will be seen as unreasonable behavior. At the same time, they are also disgusted with four people shaking hands or talking to each other. Germans like black and gray and hate the 13th and Friday. Sunday is a day off and all shops are closed.
Social Etiquette
Germans attach great importance to rules and discipline, pay attention to credibility, have a sense of time, have extreme self-esteem, respect tradition, treat others with enthusiasm, and pay attention to feelings. In interpersonal communication, Germans attach great importance to etiquette. When shaking hands, you need to look at the other person, the handshake time should be longer, the shaking times can be more, and the strength should be slightly stronger. When addressing someone, do not call them by their first name. You should call them by their full name or just their last name. When talking to Germans, you should pay attention to distinguishing between “you” and “you”. You can call “you” to acquaintances, friends and peers.
Business etiquette
In Germany, you must make an appointment before visiting, and Germans have a strong sense of time, so you must be on time after making an appointment. Try to speak German when talking in business. Although the popularity of English in Germany is not low, using German can make the other party feel valued. Germans dress well in business activities. Men generally wear dark three-piece suits, ties, and dark shoes and socks; women should wear knee-length skirts or dresses with high socks and light makeup.
British market etiquette and customs
The official language of the United Kingdom is English, and the main religions are Protestant Christianity and Roman Catholicism. British people are taboo about shaking hands with four people, pay attention to privacy, and do not like to be asked about their activities, personal habits and political leanings. British people don’t like the distance to be too close when talking, and generally keep it above 50 centimeters.
Social Etiquette
British people generally shake hands when they meet for the first time. It is impolite to slap a guest casually. British people are polite to others and speak very politely. They always say “thank you” and “please”. Therefore, you should also be polite when speaking to British people. British people have a strong sense of time. For visits or negotiations, you must make an appointment in advance and be punctual.
Business etiquette
Be conservative and cautious when doing business with the British. Shaking hands is only done when meeting each other for the first time or to express approval and congratulations on special occasions. British businessmen do not like to bargain for long periods of time. They hope that results can be achieved after one or two negotiations. In business interactions, British people pay attention to etiquette, remain reserved, and do not reveal too much emotion.
Korean market etiquette and customs
The official name of South Korea is the Republic of Korea. It is located in the northeast of Asia. The main religion is Buddhism and the official language is Korean. Koreans cherish the color white and use hibiscus as their national flower. It is not appropriate to refer to “South Korea” and “Korean people” as “North Korea” or “North Koreans” when chatting with Koreans.
Social Etiquette
In formal social situations, Koreans generally use handshakes as meeting etiquette. Korean women generally do not shake hands with men, but often bow or nod instead. Koreans like to use honorifics and honorifics when addressing others, and are accustomed to calling each other by their titles.
Business etiquette
The best time to go to South Korea for a business visit is from February to June, September, November and early December. Try to avoid October, July-August and late December when there are many holidays. When Koreans interact with unfamiliar people, they should be introduced by a third party whom both parties are familiar with and trust. To facilitate introduction, you can prepare business cards in advance.
Japanese market etiquette and customs
Japan’s official country name is Japan, located in eastern Asia. Its main religions are Shintoism and Buddhism, among which Shintoism is Japan’s inherent religion. The national language of Japan is Japanese, and cherry blossoms are the national flower of Japan. Generally speaking, Japanese people like white and yellow and hate green and purple.
Social Etiquette
Japanese people usually bow as a greeting etiquette. There are also special considerations in the angle of bowing, the length of time, and the number of times. Japanese people usually exchange business cards with others when they meet for the first time, otherwise it will be understood that they do not want to interact with the other person.
Business etiquette
When Japanese people meet foreigners, they usually greet each other with a bow, and it would be cumbersome to shake hands. For the Japanese, exchanging business cards is the simplest way of interpersonal communication without embarrassing both parties. Gifts are particularly important in Japanese society. When giving gifts, you should pay attention to the status of the Japanese personnel.
South African market etiquette and customs
South Africa has 11 official languages. English and Afrikaans (Afrikaans) are the common languages. The residents mainly believe in Protestant Christianity, Catholicism, Islam and primitive religions. South Africa is the only country in the world with three capitals: Tshwane, the administrative capital, Cape Town, the legislative capital, and Bloemfontein, the judicial capital.
Social Etiquette
South Africans like to use different gestures to express joy, anger, sorrow and joy. Some South Africans hug, some kiss, and some give a unique handshake.
Business etiquette
South African business etiquette can be summarized as “black and white” and “Britishism”. In social situations, South Africans generally use a handshake ceremony, and the person they interact with is mainly called “Mr.”, “Miss” or “Ms.” South African businessmen are very conservative and both parties to transactions strive for formality.