询盘是交易的起点，可以分为：

　　普通询盘(a general inquiry):索取普通资料， 诸如：目录(a catalogue)、价目表或报价单(a price-list or quotation sheets)、样品(a sample)、图片(illustrated photo prints)等。

　　具体询盘(a specific inquiry): 具体询问商品名称(the name of the commodity)、规格(the specifications)、数量(the quantity)、单价(the unit price FOB… CIF…),装船期(the time of shipment)、付款方式(the terms of payment)等。

　　询盘一般多为买方向卖方发出，买方通过询盘信，简明扼要的向卖方了解一般的商品信息。利用E-mail 写询盘信，无须写的过分客气，只需具体、简洁、措词得体。有的询盘信开门见山，直截了当说明订购打算，希望对方给予一定优惠条件;有的询盘信则以征询信息的方式，不许下订货诺言，以避免结果未订购可能形成的日后交易中的障碍 。

　　实例：

　　Subject: Enquiry

　　Dear Sir,

　　We are interested in buying large quantities of steel screws in all sizes.

　　We would be obliged if you would give us a quotation per kilogram C&F Liverpool, England. It would also be appreciated if you could forward samples and your price-list to us.

　　We used to purchase these products from other sources. We may now prefer to buy from your company because we understand that you are able to supply larger quantities at more attractive prices. In addition, we have confidence in the quality of your products.

　　We look forward to hearing from you by return E-mail.

　　Sincerely,

　　Xxx

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