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Tenders Blog
A blog covering tenders and advice on tender opportunities.
Monday 12th July 2010
How to Get the Best out of Tendering
The actual process of tendering is generally quite simple. However, it takes some measure of skill, determination and application to be successful at it. Repeatedly successful tender applicants tend to be familiar with all the techniques, tips and tricks of the trade. There is no hard and fast rule for being successful at tendering, but it is no coincidence that some applicants are more successful than others. Here we set out five important guidelines which together constitute good tendering practice:
 

1)   Fill in every form properly. Make sure that every bit of information is accurate, and that the whole document is presentable and clearly understandable. Check your forms through at least twice over before you send them off. First impressions are important everywhere, especially in the business world, and an ambiguous or error-strewn form creates an immediately negative impression.

2)   Get your forms in on time, and as early as possible. Don’t rush them, but don’t delay them behind other projects. Time is money, and successful tenders are always ahead of the clock. Deals can be concluded quickly, and throughout the business world sellers often show an inclination towards buyers who have the courtesy to abide by the schedule.

3)   Don’t be afraid to get in touch with the company directly. Ask them meaningful questions and inquire positively. As well as giving you more information, this can help you to get in the company’s thoughts – especially if you appear genuinely inquisitive and enthusiastic.
 
4)   Do your research. Be sure to attend any meetings that the company put on in regards to the tender, which will also help with regard to the above point (getting on the company’s radar). It’s important that you know the factual content of what you’re dealing with, as well as who you’re dealing with. In order to form a really impressive application, it’s important to know all the ins and outs of both the product/service and the company.
 
5)   Create some additional materials which will help outline how you intend to fulfill the tender. Try to put yourself in the perspective of the seller - What information are they going to want from you? Try to think innovatively and creatively in forming your application. Don’t just repeat the same old generic lines, but try to be as concise and to the point as possible. Never add unnecessary additional information simply to ‘pad out’ your application, as it ultimately wastes everybody’s time. 
 
These are just guidelines, and the smart applicant knows how to assess and react to different types of situation. Success with tenders does come more with experience too, and the key is to not give up early on. Don’t be disheartened by one, two or multiple early failures, because that is an inevitable part of the game. If you are following the right lines then you are bound to succeed eventually.
 
In pursuit of your goals, however, it is fundamentally important that you always conduct your business ethically. Not only is foul play obviously against the rules, but companies usually look for a tenderer who is honest and up-front from the start. It is best to appear neutral, fair and calm whilst making yourself and your business activities as clear and transparent as possible.
 


Posted by: Admin, on July 12th 2010 on 12:57pm
Labels: tenders - best practice

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