How to Write a Winning Tender: Part 6- Proof and Polish
Tender writing is a time-consuming process that requires attention to detail, accuracy and a high level of professionalism.
While it may be tempting to rush through the final stages of the process, it's important not to miss this crucial step: proofreading and polishing.
A well-put-together tender should be polished and tidy, with minimal grammatical, spelling and formatting errors.
To achieve this, it's essential to find someone who is skilled in proofreading and who hasn't been involved in writing the tender.
When reviewing the tender and attachments, there are a few key things to look out for.
Firstly, ensure that the same terms are used consistently throughout the document. For example, if you name a role to be developed in the organizational structure of your project, use the same name consistently throughout.
Secondly, it's important to double-check all the numbers to avoid contradictions. Add up any numbers that have totals or that are percentages, and ensure that the percentages add up to 100%. If they don't, provide an explanation as to why.
Thirdly, ensure that all attachments are numbered/lettered appropriately and referred to in the body of the response. I find that using the highlight tool in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, to highlight where I have referred to an attachment helps me to get them in order. The highlighting can be turned off easily at the last proof read.
Finally, make sure all of the font, size, colour and spacing is the same in the document. This makes for a more professional finish. If you have never used it before, check out the format painter tool in your word processing application.
Taking the time to thoroughly proofread and polish your tender can make all the difference in securing a successful bid.
A polished and professional tender will give you a competitive edge over other bidders and demonstrate to the buyer that you are committed to providing high-quality work.
In conclusion, proofreading is an essential step in the tender writing process. By finding a skilled proofreader and paying attention to detail, you can ensure that your tender is polished and error-free, and stands the best chance of securing a successful bid.
Ciao
Conni
To learn more about tender writing and other tips for success, be sure to check out the other blogs in this series. And if you need assistance with editing, proofing or polishing or tender writing, don't hesitate to contact us to discuss.
