Declining an order

METAL SUPPLIES PLC Greenham Industrial Estate Birmingham England Telephone 545434 Dear Sirs, Thank you for your order no. 488 for tin plate sheets which we received today. We regret that, owing to a shortage of stocks, we are unable to fill your order. Moreover, our manufacturers cannot undertake to entertain your order for future delivery owing to the uncertain availability of raw materials. We will, however, contact you by telex once supply improves. In the meantime, please feel free to send us your specific enquiries for other types of metal sheets. You can be assured of our best attention at all times.  Yours faithfully,		Useful phrases Line 2 We regret that, owing to a shortage of stocks, we are unable to fill your order. Line 3 Our manufacturers cannot undertake to entertain your order for future delivery owing to the uncertain availability of raw materials. Line 7 You can be assured of our best, attention at all times. Notes Para. 1 Identify the reference. Para. 2 Apologize for not being able to accept the order, giving the reason. Para. 3 Explain the future position and promise to be in touch later. Para. 4 Try to obtain orders for other goods.
Comments The letter states the position clearly and briefly. It gives honest information about future supplies and tries to sell other goods.	Alternative Phrases Line 2      ... because of a shortage . . . Line 3      . . . cannot promise to accept your. . . Line 3      ... because the supply of raw materials is uncertain Line 4      ... when supply returns to normal. Line 7      We shall attend to your enquiries promptly.