Enquiries
Definition
a request for information, in international trade, often made by the importers inviting a quotation for the goods or service they wish to buy or simply asking for the general information about the goods or service.
2. Classificationof Enquiries
(1) General inquiry
A general inquiry is theinquiry for general information of certain kind of goods or of the exporter's business lines.
An inquiry may be madeafter coming back from a trade fair, seeing an advertisement from the massmedia or among old business partners for new businessßInformation the buyerasked for may include:
a catalogue, a price list, samples, etc.
Make sure you observe the principle of“completeness and clarity” to avoid unnecessary delay
In many cases, the buyermakes a general inquiry in his letter for establishing business relations.
(2) Specific inquiry
A specific inquiry is made with specific intention for certain goods. ßInformation the buyerasked for may include:
the name of thecommodity,
the specifications,
the quantity,
the terms of price (CIF, FOB, etc),
terms of payment (L/C, T/T, D/D, D/P etc),
delivery date,
packing methods,
discount, etc
3. Structure of An Enquiry
Part I. Making inquiries according toyour needs;
Part II. (Option 1). requesting for samples, catalogues etc;
(Option 2) requesting for detailed information about the product or service we are interested in or our detailed needs for some specificproduct/service.
Part III. Expressing goodwill andwishing a favorable reply
4. Case Analysis
Summary
For anenquiry, the following key points shallbe borne in mind
Short, shorter, shorter!!
Attractive SUBJECT! (how)
No Long self-introduction.(what to emphasize?)
Simple and daily English
No fancy or bizarre fonts, marks..
Less “I”, but more "We” andactive voice
No meaningless Questions
Cautiously use of the Enclosures ,Pics and URL links
No harsh or hard tone in the Email/ Letter.
