Looking For A Professional Looking Proposal (form)

D-man

Hi there guys,

Wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself and maybe learn from those seasoned folks here. I'm a young drywall contractor mostly residential, but wanting to start bidding commercial jobs. I feel they are a little different, but again I've read some of y'alls theory about estimating and they all work if you know what your doing. Estimating materials is not much of a problem, is more of how to present a professional proposal to a GC. What should a proposal look like? or if I need a separate contract? The way I have it now is my proposal says "it's $10K for drywall, I want 50% when hung and rest when done. Sign & Date send it back to me. (I'm making it short & sweet). Most of the time I don't get it back signed. How does it work with big time GC's? How should I approach it? I always want to have something signed.

Please help!!

realpurty2

1. Here is a copy of our proposal form to use as an example. I'm sure others here do it differently but we use the proposal form for the formal bids (such as commercial work) and an estimate form for smaller jobs that do not require a formal bid. Either form's function is purely to put the estimated price on paper and it's always followed with a full contract that spells out all details. If they don't sign the proposal.. we don't worry. But if they don't sign the contract.. no work gets done.

2. When bidding commercial work, (which usually is a formal type bid) take the time to present it well. Don't just send the proposal form and wait for it to returned signed or verbally accepted. Invest in some presentation type folders and place your proposal, a business card, any pictures of your past work or details you can provide. (portfolio) Also, a short letter directly to the GC or Company that is requesting the bid that introduces yourself and why you are the right man for their job. Personalize it to each project, not a canned spam type sales letter. Submit all of it in a well organized folder with your company name and logo on/in it.

3. Follow it up with a phone call. Usually they are flooded with bids so reminding them that your in the list is a good thing. You may not get that specific job, but your folder will remain with them and you'll get notified of future projects if you made a good first impression.


Hope this helps.

Attached Files

K&R Proposal.DOC (45.0 KB, 1714 views)

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Peladu

I send out two copies of my proposal. One to be signed and mailed back (sometimes I personally pick it up) with deposit of said job, and the other to be kept by customer for their records/file. If it doesn't come back, there is no contract, and there is no work to be done. I let them know that once I get it back, then, and only then, will I put them in my calendar book and be able to give them a guaranteed start date.

nunezyani

Howz it going fellow contractor's!

I just happened to run into to this site punching in drywall and searching for other things. Did'nt know this existed but I'm glad I ran into it cuzz I learned a couple of things already.

On the proposal form, I have been looking for something else also to change your traditional general proposal form. I have to say, K&R you have a very staright forward very professional and simple proposal form. I wanted to ask if you wrote it out yourself or how I can go about getting something like that printed out with my logo and company name.

Nathan

Great to have both of you guys here.... welcome!

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Nathan

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot

PipeGuy

http://www.nebs.com/nebsEcat/index.jsp

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krobinson

Here is the one we use.

Kim

Attached Files

Opti_proposal.pdf (21.1 KB, 1012 views)

rocksolidmason

Aloha All,

This is my first time in this forum! I'm glad this site is here where specialty contractors can brain storm or bounce ideas and get advice from other professionals in their respective fields! I am a mason by trade. My clientele mainly consisted of residential home owners, but I now would like to throw my hat in the ring and start working with GC's on upcoming projects. Can anyone show me an example of a proposal and subcontractor contract that a GC is looking for? Any assistance is greatly appreciated!!

Custom Prewire

This was extremely helpful and I was able to modify the proposal form for my own use. Thank you very much for the tips

AARC Drywall

hey all thanks..great post....welcome all...we can all learn from each other here...

j

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