Inquiry (enquiry)
· I am writing to enquire about…
· I was interested in your advertisement in…
· I would be grateful if you could…
· Here are the particular requirements:
· Please provide warranty detail.
· We would like to have an estimate…
· Please quote us a price for …
· Please quote us terms of payment for…
· Please send us a pricelist for …
· Enclosed is a stamped, addressed envelope.
· I saw the ads for …, but I am unsure if that price included.
· We are interesting in… and would appreciate … (pricing) information.
· We need… and I hope you can help.
· I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Part 2
Letters of providing information or service
Letters of providing information or service (answers) may be divided into categories:
1. Letters that contain an affirmative answer.
2. Letters that contain a negative answer.
3. Letters that avoid giving a definite answer.
Letters of response always start either with an acknowledgement or with a reference.
To express reference in a letter, use the following helpful phrases:
1) I am writing in connection with...
2) With reference to your telex of...
3) We refer to your advertisementin ...
4) From the previous correspondence between ... and ... it is obvious that...
5) Reference is made to the last meeting of ...
6) (We) thank you for your letter of ... (acknowledgement + reference)
7) Thank you for your letter enquiring about ...
8) We are delighted to hear that you are interested in our new ..
9) I appreciate your letter of... asking about...
10) Your request for information about ... has been referredtoour International Department.
| Body of a Letter Providing Information This type of letters generally has four parts. | ||
| Examples | ||
| 1. OPENING = |     Acknowledge Correspondence. Thank the writer for his/her letter. | We received your inquiry. Thank you for your letter of inquiry. In reply to your letter/fax of July 12... Thank you for your fax/e-mail/ letter and your interest in our hotel/ convention center. |
| 2. PURPOSE = |  Answer all the questions.   Provide the information requested. Delete unnecessary details | I am pleased to say that we have ... available... We specialize In catering for ... It is my pleasure to send you information on our ... (conference/hotel facilities) |
| 3. ACTION = |   Give information beyond the “Purpose”. Mention that you are enclosing the leaflet. | I have enclosed a brochure describing ... As you requested, we send you some information. |
| 4. POLITE = EXPRESSIONS |  Offer additional help.   Invite the writer to contact you for further information Thank the reader | If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Thank you for your interest. We look forward to hearing from you. Again, thank you for your letter |