Use clear scheduling tools, set overlapping hours, prioritize communication, and use time zone converters. Regular updates and flexibility help bridge gaps and keep negotiations smooth across different regions.

Coordinating negotiations with suppliers or buyers across time zones can be challenging but manageable with thoughtful planning. 1. Identify Overlap Windows: Find overlapping working hours between the time zones and schedule meetings or calls during those times. 2. Agree on Response Time: Before starting negotiations, agree on a reasonable response window, considering the time differences. 3. Be Flexible: Prioritize the other party's convenience when you have more flexibility, especially if you are the buyer or if the relationship benefits you. 4. Cloud Collaboration: Share documents via Google Drive or Dropbox to enable both sides to access and review materials on their own schedules

Some of the key points are followings - Research the business etiquette and communication styles of the other party’s country - Awareness of regulatory, currency and economic factors are also important part of preparedness - Negotiation tactics are different in other countries/region. Understand the concept of “face-saving” in negotiations, particularly in Asian cultures. Avoid direct confrontation or causing embarrassment - Clearly define each party’s expectations and document them thoroughly to avoid ambiguity. Make sure all parties understand the terms well and are on same page. - Cross-border negotiations often take more time due to complexities, so be patient with the process - Share minutes of meeting/recording with all invitees

Set clear expectations upfront about your availability, and ensure everyone knows your time zone to avoid confusion. Flexibility goes a long way—offer to accommodate critical meetings during off-hours when needed. Additionally, strengthen relationships by understanding the local business customs of your partners. Building rapport through cultural awareness can smoothen negotiations. Lastly, leverage digital tools to ensure ongoing communication is seamless, and follow-up emails help to document agreements and maintain alignment.

First of all it depends in which branch you are working, i am sourcing manufacturers and their products for my mainly in Europe located clients. Most of the products are made in South East Asia. I am living and working from the Philippines so in the same time zone as these suppliers. So in the morning of my time (mostly i start working at 10am as my day will last till midnight) i am well connected with the manufacturers which make it possible to provide results to my clients in Europe the same day. Since Asians are flexible in timing i am setting my meetings via Meets, Teams, Zoom or WeChat in the afternoon till midnight Asian time so it is comfortable for the clients.