摘要：Inquiry, Offer, Counteroffer and Acceptance in English
In international trade, communication between buyers and sellers often takes place through written messag
Inquiry, Offer, Counteroffer and Acceptance in English
In international trade, communication between buyers and sellers often takes place through written messages, such as emails, letters, or faxes. These messages reflect the different stages of negotiations, from initial inquiries to final agreements. Therefore, it is important that both parties are familiar with the language and conventions of such messages, including the use of polite expressions, proper grammar, and clear terms.
Initial Inquiry
An initial inquiry is a message sent by a buyer to a seller to request information about a product, a service, or a quotation. This message should be brief, specific, and polite, and should contain the following elements:
- Introduction: Greeting and identification of the sender and the recipient.
- Explanation: Explanation of the purpose of the inquiry, including the type, quantity, and quality of the product or service required.
- Request: Request for information, such as prices, delivery terms, payment methods, and any other relevant details.
- Closing: Expression of appreciation, willingness to receive a prompt reply, and contact information.
Example:
Dear Sir/Madam,
We have come across your website and find your products of interest to us. Could you please send us a quotation for 500 units of your deluxe folding chairs, including delivery to our warehouse in New York City? Please also indicate your payment terms, delivery time, and any available discounts. We would appreciate your prompt reply.
Thank you and best regards,
John Smith
Purchasing Manager
ABC Inc.
Contact: john.smith@abc.com, 555-1234
Offer
An offer is a message sent by a seller to a buyer to propose a price, a quantity, and other terms for a product or a service. This message should be clear, detailed, and professional, and should contain the following elements:
- Introduction: Greeting and identification of the sender and the recipient.
- Explanation: Explanation of the terms and conditions of the offer, including the price, the quantity, the quality, the delivery time, and any other relevant details.
- Request: Request for a reply or a confirmation from the buyer, as well as any necessary actions or documents.
- Closing: Expression of appreciation, willingness to negotiate or revise the offer if necessary, and contact information.
Example:
Dear Mr. Smith,
Thank you for your inquiry about our deluxe folding chairs. We are pleased to offer you the following:
- Product: Deluxe Folding Chairs, model N-123, color black
- Quantity: 500 units
- Price: $15 per unit, FOB Shanghai
- Quality: Made of high-quality steel and fabric, with a one-year warranty
- Delivery time: 30 days from receipt of payment
- Payment method: By irrevocable L/C at sight
We hope this offer meets your requirements. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to doing business with you.
Sincerely,
James Wang
Sales Manager
Xinjiang Co., Ltd.
Contact: james.wang@xinjiang.com, 555-5678
Counteroffer and Acceptance
A counteroffer is a message sent by a buyer to a seller to propose a different price, quantity, or other terms for a product or a service. A counteroffer indicates that the buyer is interested in the seller's offer, but wants to negotiate better conditions. A counteroffer should be polite, reasonable, and precise, and should contain the following elements:
- Introduction: Greeting and identification of the sender and the recipient.
- Explanation: Explanation of the reasons and the details of the counteroffer, including the proposed changes, if any.
- Request: Request for a reply or a confirmation from the seller, as well as any necessary actions or documents.
- Closing: Expression of appreciation, willingness to negotiate or accept the original offer if necessary, and contact information.
Example:
Dear Mr. Wang,
Thank you for your offer about the deluxe folding chairs. While we appreciate your quality and pricing, we would like to propose the following:
- Product: Deluxe Folding Chairs, model N-123, color black
- Quantity: 1,000 units
- Price: $13.50 per unit, FOB Shanghai
- Quality: Made of high-quality steel and fabric, with a two-year warranty
- Delivery time: 45 days from receipt of payment
- Payment method: By irrevocable L/C at sight, with a 30% deposit
We hope this counteroffer meets your approval and that we can finalize this transaction soon. Please let us know your thoughts and requirements.
Best regards,
John Smith
Purchasing Manager
ABC Inc.
Contact: john.smith@abc.com, 555-1234
An acceptance is a message sent by a buyer to a seller to confirm his/her agreement to the seller's offer, including its terms and conditions. An acceptance implies that the buyer accepts the seller's proposal without reservation or modification. An acceptance should be clear, concise, and formal, and should contain the following elements:
- Introduction: Greeting and identification of the sender and the recipient.
- Confirmation: Confirmation of the seller's offer, including its price, quantity, quality, delivery time, and payment method.
- Request: Request for a proforma invoice, a contract, or any other necessary documents.
- Closing: Expression of appreciation, willingness to proceed to payment and delivery, and contact information.
Example:
Dear Mr. Wang,
Thank you for your offer about the deluxe folding chairs. We are pleased to accept your proposal as follows:
- Product: Deluxe Folding Chairs, model N-123, color black
- Quantity: 500 units
- Price: $15 per unit, FOB Shanghai
- Quality: Made of high-quality steel and fabric, with a one-year warranty
- Delivery time: 30 days from receipt of payment
- Payment method: By irrevocable L/C at sight
Please provide us with a proforma invoice and any other necessary documents for the transaction. We look forward to your prompt reply and to doing business with you.
Best regards,
John Smith
Purchasing Manager
ABC Inc.
Contact: john.smith@abc.com, 555-1234
By following the above guidelines and examples, buyers and sellers can communicate effectively and efficiently, and avoid misunderstandings or disputes. The language of inquiry, offer, counteroffer, and acceptance is a language of mutual respect, trust, and professionalism, which is essential for successful international trade.
