General inquiry: ask for general information, such as catalogues, price lists or quotations, samples, illustrations, etc.
Specific inquiry: specifically inquire about the commodity name (commodity name), specification (specification), quantity (quantity), unit price (FOB… CIF… unit price), shipment time, payment method, etc.
Inquiry is usually sent by the buyer to the seller, and the buyer obtains general commodity information from the seller concisely through the inquiry letter. When writing an inquiry letter by e-mail, you don't need to be too polite, just be specific, concise and properly worded. Some inquiry letters come straight to the point, directly stating the ordering intention, hoping that the other party will give certain preferential conditions; Some inquiry letters require information and are not allowed to make an order commitment, so as to avoid the possible future transaction obstacles caused by not placing an order.
2. Example topic: asking questions
Dear sir,
We are interested in buying large quantities of steel screws of various sizes.
We would appreciate it if you could give us a quotation per kilogram, including cost and freight. Liverpool, England. We would appreciate it if you could send us samples and price lists.
We used to buy these products from other places. We may be more willing to buy from your company now, because we understand that you can provide a larger quantity at a more attractive price. Besides, we have confidence in the quality of your products.
We look forward to receiving your reply email.
sincerely
Xxx
3. Reference translation
Subject: Investigation
Dear sir,
Our company is interested in buying a large number of various types of steel screws, and would like to know the cost price and the freight price per kilogram to Liverpool, England. We would appreciate it if you could send us the above quotation. We would appreciate it if you could send us samples and price lists.
Our company has been buying this kind of goods from other companies. We know that the goods in your are of high quality and low price, so we want to establish a cooperative relationship with you.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely xxx
4. Typical sentence patterns
(1) Can you tell us the price in your? Can you tell me about your price?
Do you quote FOB or CIF? Do you quote FOB or CIF?
How long is the validity of your offer? How long is your offer valid?
Can you tell us your terms of payment? Can you tell us the terms of payment?
We have made an inquiry for your products, please make an offer within this month. Please make an offer within this month.
Please provide us with the best static payment terms and shipment time through the Internet. Please quote us online, stating the terms of payment and the time of shipment.
We would appreciate it if you could provide us with price, quality, available quantity and other relevant information. Please tell us the price, quality, available quantity and other relevant information in detail.