1. Notice how these sentences express regret:
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Make sentences similar to the above for the following causes of complaint. These complaints are from buyers, addressed to the supplier.
1. Four cases contained the wrong goods.
2. Our agent had to wait seven days for delivery.
3. Damage was caused to the linings of the jackets.
4. We think the goods are of inferior quality.
5. We do not like the colour of the suits.
6. Corrosion and rust have made the instruments unsaleable.
7. The goods despatched do not correspond to the catalogue number of the goods we ordered.
8. Your packers did not follow our instructions.
9. Case No. 26 was breached.
10. We are short-shipped by three cases out of our order of twenty-seven.
11. The delay will mean that we cannot meet a delivery deadline to our customers.
12. Inadequate packing by your packers caused the loss of five cases of whiskey.
2. Notice how you inform a customer about alternative arrangements:
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Inform the buyer about alternative arrangements for these:
1. Bring forward the date of the next shipment
2. Send our agent to inspect the goods
3. Despatch the shipping documents at once
4. Replace the damaged goods
5. Post the advice of despatch as soon as the ship sails
6. Visit your head offices next July
7. Collect the goods rejected by you
8. Send an expert to examine the goods
9. Offer you a discount of 10 %
10. Despatch the delayed goods franco domicile, duty paid
11. Ship the merchandise before the 10th December
12. Pack the goods in accordance with your instructions
3. Explanations:Notice the use of the verb cause here:
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Write explanations in the same way for a customer’s complaints about the following:
1. There was damage. There was inadequate waterproof lining.
2. There was an error. There was confusion about reference numbers.
3. There was a delay. There was stormy weather in the English Channel.
4. There was a mistake. There was a false reference number in the catalogue.
5. There was an accident. There was rough unloading at the port.
4. Notice how apologies are made:
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Write ‘apologies’ to a customer for the following complaints.
1. Inconvenience caused by a delay of two weeks in delivery
2. Confusion caused by a shipment including one case with the wrong goods
3. Damage caused by the use of hooks during loading
4. Loss caused by bad packing
5. Inconvenience caused by the late arrival of the merchandise
6. Delay caused by changes in shipping schedules
7. Worry caused by the late arrival of an advice of despatch
8. Loss caused by our failure to meet the delivery date
9. Damage caused by heat on board ship
10. Inconvenience caused by the discharge of the goods at the wrong port
5. Notice how you assure customers that similar mistakes will not happen in future:
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Write similar sentences of assurance to a customer for the following:
1. Delays in shipment
2. Damage to goods in transit
3. Goods are packed properly
4. Your instructions are carried out
5. Short-shipment of goods
6. The documents are sent in advance
7. The reference numbers are up to date
8. Our agents despatch goods promptly
9. The goods are checked carefully
10. Our forwarding agents mark the containers in accordance with your instructions
6. Notice how you express a mixture of hope and expectation:
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Use the same expression for the following. Choose a suitable verb.
1. The goods / on time
2. Our agent / the Certificate of Insurance to you in good time
3. The delay / no inconvenience to you
4. The shipment / undamaged in transit
5. The quality of the replacements / to your satisfaction
6. Your representative / the shipping documents
7. The packing arrangements / your instructions
8. You / satisfied with the merchandise
9. We / meet your demands
10. You / our apologies for the error
Exercise 91. Insert the correct words in the appropriate spaces in the passage below.