Advising shipment

Ms. Julia Teal Clapham Stores pic 5 High Street Clapham London UK Dear Ms. Teal, Thank you for your letter of 1 August enquiring about the shipment of your order under contract 4632. Please accept my apology for the delay which has been caused by the unavailability of shipping space from Bombay to London. The matter was, however, in hand and your consignment was shipped yesterday on board SS Pandit which is sailing directly to London. I enclose one set of shipping documents comprising: 1 One non-negotiable copy of the bill of lading 2 Commercial invoice in duplicate 3 One copy of the certificate of guarantee 4 One copy of the certificate of quantity 5 One copy of the insurance policy I am glad that we have been able to execute your order as contracted. I trust the goods will reach you in time for the winter selling season and prove to be entirely satisfactory. I will personally ensure that you receive our prompt and careful attention at all times. Yours sincerely,		Useful phrases Line 3 Please accept my apology for the delay which has been caused by . . . Line 13 I trust the goods will reach you in time for . . . Notes Para. 1 Identify the reference. Para. 2 Apologize for the delay and explain it. Para. 3 Describe what action has been taken. Para. 4 List the enclosures. Para. 5 End with a friendly message and an assurance of prompt service in the future.
Comments The letter apologizes for a delay in shipment and gives the reason for it. It goes on to describe the practical steps taken to resolve the situation. The fact that the managing director has written the letter will reassure the customer about future service.	Alternative phrases Line 1   Many thanks for your letter of. .. Line 3   I apologize for the delay . . . Line 5   We were, however, dealing with the matter, and we shipped your consignment... Line 13   ...to fulfill your order according to contract. Line 13   I hope that the goods ... and turn out to be completely . . .