ENQUIRY

A. Specimen sentences
Translate the following sentences into English.
I. Tell the supplier which kind of firm you are:
1. Our company is a branch of the Vietnam Chemicals Corporation, specializing in importing
various types of industrial chemicals.
2. We are one of the leading garment companies in Ho Chi Minh City and are looking to import
a production line based on the following technical requirements.
3. We would like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves as one of the major seafood
exporters with significant potential in the southern provinces.
4. We are among the largest fertilizer import companies headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City.
II. Tell how you have obtained the supplier’s name and address
5. The branch of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ho Chi Minh City has
introduced us to your company.
6. The British Embassy in Hanoi informed us that you are looking for an agent in Vietnam to
represent your company.
7. We obtained your name and address through advertisements in the latest issue of Consumer
Magazine on the Internet/TV.
8. Our business partners in the packaging industry have spoken highly of your machinery and
equipment. We would like to request more information about these products.
9. We were highly impressed by your fashion collection showcased at your booth during the
2002 Fashion Fair.
10. As we plan to start importing computers in the near future, we would like to contact major
manufacturers in Japan to select suitable products for the Vietnamese market.
11. Through the introduction of Mr. X, we are pleased to learn that your company is the exclusive
distributor of Lever VN’s skincare products in Ho Chi Minh City.

III. Asking for catalogues, price list, pattern cards, prostectus

1. Please send us your current catalogs and the latest price list for the aforementioned
equipment.
2. We would appreciate it if you could send us your updated price list for your construction
materials.
3. We would highly appreciate it if you could send us some samples of your cosmetics so that
we can inspect the quality of the goods.
4. Please provide us with more information on the warranty policy that you are currently
applying.
5. We have received your Sanyo MP01 packaging equipment catalogues but find the technical
process too complicated for us to fully understand its feature. A visit from your technical
expert to provide on-site training would be appreciated.

IV. Indicating the market demand

1. We wish to purchase 30 tons of coffee for immediate delivery.
2. Currently, the demand for used computers is very high, so we can import large quantities
monthly.
3. We want to emphasize the importance of this market, which only accepts mass-produced
goods at affordable/reasonable/high prices.
4. High-priced goods cannot be sold, but cheaper items can be sold year-round.
5. The market for high-quality office equipment is very promising, and we can place many large
orders with you.
V. Suggesting terms and conditions
1. We typically purchase on a basis of a 30% trade discount with additional quantity discounts
for orders exceeding 1000 units.
2. Could you please inform us if you are able to offer a trade discount or a cash discount?
3. We are planning to place a large order and therefore wish to know the quantity discount you
can offer.
4. As we can arrange for transportation and insurance, the price should be quoted FOB London.
5. We usually receive a cash discount of 5%. Could you offer us a similar rate?
6. We intend to settle the payment on a cash-on-delivery basis. Please let us know if any
discounts are applicable.
7. We are regular customers of this type of merchandise and usually receive a 10% trade
discount.
8. We would appreciate it if you could offer us the most favorable payment terms and inform us
of the earliest possible delivery date.
9. We are very interested in your payment terms and the discount rates offered to regular
customers for large orders.

VI. Closing
1. We look forward to receiving your quotation soon.
2. We hope that this initial order will mark the beginning of a long-lasting partnership.
3. The sales prospects for these products are very promising. We look forward to receiving your
price list and product samples soon.
4. We are confident that your products will sell very well in Vietnam, and we believe you would
not want to miss this excellent opportunity to enter this potential market.
5. Provided that we find your prices competitive and the terms and conditions favorable, we will
place a trial order for 200 tons of coffee immediately.
6. If the offered price is competitive and the quality meets our expectations, we will place
regular orders.
7. On the condition that you offer favorable prices and guarantee delivery within 4 weeks of
receiving our order, we will place regular orders with you.
8. As our customers are urging us to quote prices, please send us your offer with favorable terms
and conditions along with other necessary documentation.
9. Since the selling season is approaching, please let us know when we can expect to receive the
goods.
10. If the actual goods match the samples, they will sell very well in this market.
11. Since we have a distribution network with various channels, we will not encounter any
difficulties in selling your goods.
12. Please let us know if you can offer us a special discount. This will help us keep our selling
prices low, which is a crucial factor in our business success. In return, we are willing to place
a minimum annual order quantity as you specify.

B. Specimen letter
Translate the following enquiry into English.

Dear Sirs,

We have obtained your company name and address from an advertisement on your website and are
pleased to learn of your esteemed reputation as one of the leading manufacturers in Italy and Europe.
We are writing to introduce ourselves as one of the foremost textile and garment companies in
Vietnam, with an extensive distribution network throughout Vietnam and internationally. We are
currently undertaking an expansion plan, which includes upgrading our existing facilities to better
meet the increasing demands of our customers and to further expand our market share within the
region. We intend to import approximately 200 high-quality industrial sewing machines, the detailed
technical specifications of which are outlined in the attached Appendix 1.

