Top Tips On Asking the Buyer Questions On A Tender

Ten Top Tips on how to ask the Buyer Questions Relating to the Tender

If you’re faced with a tender and have lots of questions: ask the buyer. Some people don’t realise this is an option, but it’s actually a great thing to do. Here are our Top Ten Tips on how to ask the buyer questions relating to any tenders you are working on:

1. Every tender affords the bidder the opportunity to submit their ‘clarification’ questions quickly and easily – it’s the formal and only way to ask questions if you have any confusion around elements of the tender. Asking questions is standard practice and, done well, can even mean that you go up in the buyer’s estimations, ie. it’s a good thing to do!

2. Don’t worry about asking the ‘wrong’ question as other people are probably asking the same as you and tender documents aren’t always perfect, sometimes far from it.

3. All responses will be anonymous, so there is no way of your competitors realising it is you.

4. Check that no-one else has asked the same question as you before you submit it.

5. Give your questions some thought – check with your team first to make sure that they can’t answer the question.

6. Write your questions clearly, politely and ask only one question at a time – otherwise, your reputation could be at stake!

7. Types of questions you might ask could include: questions on how to complete the tender; flagging potential pricing queries; questions on evidence you are required to submit; eligibility, and other errors in the tender (be tactful here!)

8. Have one person within your company as the dedicated person to collate everything and submit all your clarification questions. This person will receive answers to the questions into their email inbox – if the response isn’t clear, they should ask again.

9. Ensure you know when the deadline is for submitting your questions. It’s usually around a week before the tender deadline.

10. Remember, a decent clarification question from you could even help the buyer to resolve any issues or mistakes within the tender – so, ask away!

If you have any other questions about clarification questionnaires or a specific government tender you are working on, please don’t hesitate to ask us (no obligation). We’re on 01392 247997 or email info@winningtenders.com.

Full 1

"Winning Tenders has enabled DSSL Group to capture revenue and contracts that would have passed us by and enabled our teams to focus on serving our existing customers whilst still achieving new contract growth."

(Aaron Stephens, Group Managing Director, DSSL Group)

Full 1

“You’ll be pleased to know that your 100% success rate is intact – we have been awarded the Vodafone contract!”

(James Freeman, CEO Reading Transport Ltd)

Full 1

"Not only did Winning Tenders help us win a multi-year contract with a local authority, but Patrick's guidance and expertise has proved invaluable to the company at a time where it is looking to grow and expand into more public sector work. 100% recommend them to anyone needing assistance with tenders".

(Harri, Devon Cleaning South Hams)

Full 1

“Over the past 3 or 4 years, with the support of Winning Tenders, we have continued to gain access to new markets and revenue streams - especially in the public sector and despite the uncertainty caused by Covid".

(David Beddy, FMS Interiors)

Full 1

“Winning Tenders have enabled us to secure significant new business whilst retaining and extending existing contracts. Over the past 12 months, these contracts have been worth in excess of £3.5 million - an ROI of at least £55:1.”

(Luke Evershed, Sales Director, Blueleaf)

Full 1

“Our allocated bid writer’s professionalism and courtesy, along with her writing quality, was spot on. We were really pleased with the quality of the bid and would certainly recommend working with Winning Tenders to our SME community!”

(Rachel Rice, Managing Director, Veho Solutions)

Full 1

“Working with Winning Tenders has had a really positive impact on our expansion and geographical reach. The revenue growth they have helped us with has seen us move from our initial location…to the very large warehouse which we now have.”

(Martin Jenkins, Sales and Marketing Director, Chapple and Jenkins)

Full 1

“Winning Tenders are lifesavers and fantastic – we love you”

(Head of Client Development, Executive Search client)

Full 1

"Winning Tenders have been great. Their bid writer was super - and worked to such a tight deadline. He was very patient despite having a lot of content to deal with and organise. He queried and questioned well, was very adaptable, flexible and understanding and got the bid in with time to spare. It was a good collaborative relationship, which evolved, and they took on board comments which were well incorporated into responses. Ed was great - great questioning"

(Laura Manning, Processes Manager, Stannp)

Full 1

"I’m always highly satisfied with the professionalism of Winning Tenders. The NHS were "“bowled over” by the quality of a recent tender which Winning Tenders wrote. Ed is the nicest and most diligent person I’ve come across in business. I wouldn't go with anyone else.”

(John Ross, Owner, JR Pat Testing)

Full 1

Full 1

Request our services

Queensgate House, 48 Queen Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3SR.

01392 247997 or info@winningtenders.com