Filling in the forms - the technical points. 

While the following points may seem ridiculously straightforward, it's surprising how many people fall short on these areas when filling in tender forms. 

For a start, follow all instructions on the forms, no matter how trivial or insignificant they may seem in the greater scheme of things. If the forms say use black ink or a san serif font, then make sure you do. You might be asked to do these things because it makes the forms easier to read or photocopy, but at the end of the day, the wrong pen colour or the wrong font might go against you because you couldn't follow simple instructions at the beginning of the process.

Throughout the forms make sure you use appropriate, professional language that is suitable for the audience you are appealing to. Avoid spelling errors by either proof reading the forms yourself of getting someone else to do it. 

Importantly, you must not miss out any questions - fill in all of the questions as best you can because the person that will review your tender forms is far more likely to ask for clarification about your bid than they are to start looking into an incomplete tender bid. 

The forms are the first impression that the contracting agency is going to get of you and your business - make it a good impression!