商务咨询往往是贸易的开端。咨询应该是诚意的，阐明咨询者的需求或所需的信息。在通常情况下，收函人应于当日或尽快给予答复，如所咨询的产品或服务不是收函人所经营的，则收函人应加以说明或将咨询函转给有关单位并通知咨询者。如答复函内附有商品目录或介绍，则应在复函中有所提及，但不能是重复。

 (Example)

Dear Sirs,
The Barclays Bank Ltd. has been kind enough to inform us that you are one of the leading fertilizer exporters in your country and interested in trading with us.
With a view to building up business relations with you, we are writing to you and hope to receive your catalogues and price-list for reference.
We take this opportunity to introduce ourselves as a large importer of fertilizer in China. In the past 20 years, we have done much business with many companies in your country. Recently we are in the market for large quantities of high quality fertilizers. If you can co-operate with us on quality, price and delivery, we shall place an order with you.
Looking forward to hearing from you at your earthiest convenience.

Yours faithfully,
***

Dear Sirs,
With reference to your letter of December 2, 1992, we are glad to learn that you wish to enter into trade relation with our company in the line of fertilizer.
To give you a general idea of our products, we enclose a catalogue together with a range of pamphlets for your reference. Quotations and samples will be sent upon receipt of your specific enquiries.
In the meantime, you are requested to furnish us with the name of your bank prior to the conclusion of the first transaction between us.
We look forward to your early reply with much interest.