POINTS TO REMEMBER

1. Enquiries can take the form of telephoned, telexed, or faxed requests for information. Only use these forms if you can make your enquiry very brief. For fuller enquiries, write a letter.

2. Give details of your own firm as well as asking for information from your prospective supplier.

3. Be specific and state exactly what you want. Quote box numbers, catalogue references, etc. to help your supplier to identify what you want.

4. Ask for samples if you are uncertain about a product.

5. You can suggest terms and discounts, but be prepared for your supplier to make a counter-offer.

6. You can be direct in your letter, yet still polite. Notice how the use of the passive can soften a request: “I want a prompt reply” is impolite; “A prompt reply would be appreciated” is better. Notice also how short sentences can create an abrupt effect, while a complex sentence can modify: “We are large wholesalers. We are interested in your range of shirts” is not as good as “We are large wholesalers and are interested in your range of shirts”.

7. Close with a simple “thank you” or “I look forward to hearing from you”, unless you want to indicate the possibility of substantial orders or further business.

VOCABULARY

bill of exchange,n – вексель

bulk buyer,n – оптовый покупатель

cash discount,n – скидка при оплате наличностью

co-operative society,n – совместное(кооперативное) общество

enquire about a product – запрашивать о продукции

equal to sample – полностью соответствующий образцу, одинаковый с образцом

goods on approval – товары на одобрение, утверждение

goods on sale or return – товары на продажу с правом возврата

in bulk,n – без упаковки, насыпью, навалом

leaflet,n – рекламный листок, проспект (на одном листе)

make an enquiry about a product – сделать запрос о продукции

monthly/quarterly statement – ежемесячно, ежеквартально утверждение (заявление)

pattern,n– образчик, образец (узора, рисунка)

price-list,n – прейскурант

principal,n – руководитель

prospectus,n – проспект

quantity discount,n – скидка при продаже большого количества товара

retailer,n – розничный торговец

samples – образцы

stock(s) – акция, ценные бумаги, обязательства, фонды

to be available for sale – иметься в продаже

to place an order – размещать заказ

to quote a price – назначать цену

to stock a product – снабжать(запасать) продукт

to suggest/state terms – предлагать/заявлять сроки (термины, условия)

trade discount,n – торговая скидка

wholesaler,n – оптовый торговец

OFFERS