When writing a business letter or business email, begin with the "salutation." When should you use a colon and when should you use a comma in a salutation?
With a formal business letter or email, especially when contacting someone you don't know, use a colon.
Dear Ms. Honeybun:
With people who are more familiar to you, you may use a colon or a comma.
Dear Mr. Sugarpie, or Dear John,
Dear Mr. Sugarpie: or Dear John:
Even less formal:
Hi, Lambchop, or Hello, Lambchop,
Lambchop —
With people who are completely unfamiliar:
To The Consumer Affairs Department:
Always try to find the name of the person you are trying to reach. Avoid, "To whom it may concern." It may not concern anyone.
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