General Information

Some recommendations for succeeding in business in Germany:
 

• When you first make contact.
• Always mention your academic qualifications.
• Strictly adhere to the agenda agreed upon in advance.
• Provide written confirmation of conversations and agreements.
• Negotiations to be held in English if German is not an option;
• Documentation is to be presented in German or in English.
• The title retention clause should be comprehensive and enforceable. It does not have to be in any specific form, but must conform to the general conditions of the contract submitted to the purchaser before delivering the merchandise.
• Find out about and comply with the regulations and standards in force, for example the one applied since January 2019 on entry in the national packaging register prior to any export.

Payment Methods & Banking Details

Other than bank transfer, direct debit is frequent in BtoB or BtoC relationships. There are several advantages: speed, low cost and easy to process. It is important to receive approval from your bank (German or French) before offering this payment method to German clients.

Cheques little spread should not be used: this rule can be imposed at any moment given that issuance of an uncovered cheque is not, in fact, punishable under law. There is no public record of delinquencies.