Business Letters, How to Write Them (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1916 edition. Excerpt: ... THE SALES LETTER The successful sales letter must be constructed upon certain fundamental principles. It must accomplish through the written word what the salesman accomplishes through the spoken word. It stands to reason, then, that ft must be built upon the principles of salesmanship. It must carry the mind of the prospective buyer through certain fundamental processes, just as a good salesman does. There are four distinct steps that enter into every sale. These apply whether the solicitation is by letter or in person. They are what might well be termed the mental law of sale. Memorize these four fundamental principles, for they must apply in every sales letter you write. It must--1. Attract attention. 2. Arouse interest. 3. Create desire. 4. Induce action. Note how closely these principles parallel the construction of a good salesman's selling talk. You will see, then, that the matter of writing a sales letter is simply talking to your prospect as good sales talk on paper as you would face to face. First, you must get attention. This may be done in the opening paragraph by appealing to some emotion, such as curiosity, ambition, surprise, vanity, desire, or self-interest. It should be put in a striking way so that the reader will want to know the rest of your story. 1 After you have secured attention you must awaken interest. This may be done through a description or explanation of your proposition, or by some specific suggestion of profit in it for the prospect. The salesman can show his Opening secures attention by an interesting question Description of the propo sition arouses interest Argument and persuasion create desire Close induces action Dear Sin Have you thought that because your house was not wired for eleotriolty you must...