Business & Technical Writing/making price inquiries

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Expert: Richard Dean Starr - 11/22/2009


Question
Hi Richard, I am interested in learning how to ask about price/cost/total damage of a commodity or service in different ways without sounding too rough as in "how much money does this cost?" Are there any refined and subtle ways of asking the same question?
Also in formal negotiation or business writing, what are the alternative ways of asking about pricing, instead of "how much money are you going to charge me" or "how much does your product cost?"  

Answer
Hi, John:

The best way to inquire about things like this is to use alternative words that are less "rough" as you put it, and that deliver the same message.

For example, you might say, "What sort of budget should I plan on when considering this service?"

That approach is more diplomatic and puts the person you're asking in a position of perceived authority.  Your phrasing suggests that you are deferring to their judgment, when in fact you are merely asking your original question:  how much is this going to cost me?

Of course, there are countless variations on this theme, but what it boils down to is diplomacy.  By making the person you're asking feel authoritative and an expert in their field (in other words, valued), you are essentially providing them with the subtle motivation to answer your questions.

I hope this helps!  It's difficult to be too specific since the actual circumstances and people involved will very much color the approach you choose.  Unfortunately, my time and the nature of this site do not allow for actual writing, only general advice on how to go about it.

Best of luck!

Sincerely,
Richard Dean Starr

Business & Technical Writing

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Richard Dean Starr

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I can answer questions relating to writing and designing ads, direct mail, websites, press releases, targeted email, catalogs, brochures and other collateral material. If you need help with your copywriting in order to sell your product or service, I can help. ADVANCE WARNING: I CANNOT actually WRITE YOUR MATERIAL for you! No more than a plumber on AllExperts could, or would, fix your pipes for you. Space constraints in the reply field and time limitations for myself simply do not allow it. I AM, however, more than happy to provide you with any ADVICE, TIPS and TECHNIQUES you might need to complete your project.

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I have more than eighteen years experience as an established business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) copywriter. My clients range from small, family-owned businesses to Fortune 500 corporations. These include the Walt Disney Company, Columbia Records, The Jimmy Rodgers Museum, and White Mop Wringer Company, just to name a few. Whether it’s ads, brochures, sales letters, web sites, or direct email marketing, my copy has maximized response rates and increases sales for my clients across the country and around the world.

Education/Credentials
I have a B.A. degree in English from the University of Iowa and have taught creative writing workshops in three states. I am currently an Expert on this site in the "Getting Published or e-Published" with numerous nominations for "Expert of the Month".

Past/Present Clients
The Walt Disney Company, Disney Vacation Club, Hilton Hotels, Ramada Inns, Columbia Records, The Jimmy Rodgers Museum, White Mop Wringer Company, and many, many more.

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