GUIDELINES

  1. Reference letters might be confusing, especially if you are not able to write a positive reference. The way you respond should be professional, polite and civil. Write only the truth and do not write based on your emotions. If the customer with the problem has a good credit record with your company and unavoidably made mistakes with his or her account, do not draw unnecessary attention to his or her mistakes by repeating them on the start and the end of your letter.
  2. Explain the objective of the letter and provide the name of the customer. If possible, also explain that the information is to be kept as secret.
  3. Provide the information he or she requested. If possible, check it with any forms or reports where you might have included with your reference.

SAMPLE LETTER

[Senders Name]
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]

[Letter Date]

[Recipients Name]
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]

[Subject: Normally bold, summarizes the intention of the letter] -Optional-


Dear [Recipients Name],

Johnny Blaze asked me to write a recommendation for him to join your group. I like Johnny. He has a strong personality and likes to joke around a lot. He is fun to be around at a party. He once told me he made excellent grades in college, so I am sure he is intelligent. I know that must be something you need. So to sum up Johnny Blaze, I would describe him this way:

Sincerely,

[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-

[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -

Sample reference letter recommending someone to join a group.

Further things to consider when writing credit letters to organizations

Further things to consider when writing credit letters to organizations

Credit Letters

Credit letters are a written commitment by a third party, issued to guarantee payment of goods and services only, when the seller provides the acceptable documentation. Credit letters are usually issued by financial institutions such as banks. However, in some cases, mutual funds and insurance companies may issue these letters under certain circumstances. Credit letters are used to guarantee that the buyers' payments to the sellers will be received for the correct amount and on time. If something comes up and the buyer is unable to pay the seller, the financial institution that issued the letter pays the seller.

Credit letters are usually instructions, so you only need to include basic details. Include details of the seller, the buyer, the receiving bank as well as the amount of money to be transferred. Since this is a formal letter, the tone must be professional. For added security, include a list of terms and conditions, which all parties agree on. Where appropriate and if necessary, mention any requirements from the seller. Let all parties know that the amount can be drawn any time from the day the letter is written to the time it expires.

Letters to Organizations

Letters to organizations are letters written to institutions, associations, or any organized body of people working together to achieve a common goal. An organization could be a charity, union, corporation, or even a neighborhood association. There are a thousand reasons why you may want to write to an organization. Maybe you want to volunteer to offer your services, or you want to make a donation. Perhaps you are requesting sponsorship for your event. Whatever the reason, any letter to an organization must be formal and addressed properly.

When writing letters to organizations, it's important to know what it is that you want to achieve and what you want the organization to do. Use the standard business letter format. Start your letter with a proper salutation and introduce yourself or your company. State the purpose of the letter. Mention what you are asking for or what you are offering. Include any materials or information that you feel might be important to the recipient. Use a polite and professional tone. Keep the letter short, preferably, one page. In the end, thank the recipient in advance for his/her time and consideration. Sign-off using business-appropriate language. Include your full name and contact details.

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