Sometimes, I email people regarding something business related. As in, I email them about their business because I'm interested in what they have or the service they provide. Now, I know a lot of people aren't 'net savvy, but email is pretty simple. You type what you would say, because what you type is what you say. And, how you type it is how you say it.

First, I emailed a stable about buying shares in a race horse. This is something I've been wanting to do, and was interested in their partnership. I emailed them with probably about 6 questions, only one of them being if there are still shares left in a particular horse. Here's what I got back:

Hi,

There are .still two shares left in stable 18. We have claimed the horse. His name is Tuff Tiger and he is in Wednesday evening.

You must purchase the shares thru paypal by Wednesday 5p.m.

There are no other expenses.

Any questions please email me.

Ok, so not too bad. I don't like "thru", or the choppy sentences. But, what I really didn't like was the non-answers to all my other questions. I asked about taxes, being payed out and other things any reasonable person wants to know before handing them money. He may not have the time to fully answer my email, but I don't have the time to email 10 times. He says if I have any questions, to email him. Well, I did.. with a bunch of questions, so what would emailing again do? So, bzzzzzzzzt... no business. Another stable took the time to answer my questions, professionally.

Just the other day, on Craigslist, I saw someone had some Berber carpet, and would install it. We are working on finishing the basement, and flooring needs to be done. I'm leery about someone from CL, but doesn't hurt to find out the details and keep that avenue open. So, I send an email asking what color the carpet is, and how much to install per sq. yard. Response:

hello kevin the berber is a brown lt in color nice it would be about 12.99 installe call me if you want

See, now.. if I were some guy looking to install some carpet, I'd take the extra 12 seconds to make that single (should be two) sentences read a little more professionally. Wouldn't you? So far, he seems like an idiot... although 12.99/yard isn't bad. So, I ask him what color "brown" it is, since there is no "brown" when it comes to home product colors. It's always something like "Mocha Choca Sunrise Mud Wrap", which is brown. Here is my email, which I obviously took the time to try to formulate:

Hi XXXXXX,

So, around $1400 for about 1k sq. feet? Is it Shaw, Mohawk, or some other maker? I know the manufacturers use 20 different ways to describe "brown", so I'm wondering if you know their name for "brown". That's what my wife will ask me when I say it's "brown" :-)

Also, are you licensed, insured, bonded, etc...?

And the response:

hello kevin its mohawk mills caliope fawn and yes i have ins,

It's like emailing with a child with ADD. This guy may be a great carpet installer, and have a good price, but it annoys the crap out of me when people can't spend the extra few seconds to type like an adult, and have your email be as professional as you want me to believe you are.

So, I a tip to all small business people out there. When someone emails you about your services, respond professionally. Use proper grammar, complete sentences, and answer all of what's asked. No matter what you do, you're not the only game in town, and it could be the difference between getting a customer, or not.