1. Inquiry

Making inquiries is the initial stage of business negotiations between the buyer and the seller. Seller may make a conditional suggestion to buyer about a deal; buyer may aim to find out certain terms for a desired transaction. Inquiry is a request for business information such as price list, catalogue, sample, trade terms and details about goods. Inquiry can be made by letter, e-mail, fax, handwritten note, telephone call, or personal conversation. Response must be sent immediately in the same way as the inquiry is sent. Generally speaking, there are three kinds of inquiries: general inquiry, first inquiry, and specific inquiry.

2. General inquiry

General inquiry is sent to get the general information about goods. In this kind of inquiry there is no intention to do business right away. First inquiry is sent to the seller or supplier whom you have not previously doubted. Therefore, the intention to establish business relations and the introduction of your business should be contained in the first inquiry.

3. Specific inquiry

Specific inquiry is sent to the seller or supplier with whom you have already formed business relations. In a specific inquiry, the request for detailed information about the goods is contained.

1. 询盘

询盘又叫询价，是指买方为了购买或卖方为了销售产品而向对方提出有关交易条件的询问，其内容可以是询问价格、规格、包装、发货等一项或几项交易条件。询盘可采用口头、书面、电子邮件等形式，对于询盘人与被询盘人均无法律上的约束力，但往往是一笔交易的起点。因此，被询盘人对于接到的询盘，应予以充分重视，及时妥当处理。总的来说，询盘分为一般询盘和具体询盘。

2. 一般询盘

询盘人通常会通过一般询盘获取产品相关信息和资料，如产品目录、价目表或报价单，并不一定立即接触具体交易，基本没有法律后果。

3. 具体询盘

具体询盘有详细的关于特定货物的价格、运输、包装、数量等具体条件，被询盘人一旦做出明确的接受就产生明确的法律后果。因此，具体询盘和一般询盘有本质区别。