ChapterFour解说.ppt

Chapter Four Section One Enquires QA What is an inquiry and when do we make an inquiry? An inquiry is a request for some information about a product the writer is interested in. It is usually made when the writer has the intention to buy the recipients product. So, it is usually from buyers to sellers. What information do we usually need in an inquiry? informations related to the product,including quality, quantity, name, specifications, time of shipping, packing, terms of payment and so on. From general to specific General inquiry general information about the commodities ( a catalogue, price list, a sample etc) Specific inquiry inviting a quotation or an offer for the goods he wishes to buy, may request detailed information about the price, quantity, specifications, terms of payment, delivery, and so on, concerning the particular goods that interest the buyer. Points for attention When a buyer makes an enquiry, he has no obligation to purchase. On the other hand, the seller who receives such an enquiry is under no obligation to reply. Although an enquiry is not legally binding upon either the exporter or the importer, it is the first step towards successful business and should be handled with great care. In his letter of reply, the seller is supposed to give a full answer to the enquiry. He may send a quotation or even make an offer. If we want to write an inquiry letter , how do you plan this letter? An enquiry letter usually composing the following three parts. In the first part: Introduce your firm to the receiver In the second part: state the purpose of your letter, including explain what you want the receiver to do and exact description or specification of the products you want. In the third one: Express your request for early reply. Sample letter Letter 3 in page 37 1. structure of this letter. 2. words and phrases. 3. useful expressions. 4. h