EntrepreNerdBlog

Bribing government officials is pretty much the norm here.  For those who fight it for “ethics” sakes learn the hard way.  Let me give you a couple examples:-

Guy from the U.K started a business which is heavily dependent on the import of goods.  Delivery was usually late for some reason or other.  Beyond that, goods were missing or damaged in most shipments.  The guy stuck to his guns and did not bribe any official for a few months. That all changed after he had a meeting with his accountant who notified the guy that he was running his business into the ground.  He eventually bribed the officials and the shipments came in on time, untouched.

Same guy had his offices raided by government auditors.  Even though his book were fine, the auditors asked for a brown envelope.  Even after soliciting a bribe, the auditor had the audacity to ask for some free samples.

You have to accept it.  Idealism does not mesh well with reality.  You can either stop reading now and learn the hard way or do the following to move things along quickly.

1.  Ask the person how much it takes to make the problem go away.

2.  Tell him that you can only give him 25% of his initial “request”

3.  Quip, cry and do whatever it takes to bring down the price.*

4.  You should pay no more than 40% of the initial value.

* Tell him that your business is new and that you have no money.  You should always mention that this is only the start to a wonderful relationship.  In the long-term the guy will do well if he lowers his price.

** Speak in Hindi or the local language.  You will be ripped off if you have an accent or speak English.

*** Asking for a bribe may make you think that you will go to jail.  But, its almost a daily thing here. Thats the only way cops pay their rent every month.  The salary is so horrendous for most government officials and the only way this is the only means to survive.  The system itself is built for bribing to take place.  You as one person will not change the way 1.2 billion people function. Pay the bribe and move on.

**** Tips coming from a person that has been here and done well.