In foreign trade, one party to the transaction wants to sell or buy a certain commodity, ask the other party to buy and sell the commodity of the transaction conditions, this oral or written expression, in the import and export business is called inquiry or inquiry.
The inquiry is generally divided into two kinds:
1) General inquiry: this inquiry does not necessarily involve a specific transaction, generally belong to the general understanding.
2) specific inquiry: the so-called specific inquiry is actually a request for an offer (request for an offer). That is to say, the buyer is ready to buy some kind of goods, or there are ready-made buyers, please sell the goods on the offer.
Basic Expressions
1. Our buyers asked for your price list or catalogue.
Our buyers would like to request your price list or catalog.
2. Prices quoted should include insurance and freight to Vancouver.
3. I would like to have your lowest quotations C.I.F. Vancouver.
4. Will you please send us your catalogue together with a detailed offer?
Please send us your sample catalog and detailed offer.
5. We would appreciate your sending us the latest sam ples with their best prices.
Please send us your latest sam ples with their best prices.
6. Your ad in today's China Daily interests us and we will be glad to receive samples with your prices.
For your ad in today's China Daily. We are very interested. We would be glad to receive samples with your prices.
7. Will you please inform us of the prices at which you can supply?
8. If your prices are reasonable, we may place a large order with you.
If your prices are reasonable, we may place a large order with you.
9. If your quality is good and the price is suitable for our market, we would consider signing a long-term contract with you.
If the quality is good and the price is suitable for our market, we would consider signing a long-term contract with you.
If your quality is good and the price is suitable for our market, we would consider signing a long-term contract with you.
10. As there is a growing demand for this article, we have to ask you for a special discount.
Given that there is a growing demand for this article in our market, we have to ask you to consider giving a special discount.
11. We would appreciate your letting us know what discount you can grant if we give you a long-term regular order.
If we give you a long-term order, please let us know how much discount you can grant.
Please let us know what discount you can grant if we give you a long-term regular order.
12. Please quote your lowest price CIF Seattle for each of the follow- ing items, including our 5% commission.
Please quote us your lowest price CIF Seattle for each of the following items, including our 5% commission.
Please quote us the cost plus freight and insurance to Seattle for each of the following items, including our 5% commission.
13. Please keep us informed of the latest quotation for the following items.
Please keep us informed of the latest quotation for the following items.
14. Mr. Smith is making an inquiry for green tea.
Mr. Smith is making an inquiry for green tea.
15. Now that we have already made an inquiry on your articles, will you please make an offer before the end of this month?
Since we have already made an inquiry on your articles, please make an offer before the end of this month. , will you please make an offer before the end of this month?
16.
16. As a rule, we deliver all our orders within 3 months after receipt of the covering letters of credit.
Generally, we deliver all our orders within 3 months after receipt of the relevant letter of credit.
17. Please quote us your price for 100 units of Item 6 in your catalog.
Please give us your price for 100 units of Item 6 in your catalog.
18. Those items are in the greatest demand in foreign markets.
Those products are in great demand in foreign markets.
19. Would you please quote me your prices for the goods?
Could you quote me the prices of those items?
20. We have quoted this price based on careful calculations.
This quote is based on careful calculations.
Conversations
Dialogue 1
A: Good afternoon. I am Mr. Brown, the Import manager of Atlantic Industries Ltd, Sidney, Australia. This is my card.
B: Good afternoon, Mr. Brown. My name is Mrs. Anderson, manager of the sales department.
A: Nice to see you, Mrs. Anderson.
B: Nice to see you, Mrs. Anderson.
B: Nice to see you too, Mr. Brown. Won't you sit down?
A: Thank you.
B: What would you like, tea or coffee?
A: I
B: Is it your first trip to the Fair, Mr. Brown?
A: No, it's the fourth time.
A: No, it's the fourth time.
-- Good afternoon! My name is Mr. Brown, I am the Manager of Import Department of Atlantic Industries Pty Ltd, Sydney, Australia. This is my business card.
-- Mr. Brown, good afternoon! I'm Ms. Anderson, Manager of Sales.
