Chapter Three Enquiry
Learning Objective:
To master the writing methods of an enquiry; To identify the types of enquiries; To grasp the definition of enquiry and useful expressions. Section One Brief Introduction
In foreign trade, enquiries are usually made by buyers
without engagement to get information about the goods to be ordered, such as price, catalogue, delivery date and other terms.
Enquiries may be either dispatched by mail, cable, telex and fax or handed to the supplies through personal contact. When making an enquiry, a buyer usually begins with a
question or questions he wants to ask. The reader then knows at once what the enquiry is about.
Generally speaking, we should keep our enquiry short and to the point; say what needs to be said and then stop. For instance, if you are an enquirer, you should state clearly in your enquiries to foreign suppliers your exact requirements, inclusive of prices,
discounts, terms of payment and the length of time required for delivery. There is no need for long, over-polite phrases and still less for humbleness. Nowadays, many firms even use a printed enquiry form instead of a letter.
An enquiry must be acknowledged in terms that establish good will if an immediate sale is not possible. If it is from an old customer, say how much you appreciate it; if it is from a new customer, say you are glad to receive it an express the hope of keeping up friendly business relationship.
Furthermore, enquiries should be addressed to the company because, in this way, your letter will receive quick attention. If you address the enquiries to an individual, your letter may have to wait while he is away. Or you may make a mistake and address it to the wrong individu