Implying Bad News YOUR TASK Revise the following statements to imply the bad news. If possible, use passive-voice verbs and subordi- nate clauses to further de-emphasize the bad news.
DIRECT REFUSAL: We cannot send you a price list, nor can we sell our lawn mowers directly to customers. We sell only through authorized dealers, and your dealer is HomeCo.
IMPLIED REFUSAL: Our lawn mowers are sold only through authorized dealers, and your dealer is HomeCo.
a. We are sorry to tell you that we cannot ship our hand- dipped chocolate-covered fresh strawberries c.o.d. Your order was not accompanied by payment, so we are not shipping it. We have it ready, though, and will rush it to its destination as soon as you call us with your credit card number.
b. Unfortunately, we find it impossible to contribute to your excellent and worthwhile fund-raising campaign this year. At present all the funds of our organization are needed to lease equipment and offices for our new branch in Scottsdale. We hope to be able to support this commendable endeavor in the future.
c. Because of the holiday period, all our billboard space was used this month. Therefore, we are sorry to say that we could not give your charitable group free display space. However, next month, after the holidays, we hope to display your message as we promised.