1. The document provides guidance on writing enquiry letters and replies to enquiries for business purposes. Enquiry letters should clearly indicate what goods or services are required, the purpose, delivery date, and ask for samples, prices, or catalogues. Replies should be prompt, include relevant literature, provide information on availability, terms, and discounts, and invite further business. 2. Examples are given of an enquiry letter requesting price quotes for office furniture and a reply providing the requested information along with additional offers and an invitation to place an order. 3. Sources for the content and examples are listed as business communication textbooks.

1. Enquiry Letters
and
Replies to Enquiry
Gokhale Education Society’s
S.M.R.K. B.K. A.K. Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Nasik-5.
CC English (HL)
F.Y.B.Com. Sem I
Unit 4
Ms. Geetanjali Gitay
Assistant Professor
Dept. of English

2. Introduction
• We make enquiries to gain information.
• In business, the most common letters are buyer’s enquiries about goods and services
and seller’s replies giving information or quotations.
• In these letters, direct approach is used to save time. The letters are short, formalities
are not required and you can get straight to the business.
• It is necessary to give prompt attention to an enquiry and make every effort to work it
up into an order.
• In a reply , facts are to be presented so as to show the customers
the benefits of buying the product/ service.

3. 1. Clearly indicate the quality and quantity of goods or services required.
2. Inform the seller of the purpose for which the goods are required as this will help them
to serve you better.
3. Mention the date if any by which the goods must be delivered.
4. If the same letter is being sent to several sellers this should be mentioned in the letter.
5. Ask for samples, designs, catalogues or price-lists.
6. Conclude the letter of inquiry by tempting the seller either
with the prospect of a bulk order or the hope of future orders.
7. Ask for a prompt reply.
How to Write a Letter of Enquiry

4. 1. Send a reply promptly.
2. Thank the sender for the enquiry and for the interest shown in your product or the
service rendered by you.
3. Attach a catalogue, price-list and other literature. In the covering letter, justify the price
of the goods, service.
4. Inform the sender about the availability of stock with you and the terms of discount ,
transport and delivery.
5. If possible, make an offer of discount.
6. Invite further enquiries and offer to help.
7. Use persuasive language and good judgment in giving information.
8. Ask for an order.
How to Write a Reply to Enquiry

5. Letter of Enquiry : An Example
Source: Business Communication, Rai Urmila & Rai S.M. ,Himalaya Publications, Mumbai .(Fourth Edition).

6. Letter of Enquiry : An Example
Source: Business Communication, Rai Urmila & Rai S.M. ,Himalaya Publications, Mumbai .(Fourth Edition).

7. Reply to Enquiry : An Example
Source: Business Communication, Rai Urmila & Rai S.M. ,Himalaya Publications, Mumbai .(Fourth Edition).

8. Reply to Enquiry : An Example
Source: Business Communication, Rai Urmila & Rai S.M. ,Himalaya Publications, Mumbai .(Fourth Edition).

9. Text Content Source :
1. Business Communication, Doctor Aspi & Doctor Rhoda, Sheth Publishers, Mumbai.(Fifth Edition).
2. Business Communication, Rai Urmila & Rai S.M. ,Himalaya Publications, Mumbai .(Fourth Edition).