Enquiry Letters
• 2. Introduction• Letters of enquiry describe what the writer wants and why. The more unusual the request, the more convincing the reason needs to be.
• 3. ENQUIRIES• Solicited enquiry: An enquiry made in response to the seller’s advertisement and publicity.• Unsolicited enquiry: An enquiry made the buyer’s own initiative.• Enquiry for some favor: An enquiry not about goods but about some other information, may be about some special price or some favorable terms.• Routine enquiry: An enquiry made by an old buyer in the usual course of business. A letter of enquiry should be:• Straightforward, compact and courteous;• Positive and confident in tone;• Brief and to the point, yet clear, complete and correct.
• 4. Content• Subject Heading:• This should inform the reader that this is an enquiry or request; e.g. » Enquiry about Textbooks » Request for Brochure » Query about Website » Question regarding Product Components
• 5. First Paragraph• This should tell the reader what you want; e.g. 1. Please send me... (for things that the organization offers to send) 2. I would be grateful if you could tell me... (for things that are not normally offered) 3. I am writing to enquire whether... (to see if something is possible) 4. I would especially like to know... ( + a more detailed request) 5. Could you also... ( + an additional enquiry or request)
• 6. Second Paragraph• This paragraph tells the reader why you are contacting his or her organization, and gives further details of the enquiry.• There are two reasons why you may contact an organization:1. you have contacted this organization before, and want to again.2. you have not contacted this organization before, but you have heard about them. You should describe from where, such as from an advert or a recommendation;
• 7. Example openings for the second paragraph• I saw your advert in the HK Daily on Tuesday, 22 September 2009.• Your company was recommended to me by Ms. Elsie Wong of Far Eastern Logistics
• 8. Final Paragraph• This paragraph should contain a polite expression and/or an expression of thanks to the reader. The degree of politeness (and therefore the length), depends on how unusual or difficult your request is.
• 9. Final Paragraph contd.• Possible language includes: 1. Thanks. (For a very informal and normal enquiry or request) 2. I look forward to hearing from you. 3. I am looking forward to hearing from you. 4. Thank you for your assistance. 5. Thank you very much for your kind assistance. 6. I appreciate that this is an unusual request, but I would be very grateful for any help you could provide. I look forward to hearing from you.• If you think the reader might have further questions, you can suggest that he or she contact you; e.g. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
• 10. Sample letter 1Golden Gate EngineeringPrince Square, Prince Street, Dehradun24 September 2009Pro-Skills Training CentreJubilee BuildingSilver RoadDehradunDear Sir or Madam,Enquiry about Quality Control CourseI am writing to enquire whether your company could offer a course on Quality Control for our managers.I saw your advert in the HK Daily on Tuesday, 22 September 2009, and the Quality Control Training Course (Ref.: QC 101 ) mentioned in the advert might be suitable for us. I would like to know if it is possible for you to offer a 3-month training course starting before or, at the latest, on Monday, 12 October 2009, for a group of 20. Could you send us some information about the teaching staff and the possible schedule for this course? I am looking forward to receiving your reply.Yours faithfully,(signature)David MathurManaging Director