Information about the goods

1. We inform you that we can supply the goods in quantities you require.

2. As we have a good supply of [the name of the product], we can effect shipment within [time].

3. These goods are available immediately from stock.

4. We are pleased to inform you that under separate cover we have sent [the name of the products], which we have specially selected to meet your customers’ needs.

5. We regret that we are unable to offer [the name of the product] but we have enclosed/attached [the name of the product] that we can deliver in the quantities required.

6. The model you ask for is out of production/out of stock, but we can supply [the name of the product] instead.

7. Sorry but we do not manufacture the type of equipment you ask for.

Prices and terms of payment

1. Our price list is attached to this e-mail, together with details of our trade terms.

2. We enclose/attach details of our terms and conditions of sale.

3. Full details of our terms are attached to this e-mail [are enclosed with this letter].

4. Our prices include delivery FOB Rotterdam.

5. Prices are subject to variation without notice.

6. The prices quoted are for quantities not smaller than 1,000 pieces.

7. We allow 5 per cent discount for bigger quantities.

8. We allow a special discount of 1.5 per cent for settlement within 20 days from the date of invoice.

9. Our prices are subject to 10 per cent discount for cash payments.

10. Please note that no discount is granted.

11. We require cash within 10 days of effecting the order.

12. Payment should be made by Irrevocable Letter of Credit.

Sale conditions

1. Please note that our offer is valid for [time] only.

2. The goods can be delivered within [time] of receipt of your order.

3. We are ready to supply [the name of the products] from stock if we get your order [time].

4. We cannot promise delivery before [the date] unless your order reaches us within [time].

5. If you want the goods [the date], we advise you to give your order by return.

6. Please let us have your order by [the date] as this price concession/reduction will not apply after that date.

7. We expect payment on invoice.

Concluding sentences

1. We hope that you will find our terms/prices competitive.

2. We are sure that our goods will meet your approval.

3. If you find our terms satisfactory, please let us have your order at an early date, as supplies are limited.

4. We are sure that these goods will meet your requirements, and we look forward to your order.

5. We think that we have covered every point of your enquiry. If not, please do not hesitate to write us again.

6. We are looking forward to receiving your order which will have our immediate/best attention.

7. We will be pleased to hear at your earliest convenience whether you are interested in our offer.

8. Please inform us if you are interested.

►Fill in the blanks with the words from the box:

Attention attach for of order sale sending terms

Dear Mrs Higgins

We thank you (1) your inquiry (2) June 10 and we have pleasure in (3) you the price list as requested. We also (4) details of our (5) and conditions of (6).

We look forward to receiving your (7) which will have our most careful (8).

Best regards

Competitive discounts leaflets pleasure immediate range size samples visit trial

Dear Mr MacDormand,

Further to the (1) of a representative of Paper Products Ltd. to your company on October 14 we have (2) in sending you some descriptive (3) concerning our standard (4) of electronic components. The prices in our list are net, but we can offer (5) by negotiation depending on the (6) of orders.

We will be pleased to send (7) or to deliver goods on (8). We believe that you will find our terms exceptionally (9) and we would like to point out that we can promise (10) delivery of any item from stock.

We look forward to your early reply.

Yours sincerely

►Complete the following:

1. Thank you for your letter … June 17 … our filing cabinets. We can … a wide variety of filing cabinets and we are ... our detailed … together with a … list. All items are in … and we … orders … delivery … first half of the year. We hope that our … will meet your … and we are … forward to … your order.

2. Our representative, Mr Travolta, has … me that you are … in our product. I … our catalogue and our … price list. Our … of payment are: 3 per cent … within 30 days. We hope to … from you soon.

3. Thank you for your … of December 1. We … our telephone conversation this afternoon, in which we told you that we could … the goods your require … four weeks … order. Terms … payment … agreed. We … forward to your order … will have our … attention.

4. In reply … your … wrist watches we are … the price list you … . We also … details of our terms and … of sale. We would like to … out that we can supply … of wrist watches … trial basis. If … order … bigger quantities, we … ready … considerable discount. We are looking … to … you.

►Put in the missing words:

1. We require cash…10 days…effecting the order.

2. Thank you…your enquiry…pins and needles.

3. …separate cover we are sending the full range…patterns…various colors.

4. Please pay in cash…three months…the date…delivery.

5. In the case…an order…more than 1,000 pieces we would allow a special discount…5 per cent…settlement…30 days…the date…invoice.

6. The model you ask for is…stock, but we can supply model TG37… .

7. If the goods meet your approval, place an order…us…any delay.

8. We are not…a position…submit the required offer.

9. All our goods are…stock and we can effect delivery…the second half…the year.

10. Our prices are subject…7.5 per cent discount…cash payments.

►Write an enquiry e-mail and a reply to it:

A. Write an enquiry e-mail for granite panels. You want to get samples of three types, namely Chinese flower, Tiger tail and Black lotus. Also ask for details concerning price, discount, terms of payment and delivery time.

B. Write an answer. Before doing so, put the following information in the right order:

1. a visit of a representative might be useful to negotiate a contract;

2. discount depends on prompt settlement of accounts;

3. thanks for enquiry;

4. samples of more than three requested types have been already sent;

5. hope the customer will like the goods and will place and order;

6. price list attached;

7. delivery can start 6 weeks after the order has been received.

‘PLACE-AN-ORDER’ POINT

Orders

The most essential thing is to give an accurate description of the goods you want to buy. When defining the quality or type of goods wanted, the catalogue should be quoted. The quantity of each item ordered should be clearly stated and an alternative selection should be given if the exact goods are not available.

