Refusing credit
(This is one of the most difficult of all letters to write and one in which extreme care should be used for it may happen that the references have not replied accurately or that there may be somewhere an error. Many people entitled to credit have never asked for it and therefore have trouble in giving references. A brusque refusal will certainly destroy a potential customer and is always to be avoided. The best plan is to leave the matter open. Then, if the applicant for credit has really a standing, he will eventually prove it.)
HOYT & JENNINGS
32 EAST 48TH STREET
NEW YORK
Mr. Harold Grant,
48 Dey Street,
New York.
Dear Sir:
May we thank you for your letter of May 5th and for the names of those whom you were kind enough to give as references?
The information that we have received from them is unfortunately not quite complete enough for the purposes of our formal records. Would you care to furnish us with further references in order that the account may be properly opened? Or perhaps you would rather call in person.
Very truly yours,