An inquiry, also known as a price inquiry, refers to an expression by a buyer or seller asking the other party about the terms of a transaction in order to buy or sell a certain commodity. In cross-border e-commerce, it is usually the buyer who takes the initiative to send an inquiry to the seller. You can ask about the price, or ask about one or more other transaction conditions to induce the other party to make an offer, in order to test the other party’s sincerity in the transaction and understand their opinions on the transaction conditions. The following will introduce common vocabulary in inquiries to facilitate the transaction parties to accurately express their ideas during the inquiry process. The special terms involved in the expanded vocabulary will be explained one by one to facilitate learners’ understanding and learning.
Basic vocabulary
(1)enquiry: enquiry, inquiry, quotation
Example: make some enquiries
(2)offer: offer, quotation
Example: to make an offer
(3)order: order
Example: place an order for sth.
(4)negotiate: negotiate
Example: We have been negotiating for more pay. We have been negotiating for more pay.
(5)quotation Quotation, quotation sheet
Example: to invite quotation or offer from the seller Request quotation from the seller
(6)offeror/offerer Offeror, offeror, offeror
Example: The 23rd acceptance shall reach the offeror within the period prescribed in the offer.
(7)offeree Offeree, offeree, offeree
Example: The notice of withdrawal shall reach the offeree before or at the same time as the offer.
(8)firm offer
Example: Well, to compensate a part of the loss, as you suggested , may I ask you to make us a firm offer for 50,000 glazed wall tiles CIF, Manila including the risk of breakage，Nov.shipment?
(9)counter-offer
Example: We hope you will consider our counter -offer most favorably and tell us your decision at your earliest convenience.