Business Correspondence Examples and Commerce Terms
English Course Inquiry
To: j.black@gmsj.com
Subject: English Course
Dear Ms. Black,
I am writing in response to the advertisement I saw for your English school in “World Teens Today” magazine. I am interested in doing one of your courses, and I would be grateful if you could provide some further information.
Firstly, it says in the advertisement that the courses are two weeks long. Would it be possible to do a three-week course? I would also like to know how much your courses cost exactly.
Secondly, your advert mentions accommodation with host families. Could you tell me if I would be staying on my own with the host family or if there would be other students staying there as well?
Finally, I have a question about the social programme. Would you mind sending me more details about this? I am very keen on sport and would like to know if there are any sports activities included in the social programme.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Jose Cruz
IT Training Course Confirmation
Dear Sir or Madam,
Subject: Confirmation of the IT Training Course in July
I am writing regarding the IT training for our staff, referring to your letter of 3 June 2010.
Unfortunately, we have to find an alternative date for the training course because the intended participants are already scheduled for other commitments then. The participants will be Karen Lamb and Max Lung, but instead of David Greene, Philip Rowe should join the course. However, Karen does not have basic IT skills, so she will need to be trained in the basics too. I would be grateful if you could provide her with some extra lessons before the course starts.
May I remind you that we had agreed to have the course conducted at our premises. I hope this is still acceptable. I would be grateful if you could offer us a reduction on this training in consideration of further courses we plan to book.
If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours faithfully,
Mr. Ching Lee
Human Resource Manager
Business and Commerce Terminology
Key Definitions
- A manufacturer is another name for a “producer”.
- Suppliers often sell large quantities of goods to wholesalers, who do not usually sell directly to consumers.
- We offer a discount to customers who buy in bulk.
- We ask consumers who are not fully satisfied to return goods within seven days.
- In order to get a full refund, customers must send back goods in the original packaging.
- Goods will be dispatched within 24 hours of your order.
- Goods are kept in our warehouse until ready for delivery.
- Products and services offered at a large discount are generally a bargain.
Related Sales and Payment Terms
- Credit card details
- Method of payment
- Interest-free credit
- Out of stock
- Money-back guarantee
- After-sales service
- Loyalty card scheme
Phrase Matching Exercises
Exercise 1
- 1. I can pay for the house now – Bank loan
- 2. We’ve reached our sales targets – Over the weekend
- 3. Our profit margin is low – With cashflow (Note: Match seems context-dependent or potentially unclear)
- 4. My business is quite small – Be confident (Note: Match seems context-dependent or potentially unclear)
- 5. It isn’t available as a download – On disk
- 6. The job involves sales presentations – Further discount (Note: Match seems context-dependent or potentially unclear)
Exercise 2: Verb Meanings
- 1. To take – Chance to do it
- 2. To raise – More important
- 3. To enter – A new area
- 4. To extend – Variety of goods
- 5. To meet – Is necessary
- 6. To make – Discovery or change
Exercise 3: The 4 Ps of Marketing
- 1. Product
- Goods or services that are sold
- 2. Price
- The cost to the buyer of goods or services
- 3. Promotion
- Informing customers
- 4. Place
- Where goods or services are available