Business practice and etiquette are basically the same in Austria and America.  The main difference is the relatively formal environment in which business is generally conducted in Austria.  For example, when making appointments with prospective buyers or clients, it is customary to make initial contact well in advance, either in writing or by phone, and to offer to meet on the premises of the person in question. 

Possibly the most bewildering example of Austrian formality is the widespread use of titles, be they in the form of a university degree or a position in a firm or in the government. You will find these titles on business cards and correspondence, and it is expected that you address the person with his or her title both in written and oral communications. The most common titles are:

• "Doktor" (abbreviated: “Dr.”; a university degree similar to the U.S. Doctorate)
• "Magister" (abbreviated: “Mag.”; similar to the U.S. Master of Arts)
• "Diplom-Ingenieur" (abbreviated: “DI” or “Dipl. Ing.”; similar to Master of Science)

In some cases, individuals have more than one title; the titles are listed with the highest last. Thus you may encounter a name on a business card that looks like this: Dkfm. Dr. Peter Mustermann, Direktor.

Though most Austrians are well-disposed to Americans, the formality of Austrian business culture should indicate some limits to typical American practices. Highly choreographed and high-pressure sales techniques, for example, or hearty friendliness to someone just met, are absolutely alien to Austria, and are an almost guaranteed way to bring an early end to negotiations. [...]

For more information on the Austrian Business Culture, please see Chapter 8 of our "Country Commercial Guide for U.S. Companies: Doing Business in Austria". Subject report can be downloaded from this website, or you may contact the U.S. Commercial Service Austria directly to receive a free .pdf copy via e-Mail.