At CSG, we see a lot of requests for proposal (RFPs) cross our desks, and we love having the opportunity to respond to them!
For many clients, the RFP process can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are five recommendations for you to consider for your next RFP process:
1. Set Realistic Timeframes — Give your RFP recipient time to respond. Every time we get an RFP, we review it carefully and respond to it individually (no one-size-fits-all here!), and that takes time. Generally, we like to have three to four weeks to be able to give your proposal the time and attention it deserves.
2. Set a Budget (or Range) — We pride ourselves on being able to work within almost any budget. Knowing your budget upfront will allow us to reply with a scope that is appropriate for your project. This eliminates sticker shock later in the process and allows us to know what you’re looking for, rather than guess.
3. Allow for Questions — It’s great to have the opportunity to ask a few questions. We appreciate it when a potential client sets a timeline for questions and then replies to ALL questions from all respondents in one document. That way, everyone is on the same page and we have a better understanding of your preferences.
4. Let Us Know What’s Important — Setting clear criteria for how you will evaluate each respondent is incredibly helpful to ensure we reply to your RFP effectively. What matters most to you? Tell us, and we’ll make sure our response details how we can meet those needs.
5. Keep Lines of Communication Open — The best client/agency relationships are built on communication. We understand that you have a lot on your plate, and the RFP is another big project on your list. Letting us know when we can expect to hear back and what the next steps in the process will be will help us plan ahead and be prepared for what’s next.
We would welcome the opportunity to respond to your next RFP. If you’re in the market for strategic marketing or branding services, we’d love to hear from you — contact us.