Module 4 Inquiry and Reply,Textile Garment English Correspondence 纺织服装英语函电,化学工业出版社,Contents,Introduction,1,Writing Skills,2,Specimen Letters,3,Useful Expressions,4,Simulation Practice,5,Introduction,In international trade, the transaction is a very important step. The procedure of reaching agreements between buyers and sellers in international trade might include enquiry, quotation, offer, counter-offer and acceptance. Some of these parts are essential, and some are optional. Each part plays a different role. An enquiry is the first real step in business and can be made not only to one party alone but also to several parties at the same time, usually made by the buyers without engagement to get information about the business terms and conditions regarding the goods to be ordered. Enquiries may be either dispatched by mail, cable, fax, or handed to the suppliers through personal contract.,Inquiry can be of two types: general inquiry and specific inquiry. In a general inquiry, the buyer asks for general information of the products or commodities he needs, such as a catalogue, a brochure, a price list or quotation sheets, samples, etc., which the exporter is in a position to supply. Specific inquiries may include great details such as the name of the commodity, quality, specifications, quantity, terms of price, terms of payment, time of shipment, packing, etc., required by the buyer so as to enable the seller to make proper offers.,A reply is actually a response to the received inquiry. The relative answer to every detailed question put forward by the buyer will be given, and more importantly, you will try to push the sale of your commodities by giving the realistic description of your commodities and other terms and conditions.,Writing Skills,When making an enquiry, please keep your letter short and to the point: say what needs to be said and then stop. 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 and express the hope of keeping up friendly business relationship. So an enquiry should involve in the following points: (1).The source of information; (2).The specific goods which are wanted buying; (3).Details of what you would like to enquire for; (4).Ask for best price terms; (5).Wish early favorable reply.,Writing Skills,A reply to an enquiry from a regular customer is normally fairly brief, and is composed of the following parts: (1). Thanks for the enquiry; (2).Supply all the information requested; (3).Provide additional information; (4).Express your hope for early order.,Specimen Letters 信函样例,Letter 1 General Enquiry for Steam and Dry Irons,Dear Sirs, Your firm has been recommended to us by the Haier Textile Equipment Company, with whom we have done business for many years. We are interested in your steam and dry irons for use in offices and would you kindly send us as soon as possible your illustrated catalogue and current price list, with the lowest quotation. We shall be pleased to have you inform us of your best terms and conditions. Your prompt reply will be appreciated. Yours faithfully, (,Specimen Letters 信函样例,Letter 2 A Reply to the General Inquiry for Steam and Dry Irons,Dear Sirs, In reply to your enquiry of Oct 23th, we are now enclosing you our latest price list for steam and dry irons, together with our illustrated catalogue. As you will see in the above list, we have bid you the lowest prices, offering you our best quality goods which we believe will induce you to favor us with your valued orders. As for samples, which if you require, we shall be pleased to send you on request.,Specimen Letters 信函样例,Thank you again for your interest in our items. We are looking forward to your order and you may be assured that it will receive our prompt and careful attention. Yours faithfully, (signature) Name,Specimen Letters 信函样例,Letter 3 A Specific Enquiry for Briefcases and Hand Bags,Dear Sirs, During the Chinese Export Commodity Fair held in October, 2011, we had the pleasure of visiting your booth and are impressed by your briefcases and hand bags made in a variety of artificial leathers. We are considering placing an order with you. Please send us as soon as possible your most favorable prices CIF Singapore for the following items:,Specimen Letters 信函样例,made in a variety of artificial leathers. We are considering placing an order with you. Please send us as soon as possible your most favorable prices CIF Singapore for the following items:,Specimen Letters 信函样例,In your reply, please inform us of the terms of payment and the discount you offer for purchase of no less than 500 of each Article Number listed above. We are looking forward to hearing from you soon. Yours faithfully, (signature) Name,Specimen Letters 信函样例,Letter 4 A Reply to the Specific Inquiry,Dear Sirs, Thank you for your interest in our brief