Dutch business behavior

Before you would like to do business with Dutch people, it is important that you aware of their business behavior. I would like to inform you about important properties of the Dutch business culture.

The people

Dutch people are tolerant, modest, independent, self-reliant, and entrepreneurial. They value education, hard work, ability, and ambition.

Meeting and greeting

When you meet a Dutch person (men or women) the first thing you do is shake hands and mention your name at the same time. Make sure you do not give a 'dead fish' hand but a firm handshake, and make eye contact. Also when you leave you should give a handshake and thank them for their time. For Dutch people it is not usual to kiss them when you first met them.

Body language

Dutch people value privacy and for this reason they do not like if you come to close or touch them too much. While speaking with someone they expect eye contact. Furthermore it is important that you show you are interested and relaxed, that you sit up straight and have an open attitude. 

Corporate culture

Being punctual is very important in the Dutch business culture. It is better to be too early at an appointment, than 5 minutes late. Time is money, and for this reason they do not like you are coming too late. They will consider this at not being enough interested, and a waste of their time. If you have a delay due to some circumstances it will be no problem when you call them and give them an explanation of your delay. The same applies for changing appointments too often, or totally miss them, if this happens you might ruin your relationship.

It is usual to exchange business cards, this way you make it easier for them to reach you and to be reminded of you. You can exchange these cards during a meeting or after a meeting. 

Dutch people are not very relationship orientated. They might have a small talk about family and other private business, but they are mainly focussed to get right down to business, and make a deal when both parties feel consensus. They will be giving straight 'yes' and 'no' answers. Once decisions are made, implementations is fast and efficient. In Holland, commitments are taken seriously and are honored, for this reason you need to be careful with offers and promises. 

Dining and entertainment

It is appropriate to have a business meeting during lunch. Dutch people have lunch around 1 or 2 pm. During lunch they like to eat baguettes and have a cup of coffee or tea. Most Dutch people will pay for your lunch if you are their guest or they will tell you 'to go Dutch' which means you pay your own fair share. No one will be embarrassed at splitting the bill. If you would like to ask the waiter/waitress something you raise your hand and ask for 'ober' or 'mevrouw' (waiter or waitress). Most Dutch people hold their hands on the table during a meal, but you should keep your elbows off the table, otherwise they think you are bored. It is not usual that you will be invited for a diner at their own house, if you are, Dutch people value receiving a small gift. This gift can be something from your host country, chocolate, flowers, wine, liquor or home accessories.

Clothing

Dutch prefer a formal clothing style. At meetings men will wear suit and tie, and women a dress or suit. Taking off your jacket in an office is acceptable, and shows you would like to get down to business. Do not roll up the sleeves of your short, this looks sloppy for them.