What is solicitation?

What is solicitation?and also explain please proposal solicitation?

Proposal solicitation is one of the stages in business buying process. In proposal solicitation, the buyer asks the supplier to submit their proposals. In these proposals the supplier explains in detail the features, pricing etc. of the product along with giving details regarding other important sales and purchase conditions. These proposals may take the form of catalogs, salespersons meetings with the buyer, detailed written proposal or formal presentations. In each of these the aim is to educate the buyer regarding product’s features or prices etc.