Dear Miss Smith

We were pleased to learn of the good start of your new business, and glad that you approached us with a view to placing an order.

The question of granting credit for newly established businesses is never an easy one. Many owners get into difficulties because they overcommit themselves before they are thoroughly established. Although we believe that your own business has great promise, we feel it would be better for you to make your purchases on a cash basis at present. If this is not possible for the full amount, we suggest that you cut the size of your order, perhaps by half.

       If you are willing to do this, we will allow you a special cash discount of 4% in addition to our usual trade terms. If you agree with this suggestion, the goods could be delivered to you within three days.

       We hope you will look upon this letter as a mark of our genuine wish to enter into business with you on terms that will bring lasting satisfaction to us both. When your business is firmly established we will be very happy to welcome you as one of our credit customers.

Yours sincerely