An inquiry (fax message) is sent when a businessman wants some information, especially about
•the supply of goods • availability of goods
•catalogues • delivery times and deadlines
•quotation or prices • method of transport
•samples • insurance.
•terms and discounts
If a prospective customer addresses suppliers for the first time, it is useful to tell them something about his own business, the kind of goods he needs and for what purpose they are required. In the case of customers of long standing or repeat orders, the inquiry may be very simple. Often a phone call will do.
A building contractor sends a message to a manufacturer of bathroom showers.
BUNBURY ESTATE BUILDERS
17 Fen Road
London
ES3 5AP
Tel.:
Fax.:
21st November, 200...
Waltons Ltd.,
230 Snow Street,
Birmingham,
England
Dear Sirs,
With regard to your advertisement in the 'Builders Journal' of 3rd November, we would ask you to let us have a quotation for the new bathroom showers which are described.
As building contractors we erect about a hundred houses and two or three blocks of flats a year. If your equipment is of good quality, and we receive a favorable offer, we may be able to place large orders with you.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours faithfully,
/signature/
II. Answer the questions:
1. In what case is an inquiry fax message sent?
2. Is it recommended to tell suppliers something about your own
business if you address suppliers for the first time?
3. In what case may the inquiry be very simple?
4. How did Bunbury Estate Builders know that the company in
Birmingham produces bathroom showers?
5. What information have you got about Bunbury Estate Build-
ers?
6. In what case may this company be able to place large orders
with the Waltons Ltd. company?
7. What do Bunbury Estate Builders want a quotation for?
III. Memorize these phrases: