Doing Proposals?

[Windshield Doc]

I have a new fleet account that wants me to put together a proposal for them. Have any of you had to do this? What is the common format that most of these guys are looking for? Thanks in advance for all the help!

[Glasseye]

A business proposal is an offering from a seller to a prospective buyer. [1] Proposals can range in size from a one page letter, or price list, to several hundred pages of detailed specifications written by a technical writer. In the business sales process, the written proposal is the vehicle that carries the terms of an agreement between buyer and seller, and forms the basis for a subsequent business contract. When a proposed offer is accepted by the buyer, it creates a legally binding document for both parties.

In complex sales, the process of selling can take several weeks, or even months, to complete. Sometimes there are long discussions between buyers & service providers before finalizing the specifications. In some cases, offer and counter offers will go back and forth. Prospective buyers sometimes issue a Request for Proposals (RFP), Request for Information (RFI), Request for Quotation (RFQ) or an Invitation for Bids (IFB). These requests guide the sellers and provide specifications about the buyer's needs. Meeting the specified requirements is a major objective in writing a successful proposal.

A proposal puts the buyer's requirements in a context that favors the sellers products and services, and educates the buyer about the capabilities of the seller in satisfying their needs. A successful proposal results in a sale, where both parties get what they want. This is called a win-win situation.


[edit] Basic components of the business proposal
A description of the seller's capabilities or products
A discussion of key issues
A description of the buyer's specifications and how they will be met
The cost of the offering
A schedule for delivery of the products or services
Proof of prior experience i.e. Testimonials from previous customers, Project descriptions of previous projects
The format of the proposal is dictated by the buyer's request document. In most cases, the proposal becomes part of a contract between the buyer and seller. As such, elements contained in the proposal become binding, such as commitments for schedule of quality.

P.S. not my words - taken from wikipedia

[freightshaker]

If your looking for something to give your proposal a "professional" appearance (college grads love that stuff), here are some downloads for free proposal writer software.
http://www.brothersoft.com/downloads/proposal.html

Maybe worth a look. But I have added blind squirrels post to my growing list of notes that I have accumulated here. Good stuff.

[GlasWeldTech]

Blind,
I am with you on your technique..Way to go.I am NOT the cheapest in my area either and refuse to budge on price.

[Windshield Doc]

Thanks alot guys.. I have a company thad has stated they will let me do the work but must have a proposal on file. Do any of you have a "sample" I could get a look from?