BAZA ZNANJA

Kurs: - Business English

Modul: Enquiries - Upiti

Autor: prof. Gordana Matorkić

Naziv jedinice: Enquiries

ENQUIRIES

An enquiry (also spelt inquiry) is when a businessman wants some information, especially about:

- the supply of goods                                                      - leaflets or catalogues                          

- delivery times and deadlines                                         - method of transport

- quotations or prices                                                      - insurance.

- terms or discounts                                                      

Letters of enquiry are usually brief and simple and many firms have adopted the practice of sending printed enquiry forms. A prospective buyer of an enquiry introduces himself, and states clearly what he is interested in. If a prospective customer approaches suppliers for the first time, he needs to tell them something about his own business and what he will require. If the customer repeats the same orders often, the enquiry may be very simple. Sometimes it can be made only through a phone call or a postcard.

Writing an enquiry demands from you to:

- say where you saw the advertisement or how you obtained your potential supplier’s name:

We have seen your advertisement in this month’s edition of…/ in “The Times” of 22nd May.

Your name has been given to us by the Serbian Chamber of Commerce.

- give some general information about your business:

We are one of the largest importers of …

We are a company which imports…

We are a company which specializes in …

-give your reasons for writing:

We are interested in importing…

We are interested in purchasing…

-request action:

Could you please send us some samples of …

We would appreciate if you would send us more information…

We would appreciate if you would send us further details about…

-close the letter:

We are looking forward to hearing from you soon / in the near future.

We look forward to receiving your reply.