Step by Step Instruction to Close Business Letter Properly

First, just start a conclusion paragraph where you include the closing remarks. Make sure that this is the final paragraph in the letter and tells the recipient what to do, for example cancelling an order.

Be sure to include a thank you of some sort in your concluding paragraph. Thank the person you are sending the letter to for their attention and time, and if you are asking them to take an action thank them for that as well. You should also include a line that tells the recipient how to get more information or contact you in case of questions.

Don't forget to discuss future contact when learning how to end a business letter. You can write a general statement such as "I am looking forward to getting your input on this issue" or something more specific such as "I am looking forward to our scheduled meeting on Thursday." The statement you select will typically depend on whether or not future contact is scheduled at the moment.

At the very end of the letter, use a closing statement, such as "Best regards" or "Sincerely." There is a long list of closing statements, or complementary closings, but it is important to select those that are appropriate for a business letter. Certain closings, such as "later on" may be appropriate for personal letters, but should not be used in professional ones.

Include both your name and title following the closing statement. Don't just rely on your typed or printed name; take time to actually sign the letter after printing it out.

Add a postscript when necessary. Generally, postscript is not included in business letters, yet if you had some necessary additional information you can add one. Or you accidentally left information out of the letter, but it is not sufficiently important to take up its own paragraph and it does not fit into any existing paragraphs.

After finishing your letter, be sure to take the time to re-read it and check out for any misspelling or grammar mistakes. You want it to flow well as this conveys a professional image, which is your goal in business letters.

Business Letter Closing Lines

Closing lines should offer help, repeat an apology, or reference a future event. Some examples include:

• I appreciate immediate attention on this matter.

• We hope to continue relying on your valued input as a customer.

• I once again apologize for inconveniences this may cause.

• If you require further information, don't hesitate to ask.

• I look forward to our continue working relationship and its success.

• Please provide the necessary advice.

• I look forward to meeting with you.

• I look forward to receiving your response.

• I look forward to listening to/hearing your reply

Business Letter Complementary Closings

Complementary closings are the part of how to end a business letter that follow the closing. They are typically one to two words and the following can be accepted as proper:

Very Formal Complementary Closings:

• Respectfully

• Respectfully yours

• Yours sincerely

Formal Complementary Closings:

• Thank you

• Sincerely yours

• Sincerely

Informal Complementary Closings:

• Best wishes

• Regards

• Best regards

• Kindest regards

• Cordially

NOTE: Generally speaking, you should use "best regards" or "best wishes" if the recipient is your close contact. "Yours sincerely" is only used when you know the recipient. "Your sincerely" is typically used if you do not know the recipient.

Ending Your Cover Letter

At the end of a cover letter, make a statement that you look forward to receiving an invitation for an interview. Following the concluding line, include a farewell expression that works with business letters. Some examples for cover letters and other types of business letters include:

• With anticipation

• Regards

• Thanking you, _____ (which can be followed by the following)

• Respectfully yours

• Yours faithfully

• Yours sincerely

Ending Your Personal Letter

You can use informal endings when concluding a personal letter to friends or family. Keep in mind that they are not typically appropriate for ending a business letter. Informal options include:

• Enjoy

• Yours really

• Yours

• Later on

• Talk to you later

• See you on ____

• See you shortly

Ending Your Thank You Letter

You can repeat your "thank you" at the end of the letter. Also ask them to feel free to talk to you if they need any assistance. You can then follow this statement with one of the following, depending on the situation, type of letter, and formality:

• Thanks

• With much appreciation

• My sincerest gratitude

• Very truly

• Warmest regards

• Most sincere regards

• Thanks for your time

• Thanks for your consideration

• Thank you again, gratefully yours

• Thank you again, yours faithfully

• Thank you once again, yours sincerely