Top Ten Tips for Writing a Winning Tender Proposal

If you have no experience writing a tender proposal, the process can be quite daunting. Here are ten useful tips on how to write a tender proposal.

1. Read the document thoroughly

It is vital to read all the tender documents, so you thoroughly understand what is required. You MUST understand what is being asked for, how you will be required by the tenderer to deliver the product or service, when and how the tender response is to be delivered and how your tender proposal will be measured.

2. Plan to project manage the process

Then write a detailed list of all the major requirements of the tender document and carefully assign the jobs to the right people and include deadlines.

3. Use the templates or formats provided

If there is a template that you are requested to fill in, use it. It may be divided into sections and may include word or page limits or different formats, for example, costing may need to be excel.

4. Focus on clarity

It is vital when you plan your tender proposal that you keep your response clear, logical and well organised as you are inviting a client to select your proposal over others. Clearly describe the all the benefits the buyer will obtain from your products or services.

5. The importance of good writing

Your tender proposal can create the impression that your company is professional and sets high standards. The quality of your writing needs to be extremely high. Spelling errors and poor grammar create an impression that you are disorganised, careless and even disrespectful.

6. The importance of presentation

Good presentation is just as important as good writing. Always aim to create a professional and business-like.

7. Provide all the information required

Provide everything that is asked for whether you think it relevant or not. If you cannot provide everything that is asked for, do not despair. Instead, provide something similar with an explanation as to why you are using it. It is not a good idea to leave a blank space or ignore the requirement.

8. Address the selection criteria

Ensure that you completely understand the selection criteria. Provide verifiable evidence that you fully meet the tenderer’s selection criteria rather than simply saying that you do.

9. Choose the right referees

Use referees that will give you the most complimentary recommendations. Do not take a risk on customers or clients who have past gripes. Remember to get permission from your referees before adding them to your response. Inform them of the details of the request for tender so they can tailor their recommendations and comments to the tenderer’s particular request.

10. Submit your tender on time

Late or incomplete tender responses are rarely viewed by tenderers. Therefore, you must give yourself enough time to get the tender documents completed and submitted.

Bonus Tip. Enlist the help of a Professional

A professional tender writer can help to elevate your tender response to an exceptional standard. Red Tape Busters are specialist tender writers with an outstanding level of skill, knowledge and professionalism. They specialise in working with businesses to win future changing contracts. Red Tape Busters can help with tender writing Sydney, tender writing Melbourne, tender writing Brisbane or tender writing Australia wide, and are waiting to help you now.