GUIDELINES
- You should give a polite response if you are rejecting the reader's suggestion. Acknowledging the customer's or employee's idea can serve as a useful public relations tool. In spite of using a positive tone, you should clearly state that you are turning down the suggestion.
- Offer a compliment or thank the reader for presenting a suggestion.
- Explain why you turned down the idea.
- End with a positive comment.
SAMPLE LETTER
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Letter Date]
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Subject: Normally bold, summarizes the intention of the letter] -Optional-
Dear [Recipients Name],
We greatly appreciate the time and effort you put into sending us a detailed suggestion on how we can further improve the layout of our magazine. Our editor was very pleased and quite impressed with the ideas you shared with us. Unfortunately, we only make revisions with the magazine every six months. We still have four months ahead of us before the next scheduled for review. We will keep your notes on file, however, and discuss them at the next meeting. Thank you for your continued patronage.
Sincerely,
[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-
[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -
Letter to decline a customer's suggestion to improve a magazine.
Further things to consider when writing rejection letters to customers
Rejection Letters
Rejection letters are letters written to inform people that something they have made, written, etc., has been turned down. These letters can be used, for instance, to inform people that they have not been chosen for a job or school enrollment or that a book they have written has not been chosen for publishing. Conveying rejection can be difficult because most people don't know how to say the words without hurting the recipient. Actually, in most cases, people don't write rejection letters at all. They just drop communication with the concerned person, (which is rude). Rejection letters are important because they help build trust and develop goodwill between the parties involved.
After rejection, the people affected will be frustrated no matter what. However, well-drafted rejection letters can soften the blow and encourage them to keep trying. An excellent rejection letter is brief, considerate, and to the point. Begin by thanking the recipient for trying. State your decision politely and assertively, giving reasons for it. If you are rejecting a job application, for instance, give a genuine reason for it and encourage the recipient to apply for other positions. End on a positive note and wish the recipient success.
Letters to Customers
Letters to customers are letters written by businesses to people or organizations who buy goods and services from these businesses. These letters can be addressed to specific customers or to all customers, depending on the issue. If you own a business, there are many times you may find it necessary to write to your customers. For example, you may want to send apology letters for billing errors, collection letters to those who owe you money, follow-up letters after initial customers' visits, marketing letters to promote conference events, etc. Constantly writing to your customers is essential as it makes the customers feel valued and strengthens the company-customer relationship.
All letters to customers are formal. Therefore you should maintain a professional tone. Address the customer by his/her name instead of "Dear valued customer". Thank the person for being your customer. Convey your message clearly and concisely without mixing information. Separate important information and label it with subheadings. Avoid putting off the customer with detailed terms and conditions. Instead, put these on a different page. Tell the recipient how to contact you and how to stop receiving letters. Conclude with a positive remark. Write your name and hand sign the letter.
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