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Sample Letter

Request for a trade reference (sole name)

Use this letter to request a reference from a trade referee. Put your business letterhead at the top of the letter.​ You can find information about how to use this letter in our fact sheet Managing business finances.

You can choose to send a letter in your own name or in joint names. You may have a debt in joint names, or want to write to your creditors together because you have worked out a joint budget.

  • Fill in your contact details, account number and any extra information you want to include in the grey shaded areas.
  • Today’s date will be added automatically.
  • Sign each letter and enclose a copy of your budget if needed.

Letter in joint names

You can choose to send a letter in your own name or in joint names. You may have a debt in joint names, or want to write to your creditors together because you have worked out a joint budget.

Change to joint version
You need to include the organisation name.
Name of the organisation you are writing toInclude the name of the person or creditor you are writing to.
You need to include their address.
Their address line 1Make sure you include the full address for the person or organisation. Don't forget the post code.
Their address line 2
Their address line 3
You need to include their postcode.
Their postcodeDon't forget their postcode.
You need to include your address.
Your address line 1Make sure you include your full address.
Your address line 2
Your address line 3
You need to include your postcode.
Your postcodeDon't forget your postcode.

20th November 2024

Date
Dear Sir/Madam
Re:
This field is required.
Enter company name
I have received an application for a credit account from the above named company. Your name has been given as a referee. Therefore, I would be grateful if you could answer the following questions.
How long has the customer traded with you? ________________________________
What are your terms of payment? _______________ days
Does the customer generally pay within the time required? YES/NO
Would you consider the customer to be a good credit risk? YES/NO
Please add any other comments you feel are relevant below.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Once you have completed this form please return it in the envelope provided.
Thank you for your assistance.
Yours faithfully
You need to include your name(s).
Include your full name