Business Reference Letter

As a business entity, you may have encountered various suppliers, vendors, partners, etc. And as you continue to thrive with your business, you have also established good relationships with the people or companies you continue to have business transactions with. You have come to know these individuals or company representatives personally and can testify to the quality of business they do. For all this to be easier, you need to business reference letters. Keep scrolling to get your hands on the best ones!

Free Business Reference Letter Template

Personal Business Reference Letter Template

Business Reference Letter for a Company Template

Free Business Reference Letter for Apartment Template

Business Reference List Template

Supplier/Business Partner Reference Letter Example

What is a Business Reference Letter?

A business reference letter similarly shares the same purpose to a recommendation letter: to recommend a client, vendor, or other business associate or contact. This is most prevalent in Business-to-Business (B2B) transactions. This means that you, as an independent business entity, are going to make a document assessing and to attest to the quality of products and/or services another business entity offers.

This official letter will serve as a verification of these facts to a new prospective client be it an individual or company. This will also help the prospective client make a final decision since your reference letter will be used as a basis on whether it’s worth having business transactions with an individual or company.

However, this does not mean that a business reference letter can only be used in B2B relationships, as it can also be used to recommend a former colleague, employee, business partners or associates, loyal clients, etc. Commonly, this is used to reference former employees who have been a significant part of the business but decided, in good nature, to venture out and pursue bigger things.

This letter will usually mention how this individual or company is effective in providing the product and/or services they produce. You will have to attest that this individual or company is worth the financial investment since they are the best at what they do.

However, despite the relationship you have already established with this individual or company, you must give an objective assessment because your letter will be one of the deciding factors. If mistakes or lapses may occur you will also carry some of the responsibility since you have recommended it to the new prospect/client.

Cooperative Housing Business Reference Letter Example

Graduate School Reference Letter Example

Contents of a Business Reference Letter

A business reference letter may be used for various reasons as mentioned above. Whatever it may be, these information should be included in your business reference letter:

• The date the letter was written;
• The name of establishment or individual to whom the letter is to be given or the receiver of the letter;
• The name of the business or the individual being recommended;
• An appropriate greeting to open the letter;
• The name of the person who authored the letter and the company where he or she is connected with;
• The purpose of the letter;
• The kind of business transaction as the reason why the letter was made;
• The direct recommendation statement including the quality of work of the recommended entity,
• A professional closing that can serves as the end letter.

Lawyer Reference Letter Example

Investigatory Agency Reference Letter Example

Purpose of a Business Reference Letter

To thoroughly explain the purpose of a business reference letter, this guide will clearly define each of these:

1. Reference for an individual who would like to pursue a position in the business industry

In this case, a business reference letter is used to recommend a person with the appropriate and relevant qualifications to a certain position. More than giving a recommendation, you will also have to objectively provide an assessment on the quality of work this individual is able to provide. Therefore, you must have first-hand knowledge about his or her work ethic, determination in finishing tasks, his or her accuracy and being detail-oriented, etc. You may also see acknowledgement letter examples & samples.

This professional letter will serve as the individual’s additional proof that he or she can provide the demands of the position and he or she is qualified to have the job. This will also give an assurance to the possible employer. Also, the list of skills and qualifications the candidate has included in his or her resume can be backed by a reference letter especially if it’s directly from a former supervisor, team leader, manager, etc.

2. To recommend business sellers and vendors

A previous client can also write a reference letter giving a recommendation to business sellers and/or vendors he or she has transacted before. This reference letter will greatly help and increase the chances of these business entities if a satisfied customer will outline the products and services offered by the company. Not only that, but this will also help the company get new clients. You may also like business letter examples.

This letter will serve as a market campaign for the business done by loyal and satisfied clients. This will also assist the client to establish a trust in the business entity thus cultivating client loyalty. For that to become a reality, you must provide a reference letter without bias. Although understandably, you prefer this particular company over the other, you must still be objective in giving your recommendations so that the prospective client can trust your endorsement.

3. Business-to-business references

Referral from other businesses for other business entities is also another way of using a reference letter. This means businesses that have worked together through partnerships and other transactions can provide good references. For example, if a catering service was hired for an event conducted by a certain company, the company can provide an objective referral on behalf of the catering service. Also, the catering service can refer the company to other catering services if the company can deliver its side of the deal efficiently. You may also check out appointment letter examples.

This will help the catering service to boost their popularity and can help them acquire new clients. The reference letter, as you may have noticed, is between two independent business entities who have worked together, even more so to the companies who have been long-time partners.

Interpreter Services Reference Letter Example

Types of Reference Letter

1. Business Reference Letter

As mentioned above, a business reference letter is more about recommending the quality of products and/or services provided by an individual or business entity. This letter also refers to other business entities to prospective clients.

