外教讲解地道美语 第302期:Sending A Quote Via Email

Tracy: Melanie, can you help me with something? We need to finalize the account with the Mexican Embassy and, I need some advice on phrasing this letter correctly in English.

Melanie: Sure Tracy, let me just get my laptop all set.

Tracy: Okay, so... To Whom It May Concern, I am writing.

Melanie: Um, Tracy? I think that' s a little too formal. I know you want to be polite but you've already made contact with them, so in English you can be more relaxed in the opening...

Tracy: Okay, more relaxed.  Got it. Hey, Sally, what' s up? It's Tracy here, just.

Melanie: Okay Tracy, now it's too relaxed! You've still got to show some respect. How about starting with "Dear Ms. Cooper, I'm writing to confirm...?

Tracy: Great, okay. "Dear Miss Cooper, I'm writing to confirm the final quotation for the full page back cover color advertisement you requested for the spring issue of Voila magazine".

Melanie: That's great...

Tracy: "The final costing, including advert design and production, comes to forty-five thousand six hundred RMB. We want payment ten working days before publication or we will cancel the ad. Thanks for..."

Melanie: Woo, okay, back up a second, Tracy. That's too direct. Can I suggest you say, please note that final payment is due two working weeks before publication?  You don't want to offend her.

Tracy: Oops, okay. You are right. Then I can just end with "All the best, Tracy".

Melanie: Hmmmm, maybe, but I'd play it safe and just finish with "Yours Sincerely". That's more professional.

Tracy: Oh, Melanie, you are a life saver, thank you!