Have you ever wanted to buy something in bulk but had no idea how much it costs? Or perhaps you needed to compare prices between suppliers but felt unsure how to ask politely? That is where a price inquiry letter or email comes in handy.
Whether you are a business owner looking for wholesale prices or a student sourcing materials for a project, writing a clear price inquiry can save you time, money, and headaches. In this guide, you will learn what a price inquiry letter or email is, when to write one, what to include, and most importantly, get real examples you can copy and customize.
Why Price Inquiry Letters & Emails Matter
A price inquiry is not just about asking “How much?” It is about starting a professional conversation with the supplier or seller. When you write a clear and polite message, you show that you value their time. In return, you are more likely to get a quick, accurate reply.
On the other hand, a poorly written inquiry can lead to delays or even no response. Imagine writing, “Send me your prices ASAP,” without specifying what you are looking for. The seller will probably put your message at the bottom of the list.
So, if you want faster and better responses, you need to write your inquiry the right way.
What Is a Price Inquiry Letter or Email
A price inquiry letter or email is a formal message requesting information about product pricing, available discounts, shipping costs, and payment terms. Unlike an order letter, you are not placing an order yet, you are just gathering information to make an informed decision.
These inquiries are common in business-to-business (B2B) communication, but individuals use them too. For example, a bride-to-be might send a price inquiry to a caterer asking about wedding packages.
When to Write a Price Inquiry Email
Here are some common situations when a price inquiry email is the right choice:
- Before placing a bulk order to check if it fits your budget.
- When comparing multiple vendors for the same product.
- To request an updated price list or catalog.
- When you need to know about quantity-based discounts.
- To confirm shipping costs, taxes, or delivery timelines.
- When you want a formal quotation (RFQ) for documentation purposes.
In other words, you write a price inquiry email whenever you want clear pricing details before committing to a purchase.
Key Elements of a Price Inquiry Email or Letter
Your inquiry does not have to be long. In fact, shorter is often better. Here is what you should include:
- Subject line: Be clear and specific, such as “Price Inquiry for Office Chairs – Bulk Order.”
- Introduction: State who you are and why you are writing.
- Product details: Mention the product name, model number, or specifications. If possible, include the quantity you plan to buy.
- Questions: List what you need to know, such as price per unit, discounts, payment terms, delivery time.
- Closing: Thank the recipient and let them know you look forward to their reply.
Following this simple structure makes it easy for the recipient to reply quickly and accurately.
Writing Etiquette for Price Inquiry Emails
Writing a price inquiry email is not just about content, it is about tone too. Here are some tips to make it professional and effective:
- Keep it short and focused. Avoid long stories or unnecessary background information.
- Use polite language. Phrases like “Could you please share…” or “I would appreciate it if…” make a big difference.
- If you are inquiring about multiple products, list them in bullet points for clarity.
- If you need a formal quotation, mention that you would like a written quote for record-keeping.
- Proofread before hitting send. Wrong product codes or quantities can lead to incorrect pricing.
Remember, a good email makes the seller’s job easier, and that means a faster reply for you.
Product Price Inquiry Letter Samples
Here are some ready-to-use formal letter samples you can adapt for your needs.
Sample 1: B2B Bulk Price Inquiry
Subject: Price Inquiry for Bulk Order – Stationery Supplies
Dear Sales Manager,
I am writing on behalf of Bright Solutions, and we are interested in purchasing stationery supplies for our office. Please provide your price list for the following items:
- A4 Printing Paper – 2000 sheets
- Ballpoint Pens – 500 pieces
- Notebooks – 300 pieces
Kindly include bulk order discounts, delivery charges, and payment terms.
Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Maria Anderson
Sample 2: Price Inquiry with Request for Discount
Subject: Price Inquiry and Volume Discount Request
Dear Supplier,
I am interested in purchasing 100 units of Model X Wireless Headphones for our corporate gifting program. Could you please share your best price per unit along with any available volume discounts?
Additionally, please include estimated delivery time and shipping costs for New York.
Thank you for your time and quick reply.
Regards,
Ethan Carter
Sample 3: Request for Updated Price List
Subject: Request for Updated Product Price List
Dear Customer Support,
Could you please send me your updated product catalog and price list for 2025? I am particularly interested in your office furniture range and would like to know the current prices and delivery options.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Best regards,
Linda Perez
Product Price Inquiry Email Samples
Since most inquiries are sent by email these days, here are three practical examples you can use.
Sample Email 1: Simple Price Inquiry
Subject: Price Inquiry for Organic Coffee Beans
Dear Sales Team,
I would like to know the price per kilogram for your organic Arabica coffee beans. Please include wholesale rates for orders above 50 kilograms.
Thank you for your quick reply.
Best regards,
Jonathan Miller
Sample Email 2: Price Inquiry with Shipping Details
Subject: Price Inquiry with Shipping Quote for Office Chairs
Dear Supplier,
I am interested in purchasing 50 ergonomic office chairs (Model No. OC-500). Please provide your best price per chair, available discounts, and total shipping costs to Chicago.
Kindly share the expected delivery timeline as well.
Thank you.
Regards,
Emma Wilson
Sample Email 3: RFQ-Style Price Inquiry
Subject: Request for Quotation – Computer Accessories
Dear Vendor,
Please send me a formal quotation for the following:
- Wireless Keyboards – 100 units
- Optical Mouse – 100 units
- Laptop Stands – 50 units
Include price per unit, bulk discounts, shipping charges, and payment terms.
Looking forward to your detailed quotation.
Best regards,
Noah Brown
Follow-Up Strategy After Price Inquiry
Sometimes suppliers are busy and may take time to respond. If you do not hear back within five to seven business days, send a polite follow-up.
Example:
Subject: Follow-Up on Price Inquiry
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am following up on my earlier inquiry sent on [date] regarding [product]. I would appreciate it if you could share the requested pricing details at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your time and support.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Following up shows that you are serious but respectful of their time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few mistakes that can hurt your chances of getting a response:
- Being vague about which product you want.
- Forgetting to mention quantity, which is crucial for accurate pricing.
- Writing too casually for a professional context.
- Asking for too many unrelated details in a single message.
For more tips, check my post on Top 10 Mistakes in Inquiry Letters.
Conclusion
A well-written price inquiry email or letter can save you time, prevent confusion, and get you accurate quotes faster. Always be polite, clear, and specific about what you are asking for.
Use the samples above as a starting point, personalize them for your situation, and remember to follow up if needed. When done right, a price inquiry is not just about numbers — it is about building a professional relationship with the seller.
Want more ready-to-use templates? Check out my 25 Professional Inquiry Letter Templates for editable formats you can download today.