After I stopped by this company's booth at...

After I stopped by this company's booth at the recent CD-ROM
conference, the following letter arrived here from a major CPU
manufacturer...


Dear Mr. Rubinsky:


Thank you for your [company name] literature order.


We are very sorry, but the following items that you have requested are
currently on backorder:


PRODUCT CODE DESCRIPTION EXPECTED ARRIVAL DATE
T217 Dear Customer Cover Letter FOUR WEEKS


Your order will be filled at the earliest possible date. In the
meantime, your patience in regard to this matter is greatly
appreciated.


Please feel free to call our Literature Distribution Center at
[800-number]. Our operators will be happy to help you place an order
for any additional literature, or refer you to your nearest [company
name] sales office to help you with any technical questions regarding
our products. If you call to check the status of your order, please
reference your order #[number].


Again, thank you for your order, and we hope to be of service to you in
the future.


Sincerely,


[empty space here]


[company name] Literature Distribution Center


Curiously, one week earlier I received the literature I had requested
-- without a cover letter.