2. Employment-Related Reference Letter

An employment-related reference letter is used to refer to a previous employee or colleague for employment in another company after he or she has resigned from the company. This can also be a huge basis for a promotion in the same company. The letter should be written by the person directly working with the individual (for example the team leader, department head, supervisor, etc.). This letter includes information about employment history, job performance, work ethic, and personal or work-related accomplishments. You may also see business proposal letter examples.

3. Academic letter of recommendation/reference

This letter is used to recommend students for scholarships, college, and graduate school admissions, research grants, etc. This can also be used for an internship, apprenticeship, fellowship, etc. This reference letter provides the admission committee with all the relevant information like academic and work achievements, character references, and personal details. The student can request this letter from their principal, dean, subject adviser, professor, coach or mentor, etc. A student must have at least three reference letters from credible persons so that they can have a bigger chance of getting admitted to their preferred schools and getting a scholarship. You may also like job application letter examples.

4. Character reference letters or personal references

Most of the uses of this type of letter are used by individuals who wish to have custody of a child, get housing accommodations, purchase a home in a specific neighborhood, and other related reasons. Simply put, this is more used for legal situations. This letter certifies the good nature, accountability, trustworthiness, and anything that has to do with the overall character of a person. The persons who can write this letter are former employers, landlords, business associates, neighbors, doctors, and close acquaintances. You may also check out what is an application letter?

Bank Reference Letter Format Example

Sous Chef Reference Letter Example

Entertainment Services Reference Letter Example

How to Write a Reference Letter

As discussed, a reference letter is an important document that can help you and other individuals and/or businesses thrive and maintain a strong professional relationship. Considering that the fundamentals of business reference letters are already provided, we are going to give you some steps you can follow in composing a business reference letter. Read through to be guided accordingly.

1. Follow a professional/formal/business letter format

As this is still a formal letter, you must follow the proper format and structure of a formal letter. You will have to indicate your address at the beginning of the letter, followed by the date. Then the inside address made up of the receiver’s name and address.

For the format, you can use a full block, modified block, or semi-block style. These are all about the format and placement of the addresses on the above portion of the page. For example, in a full-block style, the addresses will be justified or flushed left as well as the body, the closing, and signature in the last part of the letter.

Also, since this is a formal or professional letter, maintain a professional tone. Use appropriate language and always be courteous. You have to remember that you are still somehow asking a favor from an individual or company. Therefore you must always embody respectfulness.

 

2. Open with a self-introduction

As you begin your letter, you must first establish a brief background about yourself. Explain the relationship you share with the person or business entity. However, don’t get carried away. Remember that this letter is not about you but the person or company you are recommending. Only go as far as explaining your position and why you’re in the position to make the letter. You may also see appointment letter examples & samples.

3. Attest to the facts about the individual or company

Confirm the facts you include in the letter. If this is about a previous employee or colleague, include his or her previous position in the company, his or her roles, and responsibilities, employment period, etc. If this is about another business entity, include their rates, how they transact their business, the way they deliver their product or services, etc. These will heavily influence the reader to make a judgment based on the facts you will include in your letter, thus, it must be in favor of the person or business being referred. You may also like new hire welcome letter examples.

Law Student Fellowship Reference Letter Example

Executive Assistant Employment Reference Letter Example

How to Write a Reference Letter (continuation)

4. Provide judgment

Judgment, in this case, means bringing more depth into the unique qualities the person or business possesses. For example, emphasize a great working ethic, problem-solving skills, and great customer relations, to name a few. You may also see simple resignation letters for more. To convince the recipient more, state that you would gladly hire the person or business again or mention that the working relationship you had with the person or business is something that you value.

5. Give concrete examples

Examples such as the caterer solving impromptu problems during a very important event in the company or the employee being the mastermind for a huge project for the company. These examples will not only show that the candidate has what it takes to provide quality products and/or services but will also boost their morale and confidence. This can help convince the person receiving the reference letter to take a chance on the person or business. You may also like cover letter examples.

6. Firmly conclude the letter

As you should, conclude your letter positively. Reiterate how the person or the business is the most qualified for the position they are going for. Briefly summarize all the points you have made in the entire letter and help the candidate better market their key qualities. Also, indicate in the letter that you are willing to pursue more correspondence if needed. You may also check out job application letter examples.

Lastly, always use appropriate closing in your letter. Just like at the beginning of your letter where you use a respectful salutation, the same should be done in the closing. Do not forget to include your name and additional contact information under your signature. Your signature is an important part of the letter as it confirms the authenticity of the reference letter.

Conclusion

A business reference letter is a way of marketing a business entity or an individual to a prospective employer. It can significantly affect the chances of the individual or company getting the job. Despite the personal relationships you have built with the person or company being referred, you must see through an objective and unbiased lens.

Only include facts that are true because the success of an event or the balance in a workplace can rely on the impact of your reference letter. You might be interested in two weeks’ notice letter examples & samples. If you are going to suggest a product or service, on the other point, initially specify the title or name of the product or service, succeeded by the manufacturing company, the email address or contact number, and the company address.

General FAQs