Inquiry is a request for commodity information. When businessmen intend to import a product, they will send an inquiry to the exporter. It can ask for quotations or offers for the goods they want to buy, or just ask for some general information about these goods. Inquiry can be made by written communication, such as letter, telegram, telex, fax, e-mail or oral interview.
Enquiries from regular customers may be very simple, only mentioning the name and/or specifications of the goods. Other inquiries may include some specific details, such as commodity name, quality, specification, quantity, price terms, payment terms, shipment date, packing method, etc. Required by the buyer, so that the seller can make an appropriate quotation.
2. Answers to queries
Inquiries received from abroad must be answered comprehensively and promptly.
If you state all the terms and conditions as required, the reply to the inquiry can be regarded as an offer. (See Module 5 for details)
If there is no stock for the time being, you should immediately confirm the inquiry, explain the situation, and guarantee that you will reply as soon as it is available. If the inquiry comes from an old customer, express how grateful you are. If it's from a new customer, say you're glad to receive it and hope to have business relations in the future. In other words, the reply to the inquiry should be prompt and polite, and should cover all the information requested.
3. The type of query
General inquiry: If importers want to have a general understanding of the goods that exporters can provide, they can ask for price lists, catalogues, samples and other information. This is a general survey. Generally speaking, this is also an inquiry first, rather than writing a letter to establish business relations first.
2) Specific inquiry: If importers want to buy goods of a certain specification, they can ask exporters to quote prices for specific goods. This is a special problem.
4. Main contents of inquiry letter
1) general query
A general inquiry usually includes the following:
A. Tell the recipient the source of the information and introduce yourself briefly.
B indicate the intention of writing a letter, that is, ask for a catalogue, samples or price list.
C. state the possibility of placing an order and the expectation of quotation.
2) Specific inquiry
Specific questions usually include the following:
A indicate the name and description of the goods inquired, including specifications and quantity.
B. Ask if it is possible to give a special discount, and what kind of payment terms and delivery time do you want.
C. state the possibility of placing an order and the expectation of quotation.