Your inquiry email is only as good as its subject line. Think about it: if the subject line fails to grab attention, the recipient might not even open the email. You could have the perfect message inside, but if it looks boring or confusing in the inbox, it will get buried.
So today, we are going to fix that problem. I will show you exactly what makes a strong subject line, what mistakes to avoid, and give you 50 professional examples that you can start using right away. Ready to make your inbox shine? Let’s go.
Why Subject Lines Matter in Inquiry Emails
Your subject line is the first impression you make on your reader. It is like the headline of a newspaper article — it should grab attention but also explain what the message is about.
When you write a good subject line, two things happen:
- The recipient actually opens the email.
- They know what to expect before reading, which helps them reply faster.
On the contrary, a bad subject line can get ignored, or worse, sent straight to the trash folder.
What Makes a Good Inquiry Email Subject Line
Writing a strong subject line is an art, but here are some simple rules:
- Clarity: Make sure the reader understands why you are writing. “Inquiry About Bulk Order Pricing” is clear, “Hello” is not.
- Brevity: Keep it short. Ideally, 5–9 words or under 60 characters. Long subjects get cut off on mobile.
- Professional Tone: Avoid slang or casual phrases. You are not writing a social media post.
- Relevance: Mention the main topic so the reader knows what action is required.
Think of your subject line as the doorbell to your message — it should be polite, clear, and inviting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Subject Lines
Even professionals make mistakes with subject lines. Here are a few to avoid:
- Writing something too vague like “Need Info” or “Please Help.”
- Using ALL CAPS which looks like you are shouting.
- Making the subject too long so it gets cut off in preview mode.
- Forgetting to include urgency if the inquiry is time-sensitive.
- Writing clickbait-like lines that do not match the email content.
Avoid these, and you are already ahead of most people.
50 Best Inquiry Email Subject Lines (Categorized)
Here’s the part you have been waiting for — 50 ready-to-use subject lines. I’ve grouped them into categories so you can quickly find what fits your situation.
A. General Information & Product Inquiry
- Inquiry About Product Availability for [Product Name]
- Request for Product Catalog and Pricing
- Question Regarding New Launch of [Product Name]
- Need Bulk Order Pricing for [Item Name]
- Inquiry About Delivery Timelines for [Product]
B. Service or Business Inquiry
- Inquiry About Your Consulting Packages
- Question Regarding IT Service Options for Businesses
- Request for Proposal (RFP) Submission Details
- Need Information About Annual Maintenance Contract
- Inquiry About Collaboration Opportunities
C. Job and Internship Inquiry
- Inquiry About Job Openings at [Company Name]
- Question Regarding Internship Opportunities for [Field]
- Request for Career Opportunity Information
- Following Up: Job Inquiry for [Position Title]
- Query About Application Deadlines
D. Education & Training Inquiry
- Admission Inquiry for [Program Name] – [Year]
- Request for Course Details and Fees
- Inquiry About Online Class Schedule for [Course]
- Question Regarding Scholarship Eligibility
- Application Process Inquiry for [University/College]
E. Event, Travel, and Booking Inquiry
- Inquiry About Group Booking Rates for [Hotel/Event]
- Request for Venue Availability on [Date]
- Question Regarding Travel Package for [Destination]
- Event Registration Inquiry for [Conference/Workshop]
- Catering and Pricing Inquiry for Corporate Event
F. Vendor, Supplier, and B2B Inquiry
- Request for Quotation (RFQ) for [Product/Service]
- Inquiry About Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
- Question Regarding Supply Chain Terms
- Need Details About Vendor Registration Process
- Pricing and Delivery Schedule Inquiry
G. Follow-Up Subject Lines
- Follow-Up on My Inquiry Sent [Date]
- Gentle Reminder: Awaiting Your Response on Inquiry
- Second Request for Information on [Topic]
- Follow-Up: Product Information Request
- Checking In Regarding Previous Email
H. Creative/Polite Subject Lines
- Hoping to Learn More About [Topic]
- Seeking Your Guidance on [Subject]
- Quick Question About [Topic]
- Requesting Your Expertise Regarding [Issue]
- Curious About Your [Service/Product]
Notice how each of these is specific, polite, and easy to read. They tell the recipient exactly what you want without sounding too pushy.
Tips for Writing Your Own Subject Lines
These examples are great starting points, but you might need to write custom ones. Here’s how to create your own:
- Keep it within 40–60 characters for mobile-friendliness.
- Always include the topic or action needed.
- Add urgency if needed, but do not sound desperate.
- Use title case (capitalize important words) for a professional look.
- Avoid emojis in professional inquiries, unless it is a very casual situation.
Inquiry Email Subject Lines for Mobile Users
Since most emails are read on phones, shorter is better. Here are some quick examples under six words:
- Inquiry About Product Pricing
- Need Course Details for [Course]
- Request for Hotel Room Availability
- Job Opportunity Inquiry – [Position]
- Follow-Up: Awaiting Response
Short subjects are easy to read at a glance and perfect for busy professionals.
Next Steps
Your subject line is the first thing your recipient will see, so make it count. Keep it short, clear, and professional. Avoid vague language, and always include the main topic of your inquiry.
The 50 examples in this guide will give you a strong head start. Use them as they are, or tweak them to suit your specific need. Then watch as your open rates and response times improve.
Want to go deeper? Check my posts on Inquiry Email vs Letter for deciding the right medium and How to Write an Inquiry Letter for tips on writing professional inquiries.