Trade & Business

Inquiry Conversion Statistics: 21+ Contracts, 4th Cumulative Performance

The Significance of Inquiry Contract Performance

An inquiry is the starting point of an export consultation — the moment a foreign buyer expresses interest in a Korean company's products and reaches out about pricing, specifications, or trade terms. The KOTRA Dhaka Trade Post connects Bangladesh buyers' inquiries to Korean exporters and supports the full journey from consultation and negotiation through to contract closing.

The 4th cumulative record of 21+ closed contracts represents the number of inquiries relayed by the Dhaka Trade Post that resulted in confirmed orders or signed agreements. This figure demonstrates that real demand for Korean products exists in the Bangladesh market — and that systematic inquiry management translates directly into measurable export outcomes.

21+
Cumulative Contracts
4th cumulative
28–35%
Conversion Rate
vs. inquiries received
$15,000
Avg Contract Value
per contract
$310K+
Cumulative Revenue
4th cumulative total
5
Product Categories
contract focus areas
40+
Participating Companies
Korean exporters
70+
Inquiries Received
4th cumulative
3.2 days
Avg Response Time
company reply

Contract Performance by Product Category

Breaking down the 21 contracts from the 4th cumulative round by product category reveals the product groups where real buyer demand has been validated in Bangladesh. Garment machinery and cosmetics lead the ranking, followed by food, IT, and medical devices.

Inquiry Contract Performance by Product Category (4th Cumulative)
Product CategoryInquiriesContractsRateAvg ValueKey Products
Garment Machinery22732%$18,000Thread, needles, accessories
Cosmetics & Beauty18528%$12,000Skincare, sheet masks
Food & Beverage12433%$14,000Noodles, snacks, sauces
IT & Software10330%$20,000ERP, security solutions
Medical & Healthcare8225%$16,000Diagnostic kits, consumables

Key Drivers of Conversion Rate

Even when receiving the same inquiry, company-level conversion rates vary dramatically — from as low as 15% to over 50%. A comparative analysis of response patterns between companies that closed contracts and those that did not reveals the decisive factors driving conversion.

Characteristics of Winning Companies
Response SpeedReply within 24 hours
Price SubmissionImmediate FOB/CIF quote
Sample SupportShipped within 1 week
CommunicationComplete English catalog
Follow-UpWeekly buyer updates
Characteristics of Non-Converting Companies
Response Speed7+ day delay
Price SubmissionFurther negotiation required
Sample SupportCost issues causing delays
CommunicationKorean-language materials only
Follow-UpWaiting for buyer to follow up

Inquiry Handling Process

This section outlines the standard process from inquiry receipt through contract closing via the KOTRA Dhaka Trade Post, including key activities, timelines, and responsible parties at each stage.

Inquiry Handling Process
Inquiry Received
BD buyer → Dhaka Trade Post
Company Matching
Trade Post → Korean company forwarded
Company Response
Price, specs, catalog provided
Consultation & Negotiation
Online/offline meetings
Contract Closed
Order confirmed, MOU/contract signed

Strategies to Improve Inquiry Conversion Rates

01
Build a 24-Hour Initial Response System
The single most important variable in determining inquiry conversion is initial response speed. 4th cumulative data shows that companies replying within 24 hours achieved a 42% conversion rate — compared to just 12% for companies that delayed three or more days. Set up an automatic acknowledgment email upon receipt, and establish a system to send a detailed reply with pricing and specification information within 24 hours.
02
Keep English Product Catalogs and Price Lists Ready at All Times
When Bangladesh buyers submit an inquiry, their purchase intent is at its peak. At that moment, companies must be able to immediately provide an English catalog, FOB/CIF price list, and MOQ information. If translation work causes delays, buyer interest shifts to competitors. At minimum, prepare a one-page English product summary and a current price list that are always ready to send.
03
Maintain Real-Time Communication with Trade Post Officers
KOTRA Dhaka Trade Post officers have the most accurate read on a buyer's purchase intent and level of urgency. Upon receiving an inquiry, contact the trade post officer to understand the buyer's background and the competitive landscape, then craft a tailored proposal. Proposals that incorporate the officer's guidance consistently improve conversion rates by an average of 15 percentage points or more.
04
Sample Shipping System and Cost Strategy
A sample request from a Bangladesh buyer is a strong signal of purchase intent — hesitating on samples means missed opportunities. DHL/FedEx sample shipping costs to Bangladesh (1–5 kg) typically range from $40–$120, a cost recoverable upon contract. Set a policy of shipping samples within one week of request. For high-value products, negotiate with the buyer to share sample costs 50/50.

The 21+ contracts achieved in the 4th cumulative round prove that real demand for Korean products exists in Bangladesh — and that a structured response approach can deliver consistently high conversion rates. The keys to success are speed and preparation: a 24-hour response policy, English materials always on hand, and rapid sample dispatch. Companies that commit to these three principles significantly increase the probability of converting inquiries into real export revenue. Engage actively with the KOTRA Dhaka Trade Post's inquiry relay service to create your first Bangladesh export success story.

KOTRA Overseas Trade Post Specialized ProgramsLearn about specialized program participation that generates inquiry discovery opportunities
MOU Framework GuideA guide to proceeding from an inquiry contract through to a formal MOU signing
Building a Bangladesh Buyer NetworkStrategies for expanding relationships with buyers discovered through inquiries
inquirycontract performanceexport inquiriesKOTRAconversion rate
Inquiry Conversion Statistics: 21+ Contracts, 4th Cumulative Performance | Dhaka Trade Portal