The main purpose of sales letters is persuasion as they are written to sell products and services.

Attracts reader’s attention: using word/ slogan easy to remember; starting with attractive opening i.e. question, photograph, interview

Creates reader’s interest and build desire for the product: good reasons for buying them

Offers proof: testimonials/ interview

Persuades readers to act: offering gift/ promotion or accepting credit card

It is sent to an organization to request some information involved with business such as samples, leaflets, catalogues.

State specific request

Provide other details or list of specific questions that might be necessary to get the desired information or request

Thank the reader

1. Positive reply: use when company can provide the requested products or information

You have to:I. Thank the reader for inquiryII. Provide information which is requiredIII. Offer further help

2. Negative reply: use when company cannot provide the requested products or information

You have to:I. Thank the reader for inquiryII. Express regretIII. Explain what the problem isIV. Offer further help

Order letter is written to place an order for goods, services or something else that requires payment

Begin with definite action verbs: Please send, Please ship, or Please supply

Give necessary information about the item you are ordering: quantity, size, color, product number, price

State method of payment and amount of money you are sending

Indicate the delivery method State the date you need the product

It is written to inform a buyer that his/her order has been received, to apologize for delay of shipment, or to clarify an unusual order

It also can be used as a thank-you letter or an effective tool for sales

Acknowledge the order

State the problem; if any

Provide a solution to the problem

Thank the buyer

It is written when a customer or a buyer is dissatisfied with the products or services supplied i.e. inadequate services, damaged goods.

State and explain your problem clearly

Ask for specific action and close courteously

It is written to respond to a claim letter in order to keep goodwill between a buyer and a seller

Acknowledge and apologize

Correct the problem or explain what action is being taken

Be positive and retain goodwill