Tendering: What to Do and What Not to Do

Tendering is a complex process, and it can be difficult to know where to start.

So, what do you need to do? How do you get started? And how do you avoid making mistakes? Let’s take a look.

Tendering—What Is It?

A tender is a document that describes the requirements for goods or services required by an organisation. It contains information about the product’s cost, quality, and deadline. Tenders are usually issued by companies or government agencies that need goods and services to be provided by third parties.

However, there are some things you may do and others you should avoid to improve your chances of winning the tender.

So, let’s check them out.

The Do’s of Tendering

For many small businesses, the idea of tendering for a project can be exciting. There’s the potential for new customers, increased revenue, and the chance to grow your business. However, consider the following things before you decide to tender for a project.

• Do your research

Before you even think about bidding, do your research. This includes researching what your competitors offer and what clients want from their suppliers. You need to ensure that whatever you offer meets both parties’ requirements. You need a USP to help set you apart from your competition.

• Do get your paperwork in order

You need to be able to justify every choice you make, so before you tender, double-check everything. Double-check that you have all of the relevant documents and records and that they are complete and up-to-date. Make sure that your prices are accurate and that all costs are covered. Check that you haven’t missed anything– even if it seems obvious!

• Do check that you have the correct specifications and technical requirements

You will only be able to submit a competitive price if you are sure that your product or service meets all the requirements in the tender documents. If you have any doubts, ask for clarification from the client before submitting your bid.

• Do follow all the rules and regulations

When you bid for a tender, you enter into a legal agreement with the company that issued it. Follow all of their rules and regulations carefully. Your bid will be rejected if you do not follow them exactly as stated in the tender document.

• Do consult tender services if needed

Tendering is a complex process that involves multiple steps, so it is important to understand what you should be doing and what you should avoid doing.

When getting ready to submit a tender, it’s a good idea to contact a tender writing services provider like Bidsmith, who can advise you on what to include in your tender document, how to ensure it complies with all regulations, and how to get it sent in the most efficient way possible.

The Don’ts of Tendering

Tendering can be a very stressful process. While trying to win the contract, there are many things you need to avoid doing. Here are some of the mistakes that you should avoid making while tendering.

• Don’t use a generic tender document

Every proposal you write should be unique to the project you’re bidding for. While you may prepare a tender template to save you time, it is essential that the details be tailored to the needs of each project.

• Don’t include irrelevant information

A good rule of thumb is to stick to the point when answering questions asked in tenders. If you are bidding for a contract, you must include all relevant details about who you are and what you can do for the client.

• Do not use any jargon or technical terms

It is important that your tender reads well and that it is easy for potential clients to understand what you have written. If there are any technical terms or jargon used, then these need to be explained clearly so that readers know exactly what they mean when they read them in context with other parts of the document.

• Don’t offer unrealistically low prices

When tendering, it’s tempting to offer the lowest possible price to secure the deal. However, this can backfire on you if your competitors are offering higher prices but also better quality. On the other hand, overpricing could also cause you to lose potential customers. Be realistic about your pricing, and ensure you’re still making a profit after providing your services to the procurer. You don’t want to go bankrupt in the process!

• Don’t forget to send in all of the documents that the tender documents ask for

You can’t win a bid if you don’t follow all of the rules, and missing even one piece of paper could result in your company being disqualified from the process. Ensure you read your tender documents carefully and send them everything they request on time!

Takeaway

When working on a tender, you must cover every detail. You want to be able to submit a proposal that’s going to be as strong as possible so that you get the work—and you want to avoid any pitfalls or problems along the way.

Bidsmith can help with all of this! We offer tender consulting and tender writing services for companies of all sizes, from startups to established businesses. Our experts have decades of tendering experience and can ensure that your bid is submitted with everything it needs to win.

Looking for open tenders? Check out our list of NSW government tenders, tenders for VIC and tenders in Brisbane to find your next contract to bid on.