📄 Enquiry vs Purchase Order (PO)
Understanding the difference between an Enquiry and a Purchase Order (PO) is essential for new joiners and business growth partners at OBAOL Supreme. This guide walks you through each concept and how to convert interest into action.
🔍 What Is an Enquiry?
An Enquiry is a buyer’s expression of interest. It’s an early-stage interaction where the buyer seeks information — not a commitment.
Examples:
- “Do you have 5 tons of Salem turmeric?”
- “What’s the rate for 8mm cardamom today?”
- “Can you source cloves from Tamil Nadu?”
Key Points:
- ❌ Not a confirmation
- 🧠 Buyer may be checking multiple sources
- 📊 They’re exploring: price, availability, timeline, supplier credibility
✅ Your Role:
- Qualify the enquiry
- Check for buyer authenticity
- Understand the buyer's actual need
📄 What Is a Purchase Order (PO)?
A PO (Purchase Order) is a formal confirmation that the buyer wants to proceed with the trade.
It Includes:
- ✅ Product details
- ✅ Quantity and price
- ✅ Agreed payment terms
- ✅ Delivery expectations
Note: A PO ≠ Payment. It’s a commitment, but further steps are still required for execution (e.g., dispatch, payment confirmation, invoicing).
⚖️ Enquiry vs PO: The Difference
| Aspect | Enquiry | Purchase Order (PO) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Interest / Information-seeking | Confirmation / Commitment |
| Stage | Pre-negotiation | Post-negotiation |
| Detail Level | Often vague or exploratory | Specific: quantity, rate, terms |
| Guarantee | No guarantee of sale | Strong intent to proceed |
| Formality | Informal | Formal (even if over chat/email) |
| Risk of Dropping | High | Lower, but still possible |
🎯 Not Every Enquiry Converts to a PO
In agro trading, many enquiries do not convert into POs.
Common Reasons:
- Price mismatch
- Product unavailable
- Buyer was only comparing
- Lack of trust or credibility
- Poor communication or over-selling
✅ Your job: Maximize conversions by managing the interaction with professionalism.
🧠 How to Convert Enquiry into PO
Successful conversion is not about chasing. It's about building trust.
Smart Steps to Follow:
-
Receive & Research
- Run a GST check
- Check online footprint, past leads or interactions
-
Understand Buyer Profile
- Intent: Curious or committed?
- Role: Decision-maker or middleman?
- Stage: Just exploring or ready to order?
-
Respond with Value
- Don’t push — inform and assist
- Provide clear product info, images, past trade proof (if needed)
-
Follow Up — Don’t Pressure
- Share updates (price, stock)
- Maintain a relationship-like tone
-
Educate About OBAOL & GAIN
- Show how OBAOL ensures trust and transparency
- Explain benefits: Verified network, trade support, real-time pricing
🤝 Build Relationships, Not Just Transactions
A PO is not just a document — it’s the outcome of trust.
Build that trust by:
- Talking like a human, not a sales machine
- Listening more than speaking
- Sharing value (market updates, insights)
- Being consistent and thoughtful in follow-ups
✅ Summary: Key Takeaways
- Enquiries are early interest.
- POs are trade commitments.
- Your goal is to guide the buyer from Enquiry → PO by building trust, not by pushing.
- Focus on relationship building, not just conversions.
💼 At OBAOL Supreme, every interaction is an opportunity to enable trusted agro trade. When you prioritize people over product, success follows naturally.