(1) At the beginning of the letter of inquiry the letter writer introduces himself as a business firm.
(2) The pursuit of the letter of inquiry means that the letter is written in pursuance of the advertisement, based on the details of the merchant directory or on the basis of someone's recommendation.
(3) The purpose of the inquiry should be clarified. The purpose of the inquiry should be to procure goods, to obtain service, to know whether goods are available or to obtain general information.
(4) The item to be ordered should be described in detail and clearly and inquiries should be made to get an idea of the variety that can be obtained in it.
(5) A request should be made to send a price-list, catalog, quotation and other conditions. In some cases a direct demonstration is also requested about the operation of the sample goods or thing.
(6) Inquiry letters should inquire about the price of goods and other expenses. Inquiries should also be made about the price of the goods i.e. at what price the seller wants to deliver the goods and other expenses i.e. transportation cost, packing cost, sales tax and other taxes.
(7) Order quantity can be stated with the intention of getting minimum price and maximum return.
(8) Inquiries should be made about the method of payment of money for purchase of goods i.e. by which method the money is to be paid in cash, check, draft or on-line payment.
(9) Timely delivery of goods is essential in trade. It is therefore necessary to ask the seller whether the buyer will receive the goods within the expected time frame.
(10) If a particular type of goods is to be available in a particular type of packing, the buyer must obtain information about it.
(11) At the end of the letter, assure the seller that we will place a large order in the future if their price and terms of trade are favorable.
(12) Inquiry letters for bulk purchase of goods, for order and delivery of goods as well as for the required period should be written in advance.