Generally speaking, the person organizing the meeting at restaurant will be responsible for the reservations, but this does not mean that he/she have to pay for the food or drinks. Good business entertaining etiquette means one should not assume, everyone should be prepared to pay for his/her own order.

If you are going to make a restaurant reservation, make sure that the restaurant is private or quiet enough for conducting business, and this is the sole purpose of the meeting. In order to schedule a restaurant meeting with clients successfully, you’d better consider and take the following tips.

◇Select a restaurant which is convenient to your guest.

◇Don’t ask: “Where would you like to meet?” putting your guest on the spot and letting him/her shoulder the responsibility. Instead of that, give a choice of restaurant. If he/she suggests a third choice, you should also allow it in the consideration.

◇Once deciding on the choice, make a reservation in no time.

◇Let your guest have a better seat.

◇Order food that is not too difficult to consume.

◇Refrain from alcohol. Even if you have to, limit it to one drink.

◇Usually, you should pick up the tab if you have invited the guest for lunch. And you may be nice to recommend some expensive food at the end of the menu, or what the restaurant is famous for.

◇Keep to the time limit of the lunch hour. Your guest might have prior commitments.

◇Unless it is between two coworkers, the guest should not snatch the check and the host picks up the tab.

◇You should also pay for checking your guest’s coat when you are host.