RFI

Request For Information

A formal document issued by organizations to gather preliminary details from potential vendors or service providers. It typically outlines the organization’s needs broadly, asking respondents to share insights into their capabilities, expertise, and how they might address those needs.

The main goal of an RFI is to collect high-level information that can help the organization narrow down its list of potential vendors and determine whether to proceed with a more detailed procurement process, such as an RFP or RFQ.

For sales and marketing teams, an RFI is an early opportunity to highlight unique selling points, demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a prospect’s challenges, and build credibility. Marketing can use these insights to refine messaging that resonates with the prospective client’s pain points. At the same time, sales professionals can shape a more tailored pitch that positions them for success in subsequent stages of the buying process.

• Abbreviation: RFI