International Business
Correspondence 3
SGU

Chapter 3
Inquiry Letter
Inquiry letters are sent to ask details regarding a
certain product of service. This may also an
inquiry regarding further information if there has
already been previous exchange done. Inquiry
letters are usually short and brief.

Principles of inquiry letters
Solicited letter
This is usually a response to an advertisement
inviting the reader to write in for further
information and details. The inquirer should be
careful to inclde his address if he uses paper
without a letterhead. Advertisers testify
unanimously to the large number of requests
which can never be granted because writers
forget to include addresses.
Unsolicited letter

Guideline of inquiry letters
The opening

Ask for information of inquiry proper
General inquiry
Inquiry of details
Catalogs and price lists
Patterns and samples
Routine quotations and estimations
Goods on approval
Suggesting terms, method of payment and discounts

The closing

Topics of inquiries and their corresponding replies
Opening (Thank, mention the date, and quote any
references)
Confirm an offer of help
Sell your product
Suggest alternatives
Refer to others
Provide inquiry request
Closing

General inquiries

Inquiry of details

Catalogs and price lists

A well-prepared catalog

Patterns and samples

Corresponding reply

Goods approval

Corresponding reply

Routine quotations and estimations

Corresponding reply

Quotation subject to conditions of acceptance

Quotations in tabulated form

A Sample

Tabulated quotation

Suggesting terms, method of payment and discounts

Corresponding reply

Follow-up letters
From the inquirer
1/ Start with catching the reader's attention
2/ Provide a background about your request
3/ State the request
4/ End with a polite action close
From the letter receiver or supplier

Inquiry expressions

Good luck!