Refusal Letters

How to write a courteous refusal letter:

• A refusal letter communicates unhappy news in a diplomatic way. It is basically a “bad news letter.” You have one chance to say it right. Be as diplomatic as possible. Don’t let your words come back to haunt you someday.

• Open your refusal letter with a sincere expression of regret as you state exactly what you are refusing and how you received the request.

• Explain your reasons for refusing and any evidence you may have to back up your position.

• Offer alternate sources that your reader could appeal to with a better chance of success as a 'consolation prize.'

• Use courteous language throughout your letter, and end by expressing wishes for the reader's success elsewhere.

• Check your refusal letter carefully for typos or any other mistakes in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

• Refer to essential references such as dictionary software, a thesaurus, and an English usage guide, such as The Little, Brown Handbook, published by Scott, Foresman and Company.

Need example refusal letters? We recommend 4,001 Business, Sales & Personal Letters. This collection includes many professionally written refusal letters. Empower your writing with: Must-know letter-writing tips Expert help every step of the way Appropriate phrases and sentences Words writers agree work the best  Learn more You will get a variety of refusal letters for each of these topics: Cancel or decline to schedule an appointment Decline a job offer, promotion, or transfer Decline a request for a claim or adjustment Decline a request for credit Decline a request for a donation Decline a request for employment Decline to accept a gift Decline to give advice Decline orders but offer an alternate or substitute item Decline orders or requests for information Decline an invitation to an event Decline an invitation to join an organization Decline an invitation to speak or perform Decline to write a letter of recommendation Deny an expected or hoped-for promotion or raise Reject a bid or proposal Reject or terminate a business relationship Reply negatively to a suggestion Turn down a customer's or employee's suggestion Write a refusal Get the right words for your letters in three easy steps: Choose from a variety of prewritten refusal letters that cover many common situations. Copy your letter directly into Microsoft Word or your favorite word processor. Or let our software guide you step-by-step through the writing process, suggesting sample phrases and sentences for each writing step. In minutes, you can write an effective refusal letter. Print your refusal letter and send it! Here's what our customers are saying: 'Real information and not marketing nonsense!' 'What an awesome resource!' 'Helpful writing tips and example rejection letters. Easy Letters is one of the best purchases I've made!' 'I am recommending Easy Letters to all of my friends and clients. What a simple, easy-to-use program!'