Dear Sirs
Thank you for your request of 27 September.
Unfortunately we are unable to offer you any accommodation and conference rooms at our hotel at the beginning of October since we have already reserved our available space for a large group of businessmen arriving to participate in the fair which is being held here from 1 to 10 October.
Can we offer you alternative accommodation?
Please advise.
Yours faithfully
Letter 3
Dear Sirs
We acknowledge with thanks the receipt of your letter of 2 October requesting us to change our terms of payment in our Order for Aluminium.
We must inform you that unfortunately we cannot accept these changes.
We very much regret this, but would have to reject the order should you insist on the changes specified.
Yours faithfully
Exercise 2. There is no beginning in these two letters. What beginning would be appropriate in each of them?
Letter 1
Dear Sirs
…………………………………………………………………………………..
Trading environment is so poor at the moment that we regret that we are unable to make any orders; however we are watching the market closely and as soon as we see any changes for the better, we shall get in touch with you without delay.
Thank you for your attention.
Yours faithfully
Letter 2
Dear Sirs
…………………………………………………………………………………..
Unfortunately the hotel is fully booked for the nights in question.
We regret not being able to give you a more favourable reply.
Yours faithfully
Exercise 3. These letters abruptly stop after the first phrase. Find an appropriate continuation from the prompts given below. The main thing is to express refusal and explain it.
Letter 1
Dear Sirs
We thank you for sending us your offer of 19 May.
Prompts:
1. Please send us as soon as possible the maximum quantity indicated.
2. We are sorry that we cannot make use of it as your prices are higher than those of our previous suppliers.
3. We thank you for again informing us of your special offer.