Tender for a contract

For a private sector tender, see if you can arrange a meeting or a call with the potential client to understand their requirements before you start work on the tender. Always raise questions by phone or email if the tender documents are unclear. This includes anything from deadlines to payment methods.

Make sure the client is serious and that you're not there just to make up the numbers or to test the market. Sometimes customers may just be fishing for ideas they'll then use for themselves. To prevent this, ask customers to sign a non-disclosure agreement before you present your tender. But don't forget many clients genuinely want you to make a creative contribution and provide ideas.

If you're selling to the public sector, the tender documents will contain instructions to tenderers. Read the instructions clearly, and if you are unsure about the detail within the specification, then raise a query online through the tendering portal. The buyer will respond as soon as possible.