> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://franks-organization-22.gitbook.io/fieldwork-guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://franks-organization-22.gitbook.io/fieldwork-guide/start-an-inquiry.md). # Start an inquiry The initial inquiry is free. Use it to explain what you need and explore whether Fieldwork can help. ## Send your first question 1. Open [Fieldwork](https://fieldwork.chat/) and describe your question, what you hope to achieve, and any useful context or constraints. 2. Press **Send inquiry**. Fieldwork keeps that explicit request in this browser and emails you a one-time sign-in link. 3. Open the newest email and confirm sign-in. In the same browser, Fieldwork finishes the inquiry save once and opens its conversation. Share enough to explain the question. If the work involves sensitive material, discuss how it should be handled with your consultant before sending it. File attachments are not available in the workspace yet. ## What happens next Email verification creates or opens your account. It does not enroll you, accept an engagement, or start paid work. Your consultant reviews the inquiry and can reply in the project conversation before enrollment or payment. If you decide to proceed, agree the scope, deliverable, fee, and timing together. Your consultant records the engagement status. The same project and conversation continue after acceptance or payment; you do not start over or lose the inquiry history. An inquiry marked **unpaid** does not mean that submitting it created a charge. See [fees and payments](/fieldwork-guide/fees-and-payments.md) for how paid and free engagements are recorded. ## Leave and return A submitted inquiry is saved to your account. Use **Sign in / return** on the [Fieldwork landing page](https://fieldwork.chat/) with the same email address to reopen it. No password is required. Before submission, an unfinished inquiry and the pending-send instruction are saved only in the browser you are using. They do not follow you to another device and may be lost if browser data is cleared. If the sign-in link opens on another device, Fieldwork cannot recover that browser-local draft; return to the original browser or enter it again. If a sign-in link has expired or was already used, request a new one and check your spam folder. For help, email .