In the world of petroleum trading, “soft offers” are often the first touchpoint between a buyer and a potential seller. These preliminary documents outline pricing, terms, and available quantities—but without proper scrutiny, they can lead to wasted time or worse, fraud.

What is a Soft Offer?
A soft offer is an initial proposal that indicates a supplier's interest in selling a product, but it is not legally binding. It's meant to open the door to negotiation and due diligence.

Risks and Red Flags:

• Vague documentation or missing specs
• Sellers unwilling to provide proof of product (POP)
• Pressure to act quickly without third-party verification

Best Practices:

• Always verify soft offers through a reputable broker
• Require documentation such as SGS reports and proof of past performance
• Work only with intermediaries or mandates with a track record

At CBCommodities, we help clients filter genuine offers from noise, ensuring your time is spent pursuing real opportunities.