Explaining a delay in shipment

7 Rue St Jacques Lille France Telephone 90938 Fax 38467 Dear Sirs, We are very sorry that your order no. 4635 for cheese was delayed. Shipments from our warehouses have been delayed because the transport company we employed fell behind with deliveries. We have now taken on a new company which has assured us that future service will be much better. If you have still not received your shipment, please telex us and we shall chase it up. We apologize for the delay and any inconvenience it may have caused. Yours faithfully,		Useful phrases Line 2 Shipments from our warehouses have been delayed because the transport company we employed fell behind with deliveries. Line 4 We have now taken on a new company which has assured us that future service will be much better. Line 8 . We apologize for the delay and any inconvenience it may have caused. Notes Para. 1 Identify the order and apologize for the delay. Para. 2 Give the reason for the delay. Para. 3 Say what steps you have taken to improve the situation. Para. 4 Ask the customer to respond if necessary. Para. 5 End with a friendly message.
Comments The letter apologizes for the delay and reassures the customer that the situation will be improved.	Alternative phrases Line 1 We very much regret that. . . Line 2 There has been a delay in shipments from our warehouses ... Line 6 If your shipment has not yet arrived . . . Line 6 ... we will follow it up. Line 8 Please accept our apologies for . . .