What term describes the initiation of an interaction that results in an offer?

The term that describes the initiation of an interaction that results in an offer is "invitation to negotiate." This phrase indicates that one party is expressing interest in discussing potential terms with another party, thereby opening up a dialogue for possible agreements. When one party extends an invitation to negotiate, it sets the stage for further discussions and negotiations that could lead to a formal offer being made.

In contrast, a sales pitch typically refers to a persuasive presentation aimed at persuading a potential buyer to purchase a product or service, rather than the initial opening of a negotiation. A contract proposal is a more formal document that outlines the terms of an agreement, usually presented after negotiations have begun rather than at the initiation stage. A purchase order is a document issued by a buyer to a seller, indicating a desire to buy products or services under specified terms, and typically comes into play after negotiations have taken place. Therefore, "invitation to negotiate" accurately reflects the beginning of the negotiation process leading to an offer.