What's everyones thoughts on pitching for tenders? I know it is a big debate in the industry. I am just starting up and have been discussing possibly doing some tender pitches with another designer. Yes we may lose money but if it pays off we could potentially win a big job. However, to sign up to a tender site it can cost around £1,000 a year which is just ridiculous. What's everyones thoughts on this process? And if anyone does use the tender portals, does anyone partner up with another designer/studio to split the yearly cost and use the same log in details?
Tenders
- Thread starter Neon
- Start date
Tony Hardy
Well-Known Member
We've applied for several tenders through the online government Contract Finder website. The 2 we've written and applied for have both been free. We also didn't get any of the work.
From my (albeit limited) experience, they're an absolute pain in the arse, and there are much easier ways of winning work.
For example:
One of the tenders we submitted, we had to write up to 3000 words about the project, then fill out several surveys/questionnaires which were all on paper and had to be signed and scanned back in. We had to submit several design ideas (shouldn't be doing that!). You have to make sure you're all ISO accredited, insured to the hilt, and have every policy and procedure in place.
Like, as a designer, I didn't think I'd be spending my time writing about my "green office" policy on a Friday evening at 8pm, just to try and win a sizeable contract.
Its probably worth it for the experience, but, as a designer with coming up on 6 years in the business, teaming with friends with the same amount of experience, we still felt suitably under qualified for the tasks at hand.
From my (albeit limited) experience, they're an absolute pain in the arse, and there are much easier ways of winning work.
For example:
One of the tenders we submitted, we had to write up to 3000 words about the project, then fill out several surveys/questionnaires which were all on paper and had to be signed and scanned back in. We had to submit several design ideas (shouldn't be doing that!). You have to make sure you're all ISO accredited, insured to the hilt, and have every policy and procedure in place.
Like, as a designer, I didn't think I'd be spending my time writing about my "green office" policy on a Friday evening at 8pm, just to try and win a sizeable contract.
Its probably worth it for the experience, but, as a designer with coming up on 6 years in the business, teaming with friends with the same amount of experience, we still felt suitably under qualified for the tasks at hand.
Paul Murray
Ultimate Member
Tenders seem to be aimed at larger agencies who will likely have people in place specifically to write tenders, much like engineering firms do. For a small business, I'd be going after smaller clients, unless you offer something very specific and niche.