A Request for Information (RFI) is an early-stage buyer request that asks a seller for general details about its capabilities, product range, or approximate pricing before any formal quoting begins. It is exploratory, not transactional: the buyer is gathering enough information to understand the market and decide which suppliers are worth engaging further. An RFI usually comes before an RFQ (Request for Quote) or RFP (Request for Proposal).
How it works
A buyer sends the same set of open questions to several sellers at once. Typical questions cover product categories carried, minimum order quantities, lead times, certifications, geographic coverage, and rough price ranges. The buyer reviews the responses, then shortlists a smaller group to receive a detailed RFQ or RFP. Because an RFI is informational, sellers are not expected to commit to firm prices at this stage.
Why it matters
For a B2B seller, an RFI is the first touchpoint with a potential account, often before that buyer is in your CRM. How quickly and clearly you respond shapes whether you make the shortlist. Treating an RFI as a real lead, capturing the contact, and following up sets you up for the RFQ that may follow.
Example
A procurement manager for a hotel group emails ten suppliers asking which commercial-grade linens they stock, typical MOQs, and indicative per-unit pricing. Based on the replies, they invite three suppliers to submit formal quotes on specific SKUs and volumes.
On Shopify
Shopify’s native flow is built around checkout, not pre-sales inquiries, so RFIs usually arrive by email or a contact form. Capturing that early interest and moving it toward a formal quote is where a quoting workflow helps. See the B2B quoting glossary for related terms like RFQ and RFP, or the pricing page for plan details.