What is a good and appropriate gretting when contacting a sales department for business?

Question

and you don't know who will handle your email.

a) Dear Sir or Madam
b) To whom it may concern
c) Hi
d) Dear sales staff
e) Other...?

Answer 1

A competant gatekeeper would NEVER forward calls, email or actual mail that doesn't specify a particular person. If you're not willing to make a phone call to find out WHO to send it to, and the PROPER spelling of that person's name, why should we do business with you? It's pretty simple these days, what with the Internet and all...try to investigate online first, and you won't have to send a blind email out HOPING to get read.

Another tip is: ALWAYS put a compelling message in the subject line! By compelling, I don't mean: "You're not gonna believe this!" or "Your response is needed ASAP" -- those are lame marketing techniques that we've caught onto already. Something like, "Jeanette, I can guarantee ROI at a rate of 300%" would simply knock me out! (Notice the use of the personal name.) Although I might not accept your offer, I'd definitely read the email.

Answer 2

Skip the greeting. I get the company email and have nothing to do with sales or marketing. If you can convince me to even open the email I need to know if you are worth forwarding or I delete it.

Answer 3

judithb is correct. I agree with every word she wrote.