-- Nice to meet you, Ms. Anderson.
-- Mr. Brown, it's good to see you, too, so have a seat.
-- Thank you.
-- Would you like tea or coffee?
-- A cup of coffee, if you don't mind.
-- Mr. Brown, is this your first time at the fair?
? No, this is the fourth.
B: Good. Is there anything you find changed about the Fair?
A: Yes, a great deal. The business scope has been broadened, and there are more visitors than ever before.
A: Yes, a great deal. The business scope has been broadened, and there are more visitors than ever before.
B: Really, Mr. Brown? Did you find anything interesting?
A: Oh, yes. Quite a bit.
A: Oh, yes. Quite a bit. But we are especially interested in your products.
B: We are glad to hear that. If they are of high quality and the prices are reasonable, we'll purchase large quantities of them. If they are of high quality and the prices are reasonable, we'll purchase large quantities of them. Will you please quote us a price?
B: All right.
-- Great.
-- Great. Have you noticed any changes at the fair?
-- Yes, there have been a lot of changes. The business has expanded and there are a lot more customers.
-- Mr. Brown, really? Have you found any merchandise of interest?
-- Yes, there are many. We are particularly interested in your products.
-- We are so happy to hear you say that. What products are you particularly interested in?
-- Dresses. These dresses are not only stylish, but they are perfect for Australian women. If these dresses are of good quality and reasonably priced, we will order them in bulk. Can you make a price?
-- That's fine.
Dialogue 2
A: I'm glad to have the opportunity of visiting your corporation. I hope to conclude some substantial business with you.
A: I'm glad to have the opportunity of visiting your corporation. I hope to conclude some substantial business with you.
B: It's a great pleasure to meet you, Mr. Brown. I believe you have seen our exhibits in the showroom. May I know what particular items you're interested in?
A: I'm interested in your hardware. I think some of the items will find a ready market in Canada. Here is a list of my requirements, for which I'd like to have your lowest quotations, C.I.F. Vancouver.
-- I am pleased to have this opportunity to visit your company. I hope to be able to talk to you about a large amount of business.
-- Nice to meet you, Mr. Brown. I'm sure you've seen the products in our showroom. May I ask which items you are specifically interested in?
-- I am interested in your hardware. I have seen your displays and looked through your catalog. I think some of these products will be selling well in Canada soon. Here is my list of requirements, please give me a quote, CIF Vancouver.
B: Thank you for your inquiry. Would you tell us the quantity you require so that we can work out the offers?
A: I'll do that. Would you tell us the quantity you require so that we can work out the offers?
A: I'll do that. Meanwhile, could you give me an indication of price?
B: Here are our F.O.B. price lists. All the prices in the lists are subject to our confirmation.
A: What about the commission? From European suppliers I usually get a 3 to 5 percent commission for my imports. It's the general practice.
A: What about the commission? It's the general practice.
B: As a rule we don't allow any commission. But if the order is a substantial one, we'll consider it.
A A: As a rule we don't allow any commission. But if the order is a substantial one, we'll consider it.
A: You see, but I do business on a commission basis.
B: That's something we can discuss later.
-- Thank you for your inquiry.
-- Thank you for your inquiry. Can you tell us the quantity you need so we can quote?
-- I will, in the meantime can you give me an estimate?
-- This is our FOB price list, all prices in it are subject to our confirmation.
-- What about commission? I usually get 3-5% commission on imported products from European suppliers. This is customary.
-- Generally, we do not allow any commission. But if the order is significant, we will consider it.
-- But I do business on a commission basis. It would be easier for me to sell my product if you offered a commission on the price. Even 2% or 3% is fine.
-- We can discuss this later.
Dialogue 3
A: When can I have your firm C.I.F. prices, that is to say, the final offer, Mr. London?
B: We'll have them worked out by this evening and let you know what you want.
B: We'll have them worked out by this evening and let you have them tomorrow morning. Would you be free to come by then?
A: Yes.
A: Yes. I'll be here tomorrow morning at 10.
