How to Write a Business Letter
Business letters are usually from one organization/company/institution to another, or between such and their customers and other external parties.
A business letter has two addresses, salutation, RE, ends with a signature, and it's contents are professional in nature.
It is more formal than personal letters.
You must have the formatting down.
Some types of business letters are:
• Sales letters
Sales letters are written to persuade buyers to purchase products without a salesperson getting involved in the process.
• Order letters
Order letters are sent by consumers or businesses to manufacturers, retailers or wholesalers to order goods and services. The contents include quantity, name, etc of the product.
• Complaint letters
Complaint letters use a tone that will make your complaint be satisfied.
• Inquiry letters
Inquiry letters are written to elicit information from the recipient.
• Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are usually written by previous employer describing the sender’s relationship with and opinion of the job seeker.
• Others types of letters
Other types of letters include include: cover letters, acknowledgment letters, letters of resignation, follow-up letters, and adjustment letters.
Business Letters Format
There are two layouts of business letters: Block and Indented layouts.
When you choose to use block layout, all the information is written flush left.
• Provide your address first.
• Then skip one line and provide the date.
• Skip one more line and provide the inside address of the addressee.
• Note that when using letterhead, there is no need of writing your address. Only begin with the date.
• Skip yet another line and write salutation. This is followed by a colon. Comma is used for personal correspondence.
• Write “RE” and write the subject.
• Write the body. Skip lines between the paragraphs.
• After the body, write complementary close, followed by a comma, sign, then type your name and title(only if applicable)
When you choose to use indented layout:
• Your address appears on the right.
• Date on the right.
• Addressee’s address, salutation on the left.
• Typing do not start from the flush left.
• No skipping lines between paragraphs.
• Type the closing and signature in the center.
Note: Block format looks professional.
A sample business letter
