leather products inc.
3126 western highway
austin
texas
usa

dear sirs,

we have learned from smith and company of birmingham that you manufacture a range of high-fashion handbags in a variety of leathers.

we operate a quality retail business and although our sales volume is not large, we obtain high prices for our goods.

would you please send me a copy of your handbag catalogue with details of your prices and payment terms?

we would find it most helpful if you could also supply samples of the various skins from which the handbags are made.

yours faithfully,
sandra jones
manager

useful phrases

line 1
we have learned from…
that you…

line 3
we operate a quality retail business.

line 5
would you please send me a copy of your catalogue.

line 7
we would find it most helpful if you could also supply samples of…

notes

para.1
say how you obtained the company's address and indicate what you are interested in.

para.2
introduce yourself and describe your field of activity.

para.3
make your main request.

para.4
the second request is going to cost the company more.make it tactfully.

comments

the enquiry is brief and to the point, telling the reader exactly what the enquiry is about. it requests the usual free literature and politely asks for an additional item:samples.

alternative phrases

line 1 i have been told by/i have heard from…
line 2 …handbags in several different leathers…
line 3 it would be very helpful if…
line 4 …from which you make the handbags.