B: Perfect. Our offer remains open for 3 days.
A: I don't need that long to make up my mind.
A: I don't need that long to make up my mind. If your prices are agreeable and if I can get the commission I want, I can place the order right away.
B: I'm sure you'll find our price most Elsewhere prices for hardware have gone up tremendously in recent years. Our prices haven't changed much.
-- Mr. London, when can you give me your company's confirmation of the arrival date? Mr. London, when can I have a confirmed CIF price from your company, that is, a final offer?
-- We'll work it out tonight and get it to you in the morning. Do you have time to come by then?
-- Yes, I'll be here at 10:00 tomorrow morning.
-- Great, our offer is good for three days.
-- I don't need that long to decide. If you offer the right price, and if I get the commission I want, I can place the order right away.
-- You will find our prices favorable. In recent years, the price of hardware elsewhere has risen considerably, while ours has changed very little.
A: I'm glad to hear that. As I've just said, I hope to conclude some substantial business with you.
B: We shall be very pleased. Is there anything else I can do for you, Mrs. Anderson?
A: I'm buying for chain department stores in Canada. They are also interested in Egyptian carpets. Could you introduce me to the
person in charge of this line?
B: Certainly, I'll make an B: Certainly, I'll make an appointment for you with Mr. Jordan of the Egypt National Native Produce and Animal By-products Import and Export Corporation.
A: Thank you very much.
-- that's great.
-- That's great. As I said, I hope to do some great business with you.
-- We'd be happy to. Is there anything else I can do for you, Ms. Anderson?
-- I shop for Canadian department store chains. They are also interested in Egyptian carpets. Can you refer me to someone who does this?
-- Sure. I will make an appointment for you with Mr. Jordan, who is with the Egyptian National Livestock Import and Export Company.
-- Thank you very much.
Words and Expressions
promising
initial
a long- term contract
grant approve, give
substantial quantitatively, in large quantities
subject to our confirmation
covering related to
chain department store
receipt
a ready market a market that sells well
do business on a commission basis
price sheet / price list price list
as a rule 通常，一般来说
C.I.F. Vancouver Vancouver CIF
quotation Quote, price indication
enquiry
showroom Showroom
hardware Hardware
There's no indication of price. There's no indication of price.
commission
sales literature
specification
F.O.B. prices FOB, Free On Board (FOB) prices
firm offer/ tentative offer
real offer/ tentative offer
hardware
Hardware
There's no indication of price. Negotiation
Notes
1. We would be obliged if you would ?
obliged" is a polite way of saying "obliged" in a business letter, and it is often used when asking the other party to do something.
a. We would be thankful (grateful) if you would?
b. We would appreciate if you would?
c. It would be appreciated if you would?
d. We would be grateful if you would be grateful if you would be grateful if you would be grateful if you would be grateful if you would be grateful if you would be grateful if you would be grateful if you would be grateful. c. It would be appreciated if you would?
2. C.I.F. is an abbreviation for Cost Insurance Freight, which means "Cost, Insurance plus Freight".
3. have confidence in Have confidence in ......
4. hear from Receive a letter from ......
5. place an order Order
6. make a delivery Delivery
A Specimen Letter
Dear Sirs:
Thank you for your letter of 25th September.
As one of the largest
As one of the largest dealers of garments, we are interested in ladies? dresses of all descriptions. We would be grateful if you would give us quotations per dozen of C.I.F. Vancouver for those items as well as for the price of the dresses. We would be grateful if you would give us quotations per dozen of C.I.F. Vancouver for those items as listed on the separate sheet. In the meantime, we would like you to send us samples of the various materials of which the dresses are made.
We are given to understand that you are a state-owned enterprise and we have confidence in the quality of Chinese products. are moderate, we believe there is a promising market for the above-mentioned articles in our area.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours faithfully,
Canadian Garment Co. Explanation
Sir:
Thank you for your letter of September 25th.
We are big traders in garments and we would like to purchase dresses in various sizes. We should be grateful if you would quote C.I.F. Vancouver prices per dozen for the varieties shown on the enclosed sheet. In the meantime, please send us fabric samples of various dresses.
