Business & Technical Writing/making price inquiry

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Expert: - 11/22/2009


Question
Hi Dan, 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
I would simply ask "How much is this?" I can't think why anyone would find this offensive. It does not seem too rough to me, and I can't think why you would want to be anything less than perfectly clear about what information you need.

Hope this helps.

Business & Technical Writing

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Dan Smith

Expertise

I have been a professional writer and editor for more than 30 years, taught speech and English composition at the university level, and have developed speech and English composition courses and seminars for businesses. I am experienced in editing a wide variety of materials, especially business, scientific, and other academic papers. I am familiar with all the major style guides.

Experience

I have edited any number of graduate papers and other technical materials in such advanced fields as clinical psychology, civil and electrical engineering, and semiconductor fabrication. I have extensive experience in working with non-native English speakers.

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