Why Your Bids Aren't Winning (And How to Fix It)

So… you sent the bid, and a day or two passed. Maybe you got ghosted, maybe you got a polite ‘Thanks, but no thanks.’ Either way, no job = no paycheck. Let’s break down some possibilities for why—and how to fix it.

Non-Compliance 

Price - Too High or Too Low

• Your average customer knows the saying: "Throw out the high and low bid, then choose from the rest." If you want to stay competitive, you need to know your numbers—what things cost and why you're charging what you are. Backing your pricing with solid data makes you credible. A bid that's too low signals mistakes or inexperience, while a high bid seems unreasonable—unless you can present the value and data to justify it.

Scope Gaps

• Make sure you fully understand the scope of work you're being asked to complete. This will save you a lot of trouble down the road! Establish a clear scope that both you and the customer can agree on in writing, and base your bid on that. 

Presentation

• At the very least, buy a bid booklet from amazon, use clear handwriting, and include as much detail as practical. A step up—and what should be the standard—is using software for your bids. It doesn’t have to be expensive! Excel or Google Sheets work great while you refine your process. As you grow, you can transition to dedicated estimating or project management software.

Ultimately, there are countless factors can sink a bid—maybe you forgot to seal the envelope, the customer was in a bad mood, or something else entirely. Take ownership of what you can control, ensure your bid package is as polished as is practical for the job, then let the chips fall where they may.

📋 Action Items

✅ Take Your Time – If you rush, you WILL miss something.
✅ Don’t be Sloppy – Be sure your bid represents your company well.
✅ Know Your Numbers – Have a basis for your pricing. It is much harder to question.

👀 Question for You: What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made on a bid? Hit reply and tell me—I’ll read every response and share a few gems on our social media pages.

A Couple Extras:

• 💰 Quick Tip – With a google account you can create and store all documents you need to produce professional bids.

• 📊 Cool Stat – 60% of bids are won by companies that follow up within 48 hours.

• 🔗 Market Trends – As of early 2025, lumber prices in the U.S. have seen significant increases, with benchmark prices rising to around $525 per thousand board feet, driven by anticipated spring construction demand and supply concerns.