In a nutshell, a personal letter is written from an individual to an individual, while a personal business letter may be written by an individual to a business. Consumers, supporters or everyday folks often reach out to businesses to express interest in a service, concerns about a product, satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the company or for any number of appropriate reasons. These letters should follow a formal-letter style. Why? For one reason, the businessperson to whom you address your letter will take it more seriously if it is written at least somewhat formally, and it's just plain old good manners to address a businessperson in a more official fashion.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read)
A personal business letter is written by an individual to a business.
Rules of a Personal Business Letter
Expressing Satisfaction or Dissatisfaction
Expressing a Concern
Complaining About a Product or Service
Requesting More Information
Personal Business Letter Format
Personal Business Letter Example
What a Personal Business Letter Is Not
Final Considerations for Personal Business Letters
References
- Key Differences: Difference Between Formal and Informal Letter
- Business Writing Institute: Business Writing Training: 8 Parts of a Personal Business Letter
- Newoldstamp: How to Write a Personal Business Letter to Reach Your Goals and Show Your Expertise
- Federal Trade Commission: How to Write an Effective Complaint Letter
Resources
Writer Bio
Lorna Hordos is a home-improvement business owner and freelance writer. She has written hundreds of conversational business articles for WordPress.com, Bizfluent, AZ Central and Global Post.