IV. Write an enquiry-letter using the following plan

Inquiry Letter Tips:

1) Begin your letter by stating who you are and giving your status or position (such as student, researcher, interested consumer, etc.), and tell how you found out about the individual or entity that you are writing to.

2) Clearly state what it is that you are inquiring about and what you would like the recipient of your letter to do. Make your inquiry as specific as possible.

3) You might want to briefly explain the purpose of your letter or what you hope to accomplish. Such an explanation may prompt the recipient of your letter to act more quickly.

4) If appropriate, consider mentioning the letter recipient’s qualifications for responding to your inquiry (this may prompt him/her to act when he/she might otherwise be hesitant to do so). For example, you could explain that you are writing to the reader because she is a leader in her field and the accepted authority on the subject you are interested in.

5) Include the date by which you need the information, services, etc. that you are requesting, and indicate that you await the reader’s response.

6) Thank the person for his/her time.

7) Include your contact information. Don’t forget to give the receiver your phone number and email as well as your mailing address. Do not make it hard for the receiver to get in touch with you to ensure she doesn't lose interest in your inquiry.

	Inquiries
Introduction	- We read your advertisement in … - With regard to your advertisement in … of … , we would ask you … - We have heard of your products from … - We have seen your current catalogue showing … - We are retailers/importers/wholesalers in the … trade, and would like to get in touch with suppliers/manufactures of …
The body of the letter	- We are interested in buying/importing … - Would you please inform us if it is possible to deliver … - Would you kindly quote your prices and terms of delivery (terms of payment) for … - Please send us samples of … (leaflets, your current catalogue showing…). - We would like to have further details about …/ to represent your products in the … market. - If your prices are competitive/If the quality of the goods comes up to our expectations/If your equipment complies with our requirements, we may be able to let you have regular orders.
Conclusion	- Thank you in advance for any information you can give us. - We look forward to your early reply. - Your prompt answer will be (would be) appreciated.

Step 2 “Order”

I. What will be the letter after the enquiry about? Choose the most suitable one. Explain your choice.

1) Dear Name:

In reply to your letter of September 12, we are pleased to enclose a copy of our most recent sales catalog which features the complete range of our new corduroy sports jackets for men. These handsome and versatile jackets—in beige, navy, chocolate, or rust—can be worn from the office to informal dinners to weekend activities in great style and comfort. The medium-wale corduroy is made from a long-wearing blend of long staple cotton and polyester and is soft and easy to wear. The models that you are interested in are presented on pages 9 to 15.

Mr. Robert Dillon, our regional sales manager, will telephone your office next week in order to arrange a meeting. He will be able to provide you with complete details of our other new sportswear lines.

Sincerely,

Name

2) Dear Name:

I am presently a graduate student at Columbia University in New York City, working toward a Master of Science degree in geophysics. I will graduate in July 1999. Since my prior work experience during summer and part-time employment is in geophysics, the profile of your company was provided to me by Columbia's placement office. I am particularly interested in a position in your company related to geological exploration.

I have worked as a summer intern and later as a part-time employee for the Ferguson Oil & Gas Exploration Company in Madison, New Hampshire. I was involved in seismic interpretation and acreage evaluation in order to delineate existing and future fields and to define potential exploration targets. The attached résumé indicates my capabilities. I am available for an interview to discuss my qualifications and your requirements at your convenience.

Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely

3) Dandy Manufacturing, Inc.

2525 E. 34th Street

Greeley, CO 80631

February 3, 2004

Better Widget Makers, Inc.

5555 Widget Avenue

Silver City, CO 80456

Attention: Sales Department

I’d like to order the Widgets listed in the table below. The reference numbers are from

your 2003 catalogue. Please include a new catalogue with my order.