Bad News

Situation: A potential customer has asked for samples of your product: artificial flowers and trees. Because of rising production costs and shipping costs, you have to give that potential customer the bad news that free samples are not available. But you also want to get the reader to buy from you.

Subject: REFUSAL OF REQUEST FOR FREE ARTIFICIAL TREE SAMPLES

We are sorry to inform you that we do not give away free samples of artificial trees. If you want to try the product, you will have to pay for it. The cost for the item you requested is $125, plus $20 for postage and handling. We do give qualified companies (yours qualifies) 10% off if an order totals $300 or more.

We also have other items such as polish for artificial leaves and vases that you might be interested in purchasing. An order form is enclosed. Again, we are sorry that we have to charge you.

Critique

(After making comments above, replace this text with your critique) - Summarize your critique of the message above and briefly outline your plans for revision. Use communication theories/terminology discussed in class and from your textbook to support your discussion.

Revision

(Replace this text with your revision).

1. Comment. Make comments on the example message.
   • Write your comments - what is wrong with what you have highlighted and what can be improved?
2. Critique. Write a summary of your critique and outline for revisions.
3. Revise. Write a revision of the message.
   • You can invent peoples names, addresses, details, etc. when necessary BUT do not change the core information provided in the original message.