We would be grateful if you could provide us with a competitive quotation. Our standard payment
terms are by irrevocable letter of credit at sight. We would like to emphasize the importance of
comprehensive after-sales service and support.

We are hopeful that this initial order will be the foundation for a mutually beneficial, long-term
business relationship. We believe this presents an excellent opportunity for you to enter a promising,
albeit competitive, market.

We look forward to receiving your prompt response.

Yours faithfully.

C. Letter-writing
Write the letters based on the instructions that follow.
Letter 1

Legamex Import-Export Textile Company

63 Ngo Gia Tu Street, District 10
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telex: Legamex HCMC
Tel & Fax: +84 8 8450736

[Date]

Limited Supper Buys

1.33 Prince of Wales Road
Sheffield S994 EX
United Kingdom

Dear Sirs,
We are writing to you further to information received from the British Embassy in Hanoi, which
brought your esteemed company to our attention. We are Legamex Import-Export Textile Company,
one of Vietnam's leading manufacturers specializing in men's suits and tailored garments.
As part of our ongoing sourcing strategy for high-quality fabrics, we are interested in exploring
potential partnerships with suppliers of suitable materials for our men's suit production. We would
therefore be grateful if you could provide us with a comprehensive quotation for various types of
fabrics suitable for this purpose. In addition to pricing, we would also appreciate receiving samples of
the fabrics you offer, along with details of their composition and technical specifications. Information
regarding your standard payment terms and your earliest possible delivery times would also be greatly
appreciated.
As a potential new customer, we would be interested to learn about any discount structures or
introductory offers you may have available. We anticipate a substantial annual requirement for these
materials and, should your pricing be competitive and delivery times prompt, we foresee the
possibility of placing regular, large-volume orders with your company.
We are confident that a mutually beneficial business relationship could be established between our
two companies. We eagerly await your prompt response and the opportunity to discuss this further.
Yours faithfully,
Le Quang
Business Director
Legamex Import-Export Textile Company

Letter 2

Vinatex Import-Export Company

57B Phan Chu Trinh Street
Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: +84 4 8266428
Fax: +84 4 8262268
Email: [email protected]

[Date]

Satex SpA
Viade Petro Papa 00146
Rome, Italy

Dear Sirs,

We are writing to you following a recommendation from the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and
Industry (VCCI), Ho Chi Minh City branch, who suggested your company as a potential supplier of
industrial sewing machinery. Vinatex Import-Export Company is based in Hanoi and specializes in
the import of raw materials, machinery, and spare parts for the textile and garment industry.

We are currently seeking to procure several types of industrial sewing machines and would be grateful
if you could provide us with comprehensive product information. We request that you send us your
current export price list, detailed catalogues, and any fixed offers you have available for the range of
machinery you supply. Additionally, we would appreciate it if you could include a company profile
outlining your business activities and a list of some of your key international trading partners from
recent years.

Price is a crucial factor for us, as the Vietnamese market already features similar machinery from
Japanese and Russian manufacturers. Therefore, if Satex SpA wishes to successfully enter this
market, competitive pricing and favorable payment terms for initial orders will be essential.

Initially, should your offer meet our requirements in terms of price, terms, and conditions, we would
be interested in placing a trial order for two machines with deferred payment terms. Subsequently,
given the consistently high market demand for this type of equipment in Vietnam, we anticipate
placing regular quarterly orders for larger quantities.

Given the promising prospects for this machinery in the Vietnamese market, we believe this presents
a significant opportunity for Satex SpA, which we hope you will consider carefully. We look forward
to receiving your prompt response and the requested documentation.

Yours faithfully,
Le Nam
Import Manager
Vinatex Import-Export Company

Letter 3

Dear Sirs,

We are writing to you from Lưu Tuấn Company Ltd, a Vietnam-based distributor of household
electronics, specializing in both wholesale and retail supply. We are currently seeking to expand our
product range for the upcoming peak season and are particularly interested in the Sony BRAVIA™
HD EX720 series Internet TVs.

We would be grateful if you could provide us with comprehensive information regarding this product
line. This should include detailed specifications for the various models within the EX720 series,
available screen sizes, technical data sheets, high-resolution product images, and any relevant
certifications or compliance documentation. We are also interested in learning about any upcoming
model releases or planned updates to the EX720 series.

As the year-end shopping season in Vietnam is typically a period of high consumer demand, we are
particularly keen to understand your pricing structure for bulk orders and any potential discounts or
promotional programs you may offer. Competitive pricing and attractive promotional offers are key
factors in our purchasing decisions, given the substantial market potential during this period. We
would also appreciate information regarding minimum order quantities, lead times for delivery to
Vietnam, warranty terms, and after-sales service arrangements.

