Dear sir or madame.... Japanese Mail Etiquette


I am trying to conduct business with a company located in Japan. I am trying
to buy a kimono to complete a set for someone dear to me...(who may or may not
be on the site so I am keeping this part intentionally vague.)

Anyway on to what I am asking...

For years, I have been opening blind inquiries with "Sir or Madam:"

While お早うござします is fine for a friendly meeting or a second letter somehow this
seems like it might be a bit of a put-off for an initial inquiry.

Would it be better to use 皆さん or 御中 皆さん？

Second: Is it preferable to use 私 or 僕 when addressing oneself in business
correspondence?

皆さんにありがとうございます




The below would be formal way to address somebody serving you. Company name
followed by contact person (for lack of a better English term, if somebody has
one please let me know)

> Company Name  
>  ご担当者様{ごたんとうしゃさま}
>
> お世話になっております。NAMEと申します
>
> blah blah, your request

