Ireland

Consumer goods are best sold through a distributor carrying stocks for immediate delivery and sale.
Capital goods and industrial equipment are more effectively marketed through a commission agent.
Direct selling is recommended for certain raw materials with low mark-ups, or capital goods and supplies with a limited number of potential users and buyers.
Sales quotations usually consist of the sales price plus costs, insurance, and freight to the point of importation.

Establish a local sales office in Ireland that provides a distribution point for Western Europe.
Sell through an agent or distributor whose activity may cover specified areas, the entire country, or include European sales.
Sell through established wholesalers or dealers.
Sell directly to department stores, chains, retailer cooperatives, consumer cooperatives, or other purchasing organizations.

Male chauvinism prevails in modern business.
Men hold the high-ranking positions in business, but this is slowly changing.
The Irish tend to focus on short-term plans, and make decisions on a day-to-day basis.
The Irish do not place much emphasis on following a business agenda.
An emphasis on “simplicity” is desired in discussions and presentations.
Shaking hands is encouraged when meeting and departing.
If an Irish businessperson addresses you by last name, doing the same is respectful.
Golf is considered an integral part of establishing a business relationship.
The Irish are very animated speakers, so critical thinking during business discussions is necessary.
There is no shame for the Irish in missing a delivery date.

Do’s

Be prompt, but give your Irish counterpart the leeway to be late
Behave in a warm, friendly, hospitable manner
Say “yes” or “maybe” when a proposition is feasible, the Irish do not like the word “no”

Dont’s