Introductory phrases
1. Your name was given us by the Chamber of Commerce and we would like to enquire whether...
2.The Embassy at... has advised us to get into touch with you concerning ...
3.Messrs. J. Smith & Co. have recommended you to us and we wish to know ...
4.We hear that you are exporters of.../We learn from ... that you are exporters of ...
5.When you representative called on us last month, he showed us samples of a new … Can you supply…
6.We have seen your advertisement in … and would be glad to have price-lists and details of your terms.
7.Referring to your advertisement in …" we would be pleased to see a demonstration of these electric motors when your representative is here.
9. Your advertisement in this month's issue of "The Import Buyer" interests us and we would like to have full details of your offer.
10. We are interested in the machines demonstrated at recent Zurich Trade Fair and would be glad to have details of your export terms.
11.We are interested in ... and would ask you to send us your offer (tender, quotation) for these goods (for this machine, for this equipment).
12.We have seen your machine, Model 5 at the exhibition and ...
13.We have read your advertisement in ...
14.We have received your address from .. .
15. We are indebted for your address to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
16. We owe your address to … (a certain company).
Asking for information
1.Please send us your latest catalogue and price-list for...
2.Please let us have your prices in sterling for …
3.Will you please quote for the following items: .
4.Kindly quote us your (lowest) price for the goods listed below:
5.We hear that you have put an … on the market and would be glad to have full details.
6.We would appreciate full particulars of your ….
7.Please let us have a quotation for ...
8.We would be pleased to receive your illustrated catalogue and price-list for…. Will you please send us samples of...
9.We have a considerable demand here for silk fabrics and would welcome your patternbook.
10.Please let us know whether you are able to send us a full range of samples.
11.WIll you please quote prices c.i.f. Amsterdam for the following items in the quantities stated: 12.We are also interested in your terms of payment and in discounts offered for regular purchases and large orders.
13.If we place orders with you we will have to insist on prompt delivery. Can you guarantee delivery within … weeks of receiving orders?
14.We would appreciate a sample of each of the items listed above.
15. Please send us samples of your goods stating your lowest prices and best terms of payment.
16. Please let us know if you can send us your quotation for (if you can offer us…).
17. Please inform us by return at what price, on what terms and when you could deliver…
18.We require…
19.We are regular buyers of ...
20.We are in the market for ...
21.We are interested in ... advertised by you in…
Special conditions of a deal:
1.We hope to get your most favourable terms.
2 .We have to ask you for special terms.
3 .We expect a keen price
4.We look forward to a favourable quotation from you.
5. If your goods are up to the samples ...
6. If your prices are competitive ...
7.If your quality is right and the price is reasonable ...
8.If you can let us have a competitive quotation ...
9.If you can guarantee regular supplies ...
10.Provided you can promise delivery within 2 weeks ...
11.If your goods meet our customers' requirement...
12.If your sparepart service is prompt and efficient...
13. As long as you can maintain a moderate price ...
14 if you can promise good results…
15 we may place considerable orders with you…
16 There is a brisk demand here for high-quality …of the type you manufacture.
17.Demand for this type of machine is not high, but sales this year will probably exceed £25,000.
18.These fancy goods are in demand during the tourist season (late May to early September), but for the rest of the year sales are moderate, and often rather low.
19.There is no market here for articles of this type in the higher price ranges, but less expensive models sell very well throughout the year. You can count on a brisk turnover if prices are competitive and deliveries prompt.
Closing sentences
1.We are looking forward to hearing from you.
2.We would appreciate a prompt answer.
3.As our own customers are pressing us for a quotation, we hope you will be able to make us an offer within a fortnight from today's date.
4.We hope to hear from you shortly.
5.Since the season will soon be under way, we must ask you to reply by the end of this month.