Letters of Inquiry

A letter of inquiry asks someone for specific information. In some cases, such as a request for promotional material, the recipient will have a clear interest in responding to your letter. In other cases, such as a request for specific information on a product, the recipient may or may not be as motivated to respond quickly. Consequently, always make the tone of the letter friendly and make it easy for the recipient to identify and provide the information you need.Format of a Letter of Inquiry



Follow this format in writing a letter of inquiry:

1. In the first paragraph, identify yourself and, if appropriate, your position, and your institution or firm.


2. In the second paragraph, briefly explain why you are writing and how you will use the requested information. Offer to keep the response confidential if such an offer seems reasonable.


3. List the specific information you need. You can phrase your requests as questions or as a list of specific items of information. In either case, make each item clear and discrete.


4. Conclude your letter by offering your reader some incentive for responding.

The following letter of inquiry is written by a computer programmer requesting specific information about an upcoming release of a software product.

Sample Letter of Inquiry :

International Ji-Hok Corporation

17 Setia Budi Street

Jakarta

22 October  2012

Riva Rinaldha, Executive Director

Kungkung Foundation

3 Ceremai Indah Street

Bogor, 16710

Dear Ms. Riva,

When we attended the International Electronics Trade Fair in Jakarta last month, we visited your stand and saw a very interesting demonstration of your automatic high-security garade doors. The ability to drive straight in adn out of your garage from the comfort of your car, as well as your emphasis on theft protection appealed to us. We believe that there is a ready market for this in the Indonesia.

Our company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the international Ji-Hok Corporation, well-known in the security and theft prevention industry.

Would you please send us your current sales literature and price list? Of course, we will be glad to provide the usual credit and trade reverences if we decide to order from your company.

Sincerely

Marketing Director

http://www.agmconnect.org/RCP/sample_letter.aspx

http://www.jelitalusty.blogspot.com/2010/01/inquiry-letter.html

http://www.mit.edu/course/21/21.guide/l-inquir.htm