The purpose of an enquiry is to ask for information about a product or a service

The purpose of an enquiry is to ask for information about a product or a service.

Opening salutation

a) Introductory part: inform your addressee where or how you got his address, who you are

and why you are interested in his product.

b) Central part: state exactly the sort of information you wish to receive and ask for a catalogue, sample, price­list or whatever you need to examine.

c) Closing sentence: promise to place an order if you are satisfied with the information received.

Complimentary close

INTRODUCTORY PART

Mention the source of the address:

Press advertising

- We have read your advertisement in this month's/today's/the current issue of (name of magazine or newspaper) about your (name of product).

- We are interested in your . (product)

which you have recently advertised in the Herald Tribune

as advertised in the current issue of Newsweek

which we have seen advertised in this month's Fortune magazine.

- We noticed your advertisement in our trade magazine and are in­terested in the new model you mention.

- We are writing with reference to your advertisement in this month's Popular Mechanics.

Exhibition

- We saw/ took your catalogue at the Trade Fair held in (name of town) last October.

- We visited your stand at the London Fashion Exhibition and we think that your products/models might suit our requirements.

- While visiting the Birmingham Electrex in January we noticed the production of your firm and we would like to learn more about it.

Other sources

- We got/obtained your address from our local Chamber of Commerce.

- We understand from (person or firm) that you are manufacturers/exporters/producers/supp1ies of (product).

- Your name was given to us by a mutual friend/acquaintance, Mr

- Your firm has been recommended/mentioned to us by Mr/Messrs .

INTRODUCE YOURSELVES:

- We have been engaged in importing (product) for 10 years.

- We are importers/wholesalers/distributors of (product).

- We are building contractors/a chain of supermarkets/a depart­ment store a firm rnanufacturing

- We are in the market for building materials/women's shoes /office furniture

SAY WHY YOU NEED INFORMATION:

- We have recently received a number of requests for your line, which we have not dealt in so far.

- There is a steady demand here for your products and we wish to expand our range of models/enlarge our stocks.

- We have an urgent request for (product).

B) CENTRAL PART: THE ACTUAL REQUEST

- We would be pleased/glad  to receive

- We would be grateful if you could send us

- We would appreciate having

- We are interested in examining

some illustrated material

your literature catalogue brochure leaflet

your latest price-list

your best offer for a supply of (product)

a quotation for your

some samples of your

a pattern-book some sample cuttings of

- Would you please quote your best prices and let us have your terms for a supply of 1,000 pieces.

- We would like to have your 1owest quotation ex works for your (product) and the terms and conditions on which you would be pre­pared to furnish us.

C) CLOSING SENTENCE: REFER TO FUTURE BUSINESS

- If your prices e favourably with others,

- If your samples meet our requirements,

- If the quality of your product is up to our expectations,

- If you are in a position to guarantee prompt delivery,

- If your terms are satisfactory,

we shall send you our order immediately

we are prepared to pass you a trial order

we shall place our order without delay

we shall start a mutually profitable business relationship

we shall probably let you have regular orders.

AND CLOSE THE LETTER

- We look forward to hearing from you soon.

- A prompt reply would be appreciated.

- We would appreciate an early answer.

- We await a reply at your earliest convenience.