Offering a substitute

300 West Road, Bombay, India Telephone 66480 Dear Mrs. Stone, We appreciate your efforts in marketing our products and consequently we regret very much that we are unable to supply the desired goods due to excessive demand. We would, however, like to take this opportunity to offer, without engagement, the following material as a close substitute. 500 pieces cotton print 428 at US$1.50 per meter CIF New York, including your commission of 2% A sample is enclosed for your reference. If you find the sample acceptable, please telex us as soon as possible. Yours sincerely,		Useful phrases Line 3 We regret very much that we are unable to supply the desired goods due to excessive demand. Line 6 We would, however, like to offer, without engagement, the following material as a close substitute, Line 10 A sample is enclosed for your reference. Notes Para. 1 Identify the reference and goods. Para. 2 State the reason why you cannot accept the order. Para. 3 Offer a substitute with details of the offer. Para. 4 Enclose anything required by the prospective purchaser to make a decision. Urge acceptance.
Comments The seller is unable to accept an order and states the reasons. In a case like this, it is a good idea to offer a substitute in an effort to win an order. It appears that the prospective buyer is an intermediary or agent who operates on commission which is included in the price of the goods.	Alternative Phrases Line 1 Many thanks for . . . Line 3 We are grateful for . . . Line 3 ... and, as a result, we are very sorry that. . . Line 4 ... the goods you require because of heavy demand . . Line 10 If the sample is . . .