Preparing a Bid

[Beatrix]

Hello everyone! I started a cleaning business back in August and so far it has been very successful. Currently, I have an office building expressing interest in my services but they want me to prepare a bid.

The problem is that, until now, I have only given verbal quotes so my experience with official bids is limited. Can anyone tell me the basic components that should be included in every bid or, better yet, does anyone have some sort of bid template, as this would also help me with formatting?

Thanks so much!

Beatrix

[crackah]

Yeah I have been dealing with things like this in the past few months as well.

I find they usually just want an email so its in writing and they are happy.

I think it really depends on the way they express it and the type of relation ship you have with the.

[Beatrix]

Wow, really? That's it? I guess I could give that a try. Thanks for your input!!

I'd still be interested in a template or some basic rules of thumb to go by when preparing it so if anyone has additional info., please share! Thanks!

Beatrix

[TravelGuy]

I've worked in the construction industry for six years now. I am in sales, so I am constantly preparing bids/quotes and receiving quotes/bids from other suppliers. I've been stuck with alot of crappie jobs that never seem to end. Alot of the minor stuff and back charges etc. can be eliminated in a well written bid.

Depending on your type of work, bids can be long detailed documents, or as stated above an email. My typical bid:

- States all services to be rendered and locations of the services (i.e. in my plant's yard, jobsite, offsite location)
- All materials you are providing, this is usually detailed with the manufacturer of the item, how it is to ship (normal to a jobsite), any labor/extra materials to install, etc...
- All exclusions, this is where having a well written bid can save phone calls, confusion and back charges later in projects.
- Sales tax (included or not)
- Expected payment, discounts, etc... (i.e. 10% required to start, payment for stored materials, payment for purchased materials) Alot of options here in my line of work.

REgarding your type of work, I would clarify what services you are providing. Example: Removal of all non-hazardous trash, bulk items exceeding 100 pounds in the basement of residence 101 High Street, Your Town...blah, blah.

I would put the note regarding payment on the lower portion of your bid. Also a place where they can sign for acceptance of the bid.

I can send you examples of proposals I have, email me mkoloch@comcast.net.

[rogercbryan]

Give me your email address and I'll send you over a sample 'memorandum or understanding' I use this for 90% of my clients. Its basically a written version of a handshake agreement. In most states it carries no legal obligation (do not use it in CA). This may be the best route for you.