BUSINESS ETIQUETTE IN MEXICO.

Business etiquette 

in Mexico 

The most important thing to remember when you’re doing business in Mexico is that Mexicans make friends first, and then they do business. 

when closing a deal they like to look you in the eye (although closing sales by email and web-trading is becoming more accepted in Mexico, don’t expect to close a deal over the phone). Meetings always begin with small talk, a friendly remark about the city, weather or family are common practice, Avoid topics like religion, mexican politics and illegal aliens, Your success in Mexico is therefore dependent upon your ability to establish, build and maintain good relationships.

Except for use in a beach resort, shorts do not enter into the dress code anywhere. If you are invited to a picnic or a tour of the countryside, dress casually but elegantly. Polo style shirts, a sweater and sports slacks are best. 

English is widely spoken in business circles, check beforehand to avoid embarrassment and Speak clearly, (but not stupidly slow). All marketing literature and anything you expect to leave with the contact should be in Spanish. 

Most initial meetings begin over a meal, usually in good restaurants, business Breakfasts tend to last no more than 2 hours while lunch can go on until the early evening. Splitting the bill is not customary, as a general rule the person doing the selling pays. (Might not apply when the selling party is a woman).

Communication in Mexico tends to be diplomatic and non-confrontational many consider Mexicans to be “indirect” especially if what needs to be communicated is unpleasant, “No” can often be disguise in responses such as “maybe” or “we’ll see” to avoid disappointing or offending the receiver, “Mañana” (tomorrow) can be a way of saying later or some time in the near future. (If you are working with a local team make sure to set clearly defined targets to avoid confusion). 

Mexicans like the creative process don’t expect your agenda to be followed through in any orderly.  Professionals with a degree are referred with their title followed by their last name. Licenciado/a (Professional, MBA), Ingeniero/a: (Engineer), Arquitecto/a (Architect). 

Anyone without a professional title should be addressed by a courtesy title followed by a surname. Mr.= Señor; Mrs.=Señora; Miss=Señorita. 

Men will shake hands when doing business and in social situations. Men may want to wait for a woman to initiate a handshake. After a relationship has been established do not be surprised if you are met with a hug. 

VIP TIP: Status and position are important in Mexican Business, if a local firm’s top manager is present at a meeting; he/she will expect the same from your firm. 

Working and Business Hours 

Office hours: 8am to 6pm. Lunch hours are usually between 1pm and 3 pm 

Banks: Most open between 8am and 9 am and close at 4 pm. (some banks close at 7pm).