Used to be in business development for a consulting firm. I think the situation is more nuanced than your question suggests. Large contracts ($100,000+) typica

Used to be in business development for a consulting firm. I think the situation is more nuanced than your question suggests. Large contracts ($100,000+) typically take several meetings to secure. As part building a relationship taking the prospect to lunch is sometimes an option. In my experience it depends upon the person(s) you are dealing with. Some people look forward to a business lunch, others will decline any offer. However, these days, people seem to be too busy to indulge in a couple of hours for a fine dining lunch. From what I have heard the dynamics are different for some of South America and Europe. So there are cultural overtones to consider as well.