外贸英语函电 第三章

(To be continued)
5.Make explanation of the situation that the company you are requesting is recommended. 6.Do not mention the price limit that you set previously, otherwise the supplier may raise the quotation to the limit. 7.Show courteousness and politeness by using “please”, “thanks” and “we will greatly appreciate”, etc. 8.Keep your enquiry brief and concise and to the point.
Chapter Three
Enquiries and Replies
Learning Objectives
Know what and how to enquire for the goods an importer intends to buy Know the essential components of a letter to make an enquiry Master typical sentences and expressions in writing such letters
Writing letters of enquiry
Opening Asking for catalogues, price-lists, prospectuses. Asking for details. Asking for samples. Suggesting terms, methods of payment, discounts. Closing
It is not necessary to give a lot of information about yourself when asking catalogue, brochures. But remember to supply your address, phone number and telex number. It would also be helpful if you could briefly point out any particular items you are interested. Could you please send your current catalogue and price-list for exhibition stands？We are particularly interested in ‘furniture display’ stands. I would appreciate your sending me an up-to-date price list for your building materials.
exercises 1.Request for a catalogue and price-list Dear Sirs,
Please would you send me your Spring catalogue and Price-list quoting CIF prices London？ Thank you.
Extend thanks and express the hope of receiving replies as soon as possible.
opening
Tell your supplier what sort of firm you are. We are one of the main producers of industrial chemicals in China. How did you hear about the firm you are writing to? We were given your name by the Hotelier’s Association in Paris. It is possible to use other references： Our associates in the packaging industry speak highly of your packing machines and we would like to have more information about them.
Writing an enquiry should observe the following guidelines:
1.State specifically what you request. 2.Make a request for reply in explicit items by pointing out emphatically the value of the information to you. 3.Enumerate the questions in your enquiry when they are many. 4.Say how you obtain the name and address of the company and its products and introduce the situation of your own business, when you enquire a company which you have never dealt with before.
The letter of enquiry usually includes:
1.The beginning paragraph is where you express what you are interested, make brief introduction of your company or state the purpose to write the enquiry. 2.In the following paragraph the specific information is asked in detail. 3.The last paragraph is for courteous close where to extend thanks and express the hope of receiving replies as soon as possible.
2.Ruquest for general information Dear Sirs,
Could you please send me details of your tyres which are being advertised around the country？ I would appreciate a prompt reply quoting trade prices.

August 24, 2001
Dear Sirs,
Catalogue of Carpets We learn from one Indian company of the same trade that you are producing for export hand-made carpets of different sizes in wool and silk. We are interested in them, for there is a steady demand in our market for carpets of good quality. But stock of carpets are running low so that good prices are obtained. We will be appreciative if you send us a copy of carpet catalogue, with details of your prices and terms of payment. We should find it most helpful if you could also supply some small pieces as samples of the various types. In view of the demand for your products, an immediate reply is appreciated. Yours faithfully,
A reply should be composed of the following: 1.The opening paragraph in a reply to
enquiry begins with expressing thanks and acknowledging the enquiry. The date the enquiry was written should be mentioned, and what has been requested in the enquiry should be summarized in the acknowledge. 2.The second paragraph is used to answer the enquiry in detail. 3.The final paragraph is used to express the hope that the information which you have given will be useful and to look forward to
3.enquiry from a retailer to a foreign manufacturer Dear Sirs, We were impressed by the selection of sweaters that were displayed on your stand at ‘Menswear Exhibition’ that was held in Beijing last month. We are a large chain of retailers and are looking for a manufacturer who could supply us with a wide range of sweaters for the teenage market. As we usually place very large orders, we would expect a quantity discount in addition to a 20% trade discount, and our terms of payment are normally 30-day bill of exchange, documents against acceptance. If these conditions interest you, and you can meet order of over 1000 garmentsFra Baidu bibliotekat one time, please send your current catalogue and price-list.
Asking for details, samples
When asking for goods or services you must be specific and state exactly what you want. I would appreciate more details about the ‘University Communications System’ which you are advertising in ‘New York Times’. You might want to see what a material or item looks like before placing an order. Most suppliers are willing to provide samples so that you can make a selection. We would also appreciate if you could send some samples of the material so that we can examine the texture and quality.