外贸函电课程重点_外贸函电 Unit 4.docVIP

Unit 4. Inquiry 第四章 询盘 Leading-in Tasks （任务导入） Try to finish the following tasks and predict the objectives and focus of this unit. Task 1. 假设你是中国光明国际贸易有限公司（Guangming International Trading Co. Ltd.，联系地址：30 Sichuan Road, Shanghai, China，Tel：Fax：： Part One Basic Knowledge Concerned An Inquiry An inquiry is a request for information on goods. When business people intend to import a product, they send out an inquiry to an exporter. It may ask for a quotation or an offer for the goods they wish to buy or simply request for some general information regarding these goods. An inquiry can be made by written correspondence, such as a letter, telegram, telex, fax, e-mail or verbally by talk in person. Inquiries from regular customers may be very simple in content, in which only the name and/or specifications of the commodity will be mentioned. Other inquiries may include great details such as the name of the commodity, quality, specifications, quantity, terms of price, terms of payment, time of shipment, packing method, etc. required by the buyer so as to enable the seller to make proper offers. 2. The Reply to an Inquiry An inquiry received from abroad must be answered fully and promptly. The reply to an inquiry can be regarded as an OFFER if you state all the terms and conditions as requested. (Detais as per Unit 5) If there is no stock available for the time being, you should acknowledge the inquiry at once, explaining the situation and assuring that you will reply to it once a supply becomes available. If the inquiry is from an old customer, express how much you appreciate it. If it is from a new customer, say you are glad to receive it and express the hope of a future business relationship. In a word, the reply to an inquiry should be prompt and courteous and cover all the information asked for. 3. Categories of Inquiries 1) General Inquiries: If the importers want to have a general idea of the commodity, which the exporter is in a position to sup