How to Lose a Bid in 10 Ways

There are many things you can do to increase your chances of winning a bid, but there are occasions when the things you do (or don’t do!) can lose you one.

Now obviously if we were to apply the film plot to tenders, we would all aim to be Matthew McConaughey, effectively trying to make the buyer ‘fall in love’ with our bid.

There are many quick tips for tendering which can help deliver a successful bid but the purpose of this article is to take on the role of Kate Hudson and highlight 10 ways in which you can lose one. So draw the curtains, grab your popcorn, sit back and relax...

10 Ways to Lose a Bid are:

1. 1. Not putting a plan together of 'who, how and when?' in terms of completing the bid.
      
   2. Failing to read and comply with the minimum requirements as set out by the buyer.
   3. Not following submission guidelines (i.e. ignoring instructions for completion or missing the deadline!).
   4. Lying about company details and capability.
      
   5. Cutting and Pasting generic information.
      
   6. Not attaching/including supporting documents when required.
   7. Failing to mention the buyer throughout the response.
   8. Not proofreading responses (here’s where the buyer also spots the bad cut and paste job!).
   9. Not fully understanding the contract requirements resulting in unrealistic pricing.
   10. Sending the least confident or most unsuitable member of the team to deliver the presentation.