询盘通常是买方为获取所购商品的信息如价格、规格、质量、数量、包装、装运和其他贸易条件而作出的，询盘不具约束力。当商人拟购买商品时，就会作出询盘。以下是询盘时应注意的要点：

　　Enquiry

　　Enquiries are usually made by the buyers without engagement to get information about the goods to be ordered , such as price , specification , quality , quantity , packing , shipment and other trade terms . When a businessman intends to make purchase , he makes enquiries . The following points are important when making an enquiry :

　　1.询盘要具体，并清楚地说明你所要的信息：所需的商品、目录、价格单、样品、报价单或报盘等，以便使卖方能提供你所需要的信息。

　　2.询盘应简洁、抓住要点。

　　3.若是第一次询盘，即发给从未交易过的公司的询盘，开头要告知你是如何获悉对方的姓名和地址的。如能同时提供关于业务范围、所需数量、通常的贸易条件以及任何能使卖方提供你所需的服务的信息，都是有利的。

　　4.促使卖方提供较优惠条件的策略是给卖方一些诸如你会大量订购或长期订购的希望，可以说“如果价格有竞争力，我们将订购……”或”如果能报价优惠，我们将长期向你发订购“。

　　1.Be specific and state clearly what you want : the goods needed , a catalogue , a price list , a sample , a quotation or an offer , etc. , so that the seller can offer what you need .

　　2.Keep your enquiry concise and to the point .

　　3.If this is a first enquiry , an enquiry sent to a #pany you have never dealt with , you should begin your enquiry by informing how you obtained their name and address . Some details of your business line , quantities needed , usual terms of trade and any information likely to enable the seller to decide what he can do for you , will also help .

　　4.The tactic often used in order to invite better terms is to give the seller some hope of substantial orders or continued business by saying "Should your prices be #petitive , we will place an order..." or "If your quotation is favourable , we'll place regular orders with you."