Refusing an order
12. Suggest the Russian for the following phrases. Divide them in three categories: a) expressing regret; b) explaining the reason of the refusal; c) encouraging the customer of further co-operation.
| we cannot match your pattern | we must return your order |
| we will get in touch with you again | our difficulties are only temporary |
| we have to decline your order | we do not manufacture this item |
| we have no alternative but to decline your order | we can give no guarantee of delivery before |
| we are fully occupied with contract orders | we are unable to accept your order |
| we cannot promise delivery before … | we will welcome your orders in the future |
13. Study the following clichés:
1. Regarding item no. 6 of your order, we regret that we do not manufacture this in stainless steel.
2. In this instance we are unable to accept your order, as we cannot match your pattern.
3. Supplies of raw materials are becoming difficult to obtain and we have no alternative but to decline your order.
4. As our factory is at present fully occupied withcontract orders, we regret having to decline your order.
5. As we would not be able to promise delivery before next spring, we feel we must return your order, with our apologies and thanks.
6. We have a waiting list of several hundred for these machines and can give no guarantee of delivery this year.
7. Production difficulties force us to decline further orders for this model for the time being.
8. While thanking you for your order, we have to explain that we supply only to authorised dealers in each town, and at present we are not considering increasing the number of dealers in your area.
9. We are at present supplying only to wholesalers, and therefore refer you to Messrs...., who would be pleased to supply your needs.
10. As soon as we are in a position tosupply this line we will get in touch withyou again.
11. Our difficulties are only temporary, and we will welcome your orders in the future.
12. We hope you will understand the circumstances which compel us to decline your order this time, and that you will contact us again in the near future.
13. You may rely on us to inform you as soon as we are able to supply these goods again.
14. Study this letter. What is the reason for refusing the order? What phrase do the suppliers use to explain the refusal?
| Dear Sire We thank you very much for the order contained in your letter of 20 December. After carefully considering it, however, we have come to the conclusion that it would be better for you to approach another manufacturer in this instance. To machine to the limits required in your specification would require the setting up of special equipment at our works, and this would not only be impossible before September, but would seriously interrupt our normal production. We are really sorry not to be more helpful, but hope that you will understand our position. Do let us have other enquiries at any time, as we shall be only too pleased to meet you if it is within our power Yours faithfully |
15. You have received an order for a piece of machinery, but your firm has recently sold the last one in stock. You will be not able to supply for about three months. Write a letter refusing your customer’s order.