We have learned that you are a state enterprise and we have confidence in the quality of Chinese products. If your price is moderate, we believe that the above goods will have a good market in our area.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Substitution Drills
1 A: We're quite interested in your down coats. How about the supply position?
B: For most of the Chinese products, we are confident in the quality of your products. p> B: For most of the articles in the catalog, we have an ample supply.
All the articles displayed here are available.
Generally speaking, we can supply from stock.
We are interested in your down clothing. What is the supply situation?
For most of the products in the catalog, we are well stocked.
All the items shown here are available.
Overall, we have stock availability.
2 A: I don't need to remind you that the market has become very competitive. the competition has become pretty keen. you must be able to
2 A: I don't need to remind you that the market has become very competitive. the competition has become pretty keen. you must be able to compete with rival firms.
B: You'll find our prices are very favorable. very competitive. most acceptable.
There is no need to say that the market is very competitive. The competition in the market has become quite sharp. You have to be able to compete with your rival companies. You'll find our prices are very favorable. Very competitive. It's the most acceptable.
3 A: Do you quote F.O.B. or C.I.F.?
B: We usually quote on an F.O.B. basis. a C.I.F. basis the basis of C.I.F. terms landed
Do you quote F.O.B. or C.I.F.? We usually quote FOB. C.I.F. basis the basis of C.I.F. terms landed
We usually quote C.I.F. on board or C.O.B. terms landed
We usually quote C.I.F. on board. May I have your offer of Model ZX 102?
B: Here's the price list, but the prices're subject to our final confirmation. Here it is, but the price is subject to your confirmation before Friday. Here it is, but the price is subject to your confirmation before Friday. Here you are, but the offer is based on immediate acceptance. Can you give a quote for the products listed in the catalog? Can you give me a quote for item number seven? Give me the price of the ZX 102?
Here is the price list, but the final price depends on our final confirmation. Here you go, but the price depends on your confirmation by Friday. Here you go, but the price must be accepted immediately to be accepted.
5 A: How long will you leave your offer open? valid on the table
B: It's valid for three years.
It's good
B: It's valid for three years.
It's good for twenty-four hours only.
It'll remain firm until Friday.
How long will your offer be valid for?
It's good for twenty-four hours only.
It's only valid for twenty-four hours.
No change until Friday.
6 A:We want to find out if you can supply walnut meat. article No.16 is available. B:Walnut meat is in high demand these days. as far as this item is concerned, the supply cannot meet the demand. As far as this item is concerned, the supply cannot meet the demand.
We want to find out if you can supply walnut meat.
Is item #16 still in stock
Walnut meat is in high demand these days.
As far as this product is concerned, demand exceeds supply.
7 7 A: Any chance of scraping up a small quantity?
B: To be honest, we've sold out.
tell the truth, the supply has run out
Tell the truth, the supply has run out.
Put it simply, we have nothing on hand.
Can you save up some?
Frankly, we sold out.
Honestly, the supply is sold out.
Simply put, we don't have it on hand.
8 We'll keep your order on file. When the next supply comes in, we'll get in touch with you. We'll keep your requirement in mind. When new crops come in, we'll let you know. We'll inform you as soon as we have new supplies in the near future.
8 We'll keep your order on file. We'll inform you as soon as we have new supplies in the near future.
We'll keep a record of your order. We'll inform you as soon as we have new supplies in the near future.
We'll keep a record of your order.
We will make a note of your request. We will let you know when the next crop arrives.
We will let you know as soon as we have a new shipment.
9 There is just a limited quantity for the time being.
in the long run
at present
today
There is just a limited quantity of goods.
for the time being
in the long run
at present
today
10 Would you quote me your lowest prices for the goods at present?
May I ask
May I know
Could you please May I ask
May I know
Could you quote me your lowest prices for the goods at present?
May I ask the prices of the goods at present?
May I know
May I ask the prices of the goods at present?
cost
expense
charge
May I ask the prices of the goods at present?
cost
expense
charge
Can I ask the price of the product?