写信的原则(Writing Principles)已从原来的3个“C”(Conciseness, Clearness, Courtesy)发展到目前的7个“C”:Completeness, Clearness, Concreteness,Conciseness, Correctness, Courtesy, Consideration
实例:
Dear Sirs,
With reference to your letter of April 9, we are pleased to accept your offer of 100 tons of Copper Wire as per your Offer Sheet No.8/070/02B. Please go ahead and apply for your Export Licence. As soon as we are informed of the number of the Export Licence we will open the L/C by cable.
中文参考:
亲爱的先生:
关于你们四月九日涵,我们高兴地接受你们第8/070/02B号报盘单所报100吨紫色铜丝。请着手办理申请出口许可证。一经接到出口许可证号码的通知,当即电开信用证。
对商业信函的“完整”要求
要求书信的“完整”,理由有三:
1. 一封完整的书信比一封不完整的书信,有更大的可能性带来预期的效果;
2. 一封完整的书信,有助于建立和表达友善关系;
3. 一封完整的书信,可以避免由于遗漏重要情况(情报)所导致的诉讼(Lawsuit);
4. 有时,某些不显眼的书信或文件,由于所提供的情况完整而又生动有力(Complete and Effective)而成为极为重要的文件。
一封信写得是否完整,建议用五个“W”来检验,既:“Who, What, Where, When 及Why(包括How)”
例如在定货的信中,必须明确说明:“需要什么商品”(What you want) ;“何时需要” (When you need the goods) ;“货物发到何地何人收”(to Whom and Where the goods to be sent);“如何付款”(How payment will be mande);如对对方的要求作出否定的答复时(如不能报盘,不能理赔等)应说明理由“为什么”(Why) 。