李蕾商务英语函电课后题答案3.doc

Unit Four Enquiries and Replies Part Five: Exercises I. Answer the following questions: 1. The aim of making enquiries is to get information about the goods to be ordered, such as the price, catalogue, delivery time and other terms. 2. In making enquiries, you must consider carefully to which regions the enquiries are to be sent and how many suppliers are to be approached in one and the same region, because some regions do not supply the goods enquired for. Furthermore, the number of suppliers to be contacted in one and the same region should be limited; otherwise the suppliers will think that the goods enquired for are in great demand, and thus then will most probably raise the price. 3. Generally speaking, enquiries can be divided into the following two types: 1) General Enquiry—a request for a pricelist, catalogue, sample or quotation of price and other terms. It is made when a buyer just wants to get some general information about the goods and has not decided to order them. 2) Specific Enquiry—an enquiry for goods of a certain specification. It is made when a buyer intends to conclude some business with the seller. 4. Enquiries should not be addressed to an individual, because if the particular business person is away from office, the enquiries will have to wait, or the enquiries may be addressed to a wrong person; this will mean delay. 5. A “First Enquiry” is an enquiry sent to a prospective supplier whom we have not previously dealt with. In such a letter, we should begin by telling the addressee how we obtained his name. Then, we may give some details of our own business such as the kind of goods handled, quantities needed, usual terms of trade and any other necessary information. Thirdly, we may ask questions or make requests directly and specifically, to enable the supplier to decide what he can do for us. Finally, conclude by extending thanks and expressing the hope of getting an immediate reply. 6. The answers to enquires should be prompt, courteou