You must also state the time for which the delivery is required and specify the method of transport. The price per unit and the total price ought to be given as well as the terms of payment. You should state if the payment is to be made in cash or on credit, and what discount, if any, is granted. Instructions must be given about all the necessary documents – Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, Insurance Policy, Commercial Invoices – and about the packing, marking and forwarding of the goods.

A friendly and courteous note in the closing paragraph should be included, as this will certainly contribute to better relationship between you and your supplier.

Refer back to replies to enquiries in ‘Reply-to-enquiry’ Point. Below are the replies to those letters.

Dear Mr Schmidt,

We have pleasure in sending you a trial order for plastic packaging.

We agree to your prices but if you reduced it, we might be in a position to take a larger quantity. Please let us know if you are able to make the prices easier, as we have had several enquiries for these goods.

[Instead of the previous paragraph you can write the following:

We agree to your prices and are interested in purchasing larger quantities if you would be ready to grant us better terms of payment].

Please see the attachment #1 for the catalogue numbers of items, which we would like to buy [place an order for]. In the attachment #2 we give you full details regarding packing and marking. These must be strictly observed. Method of shipment: by air.

We await your confirmation.

Yours sincerely

John Smith

Purchasing Manager

Nature Products

Dear Mr Adams

Thank you for your offer of September 20. Please find attached our order No. 4083/05 for fabrics catalogued under #2, 7, 8, 17 and 19.

Delivery by the end of October is essential for us and we hope you will give this order your most careful attention. The Irrevocable Letter of Credit will be opened in your favor after receipt of your confirmation of the order.

We would be obliged if you could arrange for shipment on time. We will submit further orders with you if this one is completed to our satisfaction.

We are looking forward to receiving your confirmation.

Best regards,

Lionel Springsteen

Purchasing Manager

Knitwear Planet

Dear Ms Groenewegen

Dear Mrs. Groenewegen

Following our e-mail exchange regarding ladies’ and men’s knitwear we are now sending you our order for total 3,000 items (please see the attachment). We have already given our instructions concerning opening of a Letter of Credit in your favor with your bank and await your advice about the shipment of the goods in due time.

We are interested in purchasing larger quantities if you would be ready to grant us better terms.

Thank you in advance for your prompt handling of this order.

Best regards,

Paul Midler

Purchasing Director

PutOn&Go

Useful phrases

Placing an order

1. We have pleasure in sending you an order for [the name of the product].

2. Please find attached our order for [the name of the product].

3. Thank you for your offer of [the date] which we accept on the terms quoted and are sending you our order for [the name of the product].

4. Thank your very much for your offer. The prices quoted in your letter of [the date] are satisfactory and we have decided to place an order for [the name of the product].

Confirming the price and terms of payment

1. We agree to your price, but we should like to know if you are prepared to grant us a discount of … per cent for a quantity of …

2. We have instructed our bank [the name of the bank] to open an Irrevocable Letter of Credit in your favor for the amount [the sum of money].

3. Inform us, please, if you are able to make the terms more favorable.

4. If you could reduce the price, we would be ready to place an order for bigger quantities.

5. We hope you will give us better terms in the future.

Concerning delivery dates

1. Please note that delivery is required by [the date] without fail.

2. The enclosed/attached order is given strictly on the condition that you deliver the goods before [the date].

3. We would be obliged if you could arrange for shipment [time].

4. It is essential for us to get the goods before [date].

5. Please confirm that you will deliver goods before [date].

6. Please confirm that you will deliver the goods [date] as agreed in the contract.

Concerning packing and marking

1. Please see the attachment for full details regarding packing and marking. These must be strictly observed.

2. Packing in wooden cases is essential.

3. Please ensure that packing inside boxes is adequate to prevent [the accident].

►Fill in the blanks with the words from the box and then translate into Russian:

Accept ask discount essential for give inform of on prices quite

We thank you (1) your offer (2) January 13. We find both the quality and (3) satisfactory and we have decided to (4) an order for 2,000 pcs of desk lamps. As the situation (5) the market is (6) difficult we have to (7) you to allow us a 15% trade (8). Delivery is (9) by the end of February.

Will you please (10) us by return whether you can (11) the order on these terms.

Condition deliver attach prompt for delivery to

Many thanks for your (1) reply of February (2) our enquiry for toasters. We (3) our initial order (4) 5,000 pcs, which we understand you can (5) from stock.

As indicated in our first inquiry, the (6) must be effected осуществлены within 2 months. Our order is placed on this (7).

►Complete the following letters/e-mails:

1. We have received … quotation … samples … woolen cloth … we thank … . We appreciate … good quality … your goods … we find … prices satisfactory. We … like … place an order … you but we … be sure … delivery … be effected … the end of this year. Please inform and … .

2. Thanks … your e-mail … details … the range of leather belts. We … interested …different types … belts and … decided … place … trial order … terms suggested … you. We … placing an order … the condition … the consignment … dispatched … time … reach us … October 7. We … suggest payment … bill of exchange. Inform … this … acceptable … you.

►Place an order using the following information:

1. Selling company: Tea Master

2. Product name: Green Paradise (green tea)

3. Quantity: 1,000 carton cases per order

Your preferences:

1. Shipment by air.

2. Delivery required by the end of the next month.

3. Irrevocable Letter of Credit upon receiving confirmation of order.

4. 2,000 cases if granted discount of 5 per cent.

5. 4,000 cases if granted discount of 10 per cent.

1 CIF = cost, insurance and freight

2 FOB = free on board

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