4.03 Write internal and external business correspondence to convey and obtain information effectively Write inquiries

Define the term inquiries. when you are requesting more information about a product or service. This type of business letter tends to include specific information such as product type, as well as asking for further details in the form of brochures, catalogs, telephone contact, etc. Making inquiries can also help you keep up on your competition!

Identify occasions when inquiries are written by businesses. We write an inquiry when we want to ask for more information concerning a product, service or other information about a product or service that interests us. These letters are often written in response to an advertisement that we have seen in the paper, a magazine, a commercial on television when we are interested in purchasing a product, but would like more information before making a decision. Examples of Inquiries: Sales Letters Replying to an Inquiry Account Terms and Conditions Letters of Acknowledgment Placing an Order Making a Claim Adjusting a Claim Cover Letters

Describe the importance of writing inquiries. An effective letter of inquiry is often more difficult to write than a full proposal. The letter of inquiry should be brief—no more than three pages—and must be a succinct but thorough presentation of the need or problem you have identified, the proposed solution, and your organization's qualifications for implementing that solution. The letter of inquiry should be addressed to the appropriate contact person at a foundation or to its CEO and should be sent by regular mail.

Student Activity Demonstrate procedures for writing inquiries. Each student should write a letter of inquiry to a supplier or manufacturer who sells that product. S/he should request information about the item, including features, options, and pricing. Also, select other topics to write an inquiry on: Ask for personal advice about careers Request application materials for admission to college Request confirmation of receipt of earlier mailings Request information about an applicant Thank someone for information Write a letter in a job search Sources: Research/Proposal-Writing/Letters-of-inquiry Research/Proposal-Writing/Letters-of-inquiry