I'm meeting with a potential corporate client. This is a large company that already has full-time assistants for each division, but this person thought his division could use me for special projects or take the overload from his division's assistant. He suggested we meet for lunch. Who should pay, me or him? Of course, he has an expense account and I only have expenses, but since the meeting is to see how I can help his division with their workload, should I pay for the lunch? Just not sure what the protocol is, and don't want to be unprofessional. I'm prepared to pay, regardless, but I just wanted to know what the expectation should be.

Hmmm...when it's two businesses, here are my thoughts. Did he approach you? Then I would expect him to pay. If you approached him, then you.

But, best to be prepared as you said - just in case.

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Whoever did the inviting would typically pay for lunch.

Here is an article on business lunch ettiquette. I know, it's more information than you asked for, but it had a couple of points that I really liked.

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5745109_bu...etiquette.html

Quote:

If you are the one setting up the lunch, it is proper for you to pay the bill. If you arrive early, you can have the waiter swipe your credit card prior to the meal so that the check never even comes to your table. You can also instruct the waiter to hand you the check at the end of the meal to avoid confusion.

I was introduced to him at a fundraiser by a mutual friend. She specifically introduced me to him hoping that I would be able to do business with him. We exchanged business cards, and I followed up with him via email.

I think since he would be the client, I should take the lead, since it's me trying to solicit his business, not the other way around.

One more question: We are meeting at the restaurant. If I arrive first (which I should, unless he's ridiculously early), should I wait for him in the waiting area or is it acceptable to sit down at the table to wait?

I'm used to people schmoozing me, trying to solicit MY business! I'm not sure how to act now that I'm on the other side! LOL

Wow, these are some great questions, Patti - Especially about the wait in the lobby part. I think I need to research the answers because now that I've moved to Atlanta and I am working from my home office exclusively, I find myself going on more lunch dates.

If anyone finds the answer to this question, please post it.
Thanks!

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If the restaurant is by reservation then waiting at the table is fine. If it's a seat yourself restaurant then waiting in the lobby is fine. If there is someone to direct your guest to your table, then you can wait at the table also.

I made a reservation, so I will wait at the table. Thanks!

Originally Posted by intercovbc

Whoever did the inviting would typically pay for lunch. Here is an article on business lunch ettiquette. I know, it's more information than you asked for, but it had a couple of points that I really liked. http://www.ehow.com/facts_5745109_bu...etiquette.html

Thank you, this helps!.............................. ....................