Request for information (RFI)

A request for information gathers details about potential suppliers or available solutions before a purchasing decision. It is generally exploratory and does not itself place an order or commit the buyer to a contract.

An RFI is normally used early in a sourcing exercise to understand the market and build a shortlist. Questions might cover product ranges, manufacturing capacity, delivery coverage, certifications or integration capabilities. Suppliers may provide indicative commercial information, but an RFI usually lacks the detail needed for a firm comparable price.

For example, a business considering overseas production could ask several factories about materials, production methods and minimum batch sizes. The answers help refine the requirement before issuing an RFQ or RFP. Sending an RFI should not be confused with accepting an offer or authorising a supplier to begin work.