The short answer: It depends. Are you visiting the owner or an underling? Are you visiting a man or a woman? What kind of business are you visiting? Are you visiting the treasurer of a $30 Million lighting manufacturer or the local tavern? A business suit is not out of line for big companies with layers of management. However, most business owners these days are extremely casual and men can get away with an oxford shirt and slacks. I have often worn khaki pants and polo shirts as well. Always wear nice shoes such as polished loafers. If you are touring an extremely messy area then you should have an understanding that you are to show up in expendable clothing. You can go one level higher and wear a blazer and tie. This is especially recommended for more upscale businesses and those that depend more on public image. You don’t need a jacket and tie to visit a small metal bender, injection molder or gas station. They will wonder which of their possessions you’re about to repossess.
Now here is the problem with the jacket and tie. Employees. Employees of a small company have their radar up for anything slightly out of the ordinary and will spot a stranger a mile away. A paranoid seller will not want the employees to know about his plans and will often ask you to dress down to remain inconspicuous. Still, I have often worn a tie and jacket and pretended I am an insurance agent. You may well want to ask about dress code before you make the appointment. You must always be sensitive to the owner’s need for confidentiality.
