Request for Information (RFI) — definition
Preliminary buyer inquiry used to gather general capability, capacity and technology information from potential suppliers before formal tendering begins.
An RFI is typically non-binding and does not request firm pricing. Buyers use it to map the supplier landscape, understand available technologies, and refine scope before issuing an RFQ or RFP.
Why it matters to industrial buyers
Early market information reduces the risk of writing specifications around a single supplier's product or missing viable technical alternatives.
Key reference points
Typical duration
RFI responses are commonly requested within 1–3 weeks given their lower complexity than a full tender.
Non-binding nature
RFI responses generally do not commit either party to price or contract terms.
Commonly confused with
Request for Quotation (RFQ)
An RFI gathers information to shape a specification; an RFQ requests firm pricing against a specification already defined.
How it is used in practice
Before designing a cold storage expansion, a facility owner issues an RFI to understand available refrigeration technologies and typical lead times.
Frequently asked questions
Does an RFI commit the buyer to a purchase?
No, an RFI is an information-gathering step and does not obligate either party to proceed.
How does an RFI feed into a feasibility study?
Information gathered can inform technology assumptions, cost ranges and supplier availability used in the feasibility study.
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Related terms
Request for Quotation (RFQ)
Buyer-issued document requesting priced offers from potential suppliers for a defined scope of equipment or services, based on fixed or largely fixed specifications.
Feasibility Study
Structured assessment of the technical, commercial, financial and operational viability of a proposed industrial project before significant capital commitment is made.
Technical Specification
Structured document describing the functional, performance, materials, and interface requirements an item of equipment or system must meet.
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Reference content only. Global B2B Group is independent of equipment manufacturers and financing institutions; definitions are provided for education and do not constitute engineering, financial or legal advice.