(The customer is replying to an advertisement for CDs in a trade journal) Dear Sir/ Madam
We are a large music store in the center of Poitiers and would like to know more about the re-writable and recordable CDs you advertised in this month’s edition of “Hi Fi News”.
Could you tell us if the CDs are leading brand names, or made by small independent companies, and whether they would be suitable for domestic recording? It would also be helpful if you could send us some samples. If they are of the standard we require, we will place a substantial order. We would also like to know if you offer any trade discounts.
We look forward to receiving your early reply.
Yours faithfully (signed)
P.Gerard (M.) Manager
Comprehension questions
1. Why does M. Gerard say We are a large music store?
2. How did he hear about the CDs?
3. What requirements does he suggest must be met before he will place an order?
4. What does the word substantial in the letter mean?
5. What concession does he ask for?
2. Reply to a request for catalogues and samples Dear Mr. Gerard
Thank you for your inquiry of 12 May in which you asked about the CDs we advertised in this month’s edition of “HiFi News”.
I can confirm that they are of high quality, and suitable for domestic recording. They are ‘Kolby’ products, which is a brand name you will certainly recognize, and the reason their prices are so competitive is that they are part of a consignment of bankrupt stock that was offered to us.
Because of their low price, and the small profit margin, we will not be offering any trade discounts on this consignment. But we sell a wide range of electronic and computer products and have enclosed a price-list giving you details of trade, quantity, and cash discounts.
We have sent, by separate post, samples of the advertised CDs and other brands we stock, and would urge you to place an order as soon as possible as there has been a huge response to our advertisement.
We would like to thank you for your interest and look forward to receiving your early order.
1. What references does Herr Gerlach quote?
2. Why are the CDs being sold cheaply?
3. Does he offer any discounts on the advertised goods?
4. What other material has he sent to Disc S.A.?
5. Can Disc S.A. order whenever they want to?
3. Enquiry from a retailer to a foreign manufacturer Dear Sir/ Madam
We are a chain of retailers based in Birmingham and are looking for a manufacturer who can supply us with a wide range of sweaters for the men’s leisurewear market. We were impressed by the selection of sweaters that were displayed on your stand at the “Menswear Exhibition” that was held in Hamburg last month.
As we usually place very large orders, we would expect a quantity discount in addition to a 20% trade discount off net list prices. Our terms of payment are normally 30-day bill of exchange, documents against acceptance (D/A).
If these conditions interest you, and you can meet orders of over 500 garments at one time, please send us your current catalogue and price-list.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Yours faithfully
Peter Crane (Mr.) Chief Buyer F. Lynch & Co. Ltd
Comprehension questions
1. What expression does Peter Crane use to indicate that Lynch & Co. is a large company?
2. What market is Lynch & Co. interested in?
3. Where did Lynch & Co. get to know about Satex?
4. What kinds of discounts are they asking for?
5. How would payment be made?
4. Reply to the general enquiry in which the buyer asked for certain concessions
Dear Mr. Crane
We were pleased to receive your inquiry, and to hear that you liked our range of sweaters. We can confirm that there would certainly be no trouble in supplying you from our wide selection of garments.
We can offer you a quantity discount, which would be 5% off net prices for orders over £2,000, but the usual allowance for a trade discount in Italy is 15%, and we always deal on payment by sight draft, cash against documents. However, we would be prepared to review this once we have established a firm trading association with you.
Enclosed you will find our summer catalogue and price-list quoting prices CIF London. We are sure you will find a ready sale for our products in England, as have other retailers throughout Europe and America, and we do hope we can reach agreement on the terms quoted.
Thank you for your interest. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely
D. Causio (Sig.) Sales Director
Encl. + 01 Catalogue + 01 Price List Comprehension questions
1. Does Sig. Causio agree to all Mr. Crane’s requests concerning discounts?
2. What method of payment does he ask for?
3. What does he suggest about the method of payment in the future?
4. What is enclosed with the letter?
5. How does Sig. Causio indicate that his company deals internationally?
5. Reply to a request for a catalogue and pricelist Dear Ms Lowe
We were pleased to receive your enquiry today, and are enclosing the catalogue and price list you asked for.
You will see that we can offer a wide selection of dinner and tea services ranging from the rugged ‘Greystone’ earthenware breakfast sets to the delicate ‘Ming’ bone china dinner service. You can choose from more than fifty designs, which includes the elegance of ‘Wedgwood’, the delicate pattern of ‘Willow’, and the richness of ‘Brownstone’ glaze.
We would very much like to add your clients to our worldwide list of customers, and could promise them an excellent product with a first-class service. We would be glad to accept orders for any number of pieces, and can mix sets if required.
You will see that our prices are quoted CIF to Eastern Canadian seaboard ports and we are offering a special 10% discount off all net prices, with delivery within three weeks from receipt of order.
If there is any further information you need, please contact us, or go to our website at the address above. Once again thank you for your enquiry.
Yours sincerely, (signed)
J. Merton (Mr.) Sales Manager
Encl. + 01 Catalogue + 01 Price List
Registered No.716481
VAT Registered No. 133 53431 08 Comprehension questions
1. How does Mr Merton draw attention to his company’s many products?
2. How does he imply that his company has an international reputation?
3. What terms for delivery do Glaston Potteries quote?
4. How does he encourage further enquiries?
5. Which words in the letter have a similar meaning to the following?
a. range b. select
c. time when order received
PART II. Vocabulary
Appreciate: đánh giá cao, hoan nghênh
Bill of exchange: hối phiếu
Cash against documents: thanh toán theo chứng từ CIF – Cost, insurance and freight (…
named port of destination):
tiền hàng, phí bảo hiểm và cước phí (… cảng đến qui đinh)
Consignment: lô hàng
Enclose: gửi kèm
Enquiry (inquiry): thư hỏi hàng
Estimate: bảng ước giá
Hesitate: ngần ngại, do dự
Invoice: hóa đơn
Manufacturer: nhà sản xuất
Place an order: đặt hàng
Pricelist: bảng giá
Quantity discount: chiết khấu số lượng
Quotation: bảng báo giá
Request: yêu cầu
Retailer: nhà bán lẻ, người bán lẻ
Sample: hàng mẫu
Sight draft: hối phiếu trả ngay
Trade discount: chiết khấu thương mại
PART III. Business expressions