If I receive a letter or email from a customer and don't know their
gender (because the name could be either gender, i.e. Chris or
Tomomi), how should I phrase the salutation when replying (not knowing
to write Mr. or Ms.)?

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Clarification of Question by saitama-ga on 30 Oct 2003 07:27 PST

Hi All Who Commented,

This isn't a clarrification, but a "thanks" to all who commented.  The
question was my first on Google Answers, and I can't seem to find any
other way to comment myself.  There were several good suggestions, but
not appropriate for my particular situation.  Asugymn, however,
confirmed the answer that I had originally thought to be correct; and
the link provides not only the proof I need, but also a valuable
resource.  Here, have five stars*****.  What the hell, have six******.
 And Journalist, you use "Saitama"? Douyu imi desuka?

Saitama

How about "Dear Valued Customer"?

Dear Sir or Madam

To Whom It May Concern

Hi, There!

Or...

...oh, ye, of ambiguous androgyny

Actually, the Salutation isn't a problem because you simply say 'Hi,
Chris' or 'Dear Chris' - whichever suits your style.

If you need to address an envelope, just omit the Title.

Greetings Saitama:    <----- That's what I use.  :)

Researchers seldom know the gender of a customer so we have all
adopted our own way to say hello to our customers.  I prefer
"Greetings" because it conveys a warm hello without the intimacy of
"Dear"

Best regards,
journalist-ga

Dear Dr. Smith

Dear Dr Smith ??????

Surely, Dear Professor Smith?

I was taught to use the first and last name and omit the courtesy
title if I didn't know the recipeint's gender. eg. Dear Chris Smith:
Here is a Website that supports this idea:
http://writing.lifetips.com/TipSC.asp__Q__id__E__63388

Ah!  I have spotted the Add Comment button!  Alas, it is too late.  

Thanks again everyone.

Saitama