Topic: My FIRST commercial bid proposal.. Need HELP

[jude]

I really was not asking for a handout here, I just wanted some examples of how you guys that have been doing this a long time write up a winning proposal or even a losing one.. I just wanted an example thats it, i was in sales and marketing for some large firms for a long time, and had no problems writing up a bid or proposal for those companies, but I knew the format, and knew what format was expected in a large bid in that industry.

For a contract like this, NO... I didnt know the proper format.. Most of my business is residential one time cleanings, and I havent had to make up any contracts or bids yet.  I may know my prices, what I want to make.. but I was just curious of a format, how to maybe adjust prices for such a contract, but apparently on this forum, those are family business secrets.

I wasnt out to offend anyone, make enemies or anything like this.  I didnt want any of you to give me your secrete family recipe.  What I received here was basically hostility from those that I was looking to consult with.

On other forums I received good information, what i was looking for, examples, without causing a stir.  I appreciate their help.  I am sure some of them are members here as well, but those chose to stay out of belittling a newbie I guess, who just wanted a little guidance. 

Sorry I bothered you guys with a simple question.  Sorry you had to take time out of your busy schedules to post nasty comments to me.  I wont bother anyone on this forum again...

I wish you all luck, I hope your business keeps on going well, and I will find my own way, with assistance from those that understand where I am coming from..

And for you Jason, I live in Madison Indiana, the business I am looking at bidding on is Speedway, and yes they have one close to you in Columbus, so if you wish to bid on it, you will need to contact the DM at the Speedway in Columbus.

And feel free to say what ever you wish about me and my company, if it will land you the job.

Thanks again

Jude

[pressurepros]

So basically up till now, I have only been doing some small residential jobs with a small pressure washer

My main questions are going to be, how much should I charge, or how should I go about deciding what to charge, how do I put together a good contract, how much should I ask for upfront?

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated, and SOOOOOON..

Jude

You aren't getting it and honestly, if you are that sensitive to criticisms, you may want to go back into salaried sales and marketing.

Jude, take a breath and understand I am not trying to hurt you or make you feel bad or somehow elevate myself by berating you. I am trying to help you if you open yourself to it. A first post on a forum is a welcome post. That shows you haven't gotten in over your head and your first foray into pressure washing is not a disaster waiting to happen.

You stroll into many PW forums with the same schpiel.. yes we all know and respect each other and deal with a hundred "Judes" per season.  What is a Jude? A Jude walks in, with attitude of me, me me, I'm here and you guys need to help me... now... oh, and don't ask for any quid pro quo, guys, because you need to understand..I don't trust you. If you don't give me exactly what I want and now, I will throw a tantrum and take my ball somewhere else.

Now, you are a marketing and sales driven guy. Cool. I respect that. But...
What school of marketing taught you that slamming something down someone's throat without any attempt to form a relationship is an effective selling method? Do you see what I am saying? Take a look at your approach, understand we are not only people that need to be convinced to buy what you are selling but we are business owners and contractors who are a little more cynical and wary than the average person.

Throwing in a couple of jokes as a quick mask to the meat and potatoes of, "help me f' up someone's business in a possible attempt to make your industry look even less viable because I am not willing to pay dues first"... how far do you think that will get you. Go out, close the door and walk back in with a different attitude. There are a bunch of knowlegable people on this forum that would be more than willing to help you. There are also many of us that would love to hear your take on the sales and marketing end of business.

Quid pro quo, Doc.

[Quick Power Wash]

I really was not asking for a handout here, I just wanted some examples of how you guys that have been doing this a long time write up a winning proposal or even a losing one.. I just wanted an example thats it, i was in sales and marketing for some large firms for a long time, and had no problems writing up a bid or proposal for those companies, but I knew the format, and knew what format was expected in a large bid in that industry.

For a contract like this, NO... I didnt know the proper format.. Most of my business is residential one time cleanings, and I havent had to make up any contracts or bids yet.  I may know my prices, what I want to make.. but I was just curious of a format, how to maybe adjust prices for such a contract, but apparently on this forum, those are family business secrets.

Hey Jude thats not my speed brother. I wanted to know where you were from to have a general idea. I dont care if you were in Bloomington i would of still helped you. As a matter of fact i may be more inclined to do so. If you need any help give me a call, maybe we can have lunch. I wasnt going to go after your account at all my friend i think networking is a win win.

Jason

I wasnt out to offend anyone, make enemies or anything like this.  I didnt want any of you to give me your secrete family recipe.  What I received here was basically hostility from those that I was looking to consult with.

On other forums I received good information, what i was looking for, examples, without causing a stir.  I appreciate their help.  I am sure some of them are members here as well, but those chose to stay out of belittling a newbie I guess, who just wanted a little guidance. 

Sorry I bothered you guys with a simple question.  Sorry you had to take time out of your busy schedules to post nasty comments to me.  I wont bother anyone on this forum again...

I wish you all luck, I hope your business keeps on going well, and I will find my own way, with assistance from those that understand where I am coming from..

And for you Jason, I live in Madison Indiana, the business I am looking at bidding on is Speedway, and yes they have one close to you in Columbus, so if you wish to bid on it, you will need to contact the DM at the Speedway in Columbus.

And feel free to say what ever you wish about me and my company, if it will land you the job.

Thanks again

Jude

[Quick Power Wash]

Hey Jude thats not my speed brother. I wanted to know where you were from to have a general idea. I dont care if you were in Bloomington i would of still helped you. As a matter of fact i may be more inclined to do so. If you need any help give me a call, maybe we can have lunch. I wasnt going to go after your account at all my friend i think networking is a win win.

Jason

[bigsplash]

these guy will help and treat you with respect you just got to act like an adult.
They will bust you when you do or say something stupid and then help you ( like the red wood stain thred of mine) . Just like a big brother they will kid you and joke but they are verry serious about cleaning. So stop the sensativ stuff and grow your bisness.

  (Thin skin eqwals a thin wallet) Ian B. Voight

[bigsplash]

Sorry guys my spell check tooc a crap.

[bigsplash]

got it working again

[cajun cleanin]

Well the bright side of this is there will be some more cheap equipment for sale in Indiana soon.

I wonder why that guy is not in sales and marketing anymore?