Be Careful Using a Tender Template

2 minutes of reading

People frequently ask for a tender template but are disappointed when we say that we don’t have a generic PQQ or tender template.

Be Careful When Using a Tender Template or PQQ Template

Let’s look at the reasons why:

  1. Formal PQQs, RFQs and tenders rarely follow the same format
  2. Businesses are all different – even in the same industry
  3. Customers’ needs differ too

Therefore there is no ‘one-size fits all’ solution. However, there is certainly a case for developing your own tender template library.

What Tender Templates Can You Use?

If the invitation to tender (ITT) is not formatted then it is more like a formal sales proposal. See How to Write Sales Proposals for details on creating your own proposal / tender template.

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Pre Tender Meetings (Tender Briefing Meetings)

2 minutes of reading

Sometimes the tendering process involves pre tender meetings. This guide explains what is involved and how you should approach tender briefing meetings.

Pre Tender Meetings (Tender Briefing Meetings)

What Are Pre Tender Meetings?

After the ITT is issued, sometimes bidders are invited to a tender briefing. Normally bidders can ask questions about the tender or the the specification. It might involve viewing a site e.g. for cleaning, security or construction tenders.

Normally, all bidders attend a group session. Some are on a one-to-one basis.

Supplier engagement events can be held before one or more tenders are published. They have a similar purpose of helping potential suppliers understand what the tender involves and to encourage participation.

Benefits of Pre Tender Meetings

Some people consider these as low-priority and a waste of time. But if you are invited to pre-tender meetings always make the effort to attend.

First and foremost, it shows the buyers that that you are taking the tender seriously.

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Writing Tenders Top Tip: Start Early!

2 minutes of reading

There are a lot of hints and tips about writing tenders in Bid Management. This post deals with a fundamental issue (and common problem) regarding writing tenders and bid management – actually getting started with the tender response.

Writing Tenders Top Tip: Start Early!

Writing tenders is not most people’s favourite pastime. Therefore they often put off looking at a tender until near the deadline. Also many agonise about what to write, leading to more procrastination. So tenders get left until the last minute and then rushed… normally resulting in a second rate tender submission and less chance of being successful.

Writing Tenders Top Tip – Get started as soon as possible!

You normally have 3-4 weeks to submit a tender or PQQ; this initially seems like a long time but it soon goes so do make a start in the first few days. This allows you to:

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Writing Tenders Top Tip: Start Early! Read More »

Get Feedback on Tenders and Proposals – Won or Lost

2 minutes of reading

It is recognised by most that getting feedback on tenders and proposals is a fundamental part of the sales / tendering process. If you lose a bid, you try to find out what could have been improved or how the competition beat you. You can then try and address the issue(s) in future bids – hopefully turning losses into wins.

Get Feedback on Tenders and Proposals – Won or Lost

However, it’s surprising how many people say that they have not attempted to get any feedback on a lost sale or tender. Or that they have not chased up feedback when the buyer has not responded.

Always Get Feedback on Tenders

Ideally always seek a meeting to get feedback on tenders and proposals. Or at least have a telephone discussion – especially for higher value bids when you have invested a good deal of time and effort.

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Get Feedback on Tenders and Proposals – Won or Lost Read More »

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