First of all, one very common mistake must be rectified: Holland is not synonymous with the Netherlands, but is part of the country. This should be common knowledge for anyone who wishes to establish and maintain business relationships in the Netherlands, or to discuss the country and its people with Dutch colleagues.

Keep to the facts to reach your goal

In terms of business, the Dutch are very similar to Germans. You will always score with friendly, businesslike behavior. But the following rules of etiquette should be especially heeded:

• Appear punctually to your business meetings
• Prepare well
• Make sure you proceed in a well structured and goal-oriented manner
• Do not bargain when negotiating, but make clear, well founded statements
• Dress appropriately; elegant and conservative clothing is recommended for business meetings
• Distribute business cards only if requested

In addition, it should be noted that Dutch companies have flat hierarchies and that teamwork in companies is highly valued – including teamwork across hierarchical levels. This can be felt as far as the negotiating table.

Retaining the appropriate level of distance

Even the shift from a reserved to a more casual form of address – which often takes place quite early on in a business relationship – is not meant to eliminate distance in business affairs, but only to simplify communication. And invitations to a business lunch or dinner are not necessarily invitations in the sense that they may be in other countries. In the Netherlands, each person frequently pays for his or her own meal on such occasions. And small talk during meals or similar circumstances – especially when made by Germans – should skirt topics like World War II. It goes without saying that unfriendly remarks about Dutch royalty should never be made.

AirPlus-Partner Europcar has collected an overview of basic rules of etiquette when dealing with Dutch business partners. It is available under:

http://www.europcar.de/EBE/module/render/businessknigge