Inquiry Letter询问信

1、 DefinitionDefinition Structure of an inquiry letterStructure of an inquiry letter TipsTips Sample Useful ExpressionsUseful Expressions Reply to Inquiry LetterReply to Inquiry Letter AssignmentAssignment An inquiry letter asks the reader for specific information. For example, you might write such a

2、letter to a business to ask about their products, discount, payment terms, prices and so forth. Since an inquiry letter requires a response, it is essential to make the letter specific, clear, concise and friendly so that the reader understands it easily and provides the information you need.An inqu

3、iry must be easy and convenient to answer.Gernerally,we should follow the following format:uThe introductory paragraph introduces yourself and, if appropriate, the institution or firm you are working for.uThe middle paragraphs briefly explain why you are writing and how you will use the requested in

4、formation.The specific information you need is then listed.The requests may be phrased as questions or as a list of specific items or information.In either case,make each item clear and concrete. The concluding paragraph offers the reader some incentive for responding, expressing gratitude for the r

5、eaders attention to the letter, or acknowledging the inconvenience of the request. In some cases, you can also indicate further business, or other products you would be interested in if you think they could be supplied. When writing an inquiry,state a source where you learned about the item;show you

6、 are interested in one model or state what you are looking for;request information about catalogs, cost, discount, stock, payment, delivery,etc;suggest a way in which you can reward when there is no prospect for a potential sale. Inquiry based on an advertisement for cassettes DiscSA 251 rue des Rai

7、mon F-8600 Ploitiers Cedex Tel:(33)999999 Fax:(33)102166 May 12,2006 The Sales Dept. R.G.Electronics AG Havmart 601 D-5000 Koln 1Adress of RequirerAdress of the Adressee Dear sir: We learned about your Model H-217 pocket computer in the July 3, 2009 issue of Computer World and are considering placin

8、g an order. Before deciding, would you please tell us how much it costs and how soon you could deliver? What is the delivery charge? Also,if we order ten of them and pay C.O.D., could you give us a discount? Please send your reply to this address: Sincerely yours, Andy LuItemSourceInformation Reques

9、ted (Inquiry from a retailer to a foreign manufacturer.) F.lynch&Co.LtdHead Office,Nesson House,Newell Street,Birmingham B3 3ELTelephone No.:021 2366671 Fax:021 2368892 Telex:341641Satex S.p.AVia Di Pietra Papa00146 Roma February 6,2005ItalyDear Sirs: We were impressed by the selection of sweate

10、rs that weredisplayed on your stand at the Mens Wear Exhibition that was held in Hamburg last month.We were a large chain of retailers and are looking for a manufacturer who could supply us with a wide range of sweaters for the teenage market. As we usually place very large order,we would expect a q

11、uantity discount in addition to a 20% trade discount off net list prices, and our terms of payment are normally 30-day bill of exchange, documents against acceptance. If these conditions interest you, and you can meet orders of over 500 garments at one time, please send us your current catalogue and

12、 price list.We hope to hear from you soon. Yours faithfully, L.Crane Chief Buyer Start your inquiry with the following patterns:I learned/ heard/read about yourfrom/through/inYour name was referred/recommended to me byI am interested in yourOur company is a subsidiary of and we specialize inWe are o

13、ne of the main producers of in Wuhan, and we are interested in your products.The British Embassy in Beijing told us that you were looking for an agent in China.We were impressed by the selection of Washing machines that were displayed on your stand at this years Guangzhou Trade Fairs.We were given y

14、our name by the Trade Promotion Association of Hubei Province.We were advised by that you are the leading manufacturer of in Europe.Could you please send your current catalogue and price-list for exhibition stands?We are particularly interested in furniture displaystands. Sample questions Would you

15、please send me a catalog/brochure? Would you please tell me how much the unit price is and how soon would you deliver? How many do you have in stock? Could you offer us a discount of 10% if we order a dozen?Structure of a replyStructure of a replyThe introductory paragraph opens with appreciation to

16、 the inquirer for his/her inquiry,acknowledgement of his/her letter and quoting any other references that appear.The middle paragraphs focus on giving detailed information about what has been inquired by the inquirer,for example,prices,samples,discounts and payment terms.The concluding paragraph exp

17、resses thanks for the inquirers writing the inquiry letter if you have not done so in the beginning of the letter and encourage further inquiries or future cooperation.Here are the contents of an inquiry reply:uThank the inquirer and acknowledge the interest in your company.uSupply the specific fact

18、s requested./Give an explanation if you can not supply the item and,if possible,suggest an alternative.uEnclose a brochure.Call attention to the particulars of the brochure to encourage a sale.Dear Mr.Lu:Thank you for asking about our Model-217 pocket computer.This new model is the best seller in th

19、is season because of its excellent performance and reasonable price.The unit price for this model is RMB5,500,but if you order 10 of this model,we might give you a 10% discount.We could deliver within 3 to 5 days of your order, and the delivery charge would be RMB200.If you need more information,ple

20、ase let us know.Sincerely yours,Susan ChangThanksSupply all the requested information Dear Mr.Lu: Thank you for your interest in our Model-217 pocket computer.Unfortunately,this model is temporarily out of stock,but we could deliver to you by the end of March. However,may we recommend Model-218,whic

21、h can be delivered immediately?This newly developed model outperforms Model-217 and only costs RMB300 more.Moreover,it is lighter.The unit price is RMB5,800.If you order 10 of them,we could reduce the unit price to RMB5,650.We could deliver within a week of your order,and the delivery charge would b

22、e RMB200. If you need more information,please let us know.In the meantime,we send you our best wishes! Sincerely yours, Susan ChangUnable to supply the item and explainSuggest an alternative.Susan suggested an alternative and its advantages by comparing the two models.Writing in a positive tone will

23、 always leave a good impression on the reader. You may first thank your reader with the sentences below:Thank you for your request for./Thank you for inquiring about.Thank you for your interest in./We appreciate your interest in. If you cannot supply the requested information,you may use the sentenc

24、es below:I am afraid I cannot supply you with the information you requested,because.Your request for information regarding.can best be answered by.I am therefore referring your letter to Mr. If you enclose something,you can use the sentences below:We are enclosing our new fall catalog.Enclosed,for y

25、our reference,is a list of our dealers in your community.The enclosed brochure describes.,and you will find.of particular interest.根据下面中文信息写一封询问信。 发信人：Mark Zhang 收信人：Mr. Smith 发信日期：2010年5月1日 内容：1. Mark在最近的广交会上认识了Smith先生； 2. Mark对Smith先生所在公司展出的新款手机很感兴趣； 3. 询问产品的详细信息，包括产品的规格、颜色、价格和功能等； 4. 说明该款手机市场销售前景

26、看好； 5. 希望和对方建立长远的关系。 Words for references: 广交会 Guangzhou Trade Fair 规格 specificationsDirections: As part of a student social survey project, you are leading a group to visit an exhibition in a small town. Write a letter: 1） ask for information regarding such things as the contents of the exhibition,

27、 2） the dates of its opening and closing, 3） any discounts. Dear Mr.Smith, Im Mark Zhang. I met you for the first time during Guangzhou Trade Fair recently. Im interested in your new mobile. Could you please give me some information about the new product that produced by your firm? Please tell me the specifications as well as