Detroit City Guide - Business Etiquette

Detroit is a Midwestern city, whose main industry is auto manufacturing, so it is hardly surprising that Detroit is somewhat conservative when it comes to business. Although immensely friendly, its citizens are hardworking and efficient and see to it that the working day is not wasted. Formal business wear is often the norm in the office and certainly always worn for sales calls or when meeting business associates. Working hours are typically 0900-1700, although some variation or even a slightly longer day is not uncommon.

Entertainment commonly takes place in restaurants (occasionally bars) either during lunch or in the evening. It is uncommon to be invited into a business associate's home for business purposes. Gifts are not normally tolerated, although token gestures, such as a bottle of wine, are usually accepted after a deal has been completed. Business cards are normally exchanged after meals or meetings, not during introductions. Upon introductions, it is normal to call people by their last names, however, once a relationship has been established, people tend to call one another by their first names. The best time to visit Detroit for business purposes is between September and May, as the summer is the most popular time of year for holidays.