We are confident that the Sony BRAVIA™ HD EX720 series would be a popular addition to our
product portfolio and anticipate significant sales volumes. We are eager to establish a mutually
beneficial business relationship with Electro Pte Ltd and believe that this initial enquiry could be the
foundation for a long-term partnership. We look forward to receiving your prompt response and the
requested information.

Yours faithfully,
Nguyễn Hùng
Head of Import-Export Department
Lưu Tuấn Company Ltd.

Letter 4

Dear Sirs,

We are writing to you from SATEX Saigon, a company specializing in the import and distribution of
children's apparel in Vietnam. We recently learned of your company and your range of children's
sweaters during a trade fair held in London last month.

We are currently seeking to establish relationships with reliable suppliers of high-quality children's
knitwear as we have identified a significant and growing market for these products in Vietnam. We
believe that your company's products could be a valuable addition to our product portfolio.

We would be most grateful if you could provide us with your latest catalogue and current price list for
your range of children's sweaters. As a key factor in our purchasing decisions, we would like to
emphasize the importance of competitive pricing. We are particularly interested in understanding your
pricing structure for bulk orders and any potential discounts available for new customers or large-
volume purchases.

Initially, we would be interested in placing a trial order of 200 sweaters. Should the products meet our
quality standards and prove popular with our customers, we anticipate placing regular and
considerably larger orders in the future. We are confident that a mutually beneficial and long-term
business relationship can be established between our two companies.

We look forward to receiving your prompt response and the requested information.

Yours faithfully,

Letter 5

Dear Sir/Madam,

We are writing to you from Red Spot Computers, a mid-sized computer retail chain with multiple
prominent locations in commercial and educational areas throughout Vietnam. We recently came
across an advertisement for the new ZX99 laptop in the April issue of Laptop Users’ Journal and
understand that your company, Kingston Corporation, holds exclusive distribution rights for this
product.

We are highly impressed with the ZX99’s reported capabilities, particularly its seamless
interoperability with other computer systems. We believe this feature, along with its overall high-end
specifications, will generate significant interest and demand among Vietnamese consumers, especially
once the product gains wider recognition.

Given our established retail network and understanding of the Vietnamese market, we are very
interested in exploring the possibility of becoming an authorized distributor for the ZX99 laptop in
Vietnam. To assess the product’s suitability for our market and develop a comprehensive sales
strategy, we would be grateful if you could provide us with the following materials: detailed sales
literature, user manuals, product catalogues, and wholesale price lists.

We are confident that our expertise in the Vietnamese market, combined with the ZX99’s innovative
features, would result in a successful and mutually beneficial partnership. We look forward to
receiving your prompt response and the requested information.

Yours faithfully,

Letter 6

IMEXCO Company
149 Le Lai Street, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

[Date]

PANTON Ltd.
Panton Works
Hounslow, TW6PQ
Australia

Dear Sir,

We are writing to you from IMEXCO, a company based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, specializing
in the import of construction machinery and equipment. We recently came across your company’s
information through online advertisements and understand that you offer a range of such products.

We are currently seeking to procure bulldozers and would greatly appreciate it if you could provide us
with comprehensive information on your available models. This includes catalogues, brochures, price
lists, and any fixed offers you may have for bulldozers. For your reference, we are enclosing a
company profile outlining IMEXCO’s background and a list of some of our major international
trading partners with whom we have established long-term business relationships.

Price is a significant factor for us, as the Vietnamese market currently features numerous similar
machines from Japanese, Russian, and other manufacturers. Therefore, for PANTON Ltd. to
successfully penetrate this market, competitive pricing and favorable terms for initial orders are
essential.

If your pricing proves competitive and the accompanying terms and conditions are satisfactory, we
would be interested in placing a trial order for two bulldozers with deferred payment terms. Given the
strong demand for this type of machinery in Vietnam, we anticipate placing larger, regular orders on a
quarterly basis should the initial transaction be successful.

We believe this represents a valuable opportunity for PANTON Ltd. to establish a presence in a
promising market. We look forward to receiving the requested documentation and your prompt
response.

Yours faithfully,

Letter 7

Dear Sirs,

I am writing to you as a representative of our shops in Nancy. We recently saw your advertisement in
the April issue of International Homes magazine showcasing your latest dinner set designs and were
very impressed with the range of products displayed.

We are currently looking to expand our selection of high-quality tableware and believe your dinner
sets would be a valuable addition to our inventory. We are therefore interested in potentially retailing
a selection of your products in our shops.

We would be grateful if you could send us your current catalogue and price list. We are particularly
interested in understanding your trade discount structure and would ideally like to know if a 20%
trade discount is possible for retailers. We are also interested in any quantity discounts you may offer
for larger orders. We would also need to ensure delivery within a two-month timeframe from order
placement.
We believe there is a strong market for your products in our region and are confident that we could
establish a successful retail partnership. We look forward to receiving your response and the requested
materials.

Yours faithfully,
Morreau