Overview of global negotiation etiquette and taboos for cross-border e-commerce

In the context of globalization, cross-border e-commerce has become an important platform for exchanges between enterprises from various countries. However, etiquette and taboos vary significantly across cultures, and understanding and following these differences can help build good business relationships.

United States

• Greetings: Americans tend to use simple greetings, such as nodding, smiling or saying “hi”, and even omitting handshakes in informal situations.
• Salutation: Avoid using formal titles such as “Your Excellency” and “Sir”. It is more popular to call people by their first names.
• Color Preference: White, blue, and yellow are favored; black and the numbers “13” and “3” are considered unlucky.
• Personal Space: Keep a certain distance when talking and avoid personal topics such as age and weight.
• View of Modesty: In the United States, modesty may be considered hypocrisy.

Europe

United Kingdom

• Number taboos: “13”, “Friday” and “3” (when lighting a cigarette).
• Title Note: Do not misuse “British”, use “British” to refer to all British people.
• Privacy Protection: Respect the privacy of others and do not ask for personal secrets.

Germany

• Title Preference: Prefer formal titles over compliments.
• Time Concept: Punctuality is important, being late will be considered impolite.
• Table Manners: Certain utensils are reserved for certain foods.

France

• Color preference: Like blue, white, and red, avoid yellow and dark green.
• Legal Awareness: Value the rule of law but have poor discipline.
• Gift options: Artistic and commemorative items are more popular.

Asia

Japan

• Flower taboos: Chrysanthemums and combs should not be given away.
• Language taboos: words such as “4” and “death”.
• Table Manners: Don’t speak too loudly, and be polite when exchanging business cards.

South Korea

• Political Talk: Avoid talking about political issues.
• Dining Etiquette: Do not talk casually during meals.
• Number Taboo: “4”.

Oceania and South America

Australia

• National pride: Don’t compare this to Britain and the United States in conversation.
• Animal Taboo: Rabbits are considered unlucky.
• Time Management: Pay attention to punctuality.

Brazil

• Topic selection: Football and jokes are suitable, but religion and politics are not.
• Color Taboo: Purple.
• Gift prohibitions: Handkerchiefs or knives.

Global taboos

• Private information: such as health status, income, etc.
• Political or religious topics: Avoid controversy.
• Vulgarity: Don’t use dirty jokes or horror stories.
• Death Talk: Avoid talking about unfortunate events.

Taboos in negotiating expressions

• Vagueness: Make sure your words are clear.
• Be tough: Avoid being overbearing.
• Fraud: Negotiations require integrity.
• Bland Statement: Use humor to lighten the mood.

Coping strategies for different types of negotiating opponents

• Arrogant: Give enough respect to avoid direct conflict.
• Hesitators: Provide decision support and reduce stress.
• Diehards: Take detours and look for compromises.

The above information is compiled from multiple articles, aiming to help cross-border e-commerce practitioners better understand cultural differences around the world, thereby promoting international cooperation.