RFI
Category: Procurement
Also searched as: Request for information
Definition (plain English)
A Request for Information is an early sourcing inquiry used to learn supplier capability, product range, capacity, certifications, markets served, and constraints.
Why it matters commercially
RFI responses help decide whether a supplier is worth an RFQ, sample request, audit, or deeper onboarding effort.
Example
A buyer used an RFI to screen food suppliers for export experience, HACCP certification, private-label capability, MOQ range, and cold-chain limits before requesting prices.
Common mistake
Using an RFI like an RFQ and asking for firm pricing before specification, quantity, Incoterm, and qualification requirements are clear.
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