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theresaclasby's picture
7 pencils

Presenting a Quote to Client

I am looking for any help with this!!

I submitted a quote to a client that I have done work for before and went along the same budget as past projects. That is not what they wanted and I have been requested to resubmit an estimate. I under bid drastically and I have to justify why I did so and why I am adding about 26,000 to my estimate. I think I am more mortified about the situation then anything. They speak very highly of my work and feel I am very creative, this is the only reason they are letting me resubmit.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Theresa

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gwells's picture
1711 pencils

i'm not sure i can give you any advice on what to tell them about why the bid was off by so much if we don't have any info.

theresaclasby's picture
7 pencils

I have just finished designing an exhibition for them and thought they wanted a designer in the same aspect. But from what I was told this is a huge deal to the community and they want a designer to take over all responsibility and spend more time concepting the new exhibit. The sponsorships for the event are hopefully going to be in the millions and they want a solid definition for years to come. They want me to spend about 30 hours a week for 9 months on the project.

hopefully this helps
Thanks for any help

theresaclasby's picture
7 pencils

I have been requested to resubmit with an accurate budget.

3dogmama's picture
1991 pencils

Speak honestly with them. Tell them that you were concerned about losing their work and that you've enjoyed doing business with them over the years. Explain that you severely underbid on this work so as not to lose them as a client and that you would basically be working for them for nothing.

If they like your creativity, then perhaps the two of you could meet mid-ground to make all work.

ttfn!
3dogmama

"Art -- the one achievement of Man which has made the long trip up from all fours seem well advised." - James Thurber

sepratbill's picture
15 pencils

Clients may never let you know this, but they can smell BS a mile away. And if I was in their position, I'd appreciate the honesty and understand your motivation for doing what you did.

~You need Degas in order to make de VanGogh~

You need Degas in order to make de VanGogh

el_reverend's picture
134 pencils

Wow. This is quite difficult to give you input on. But I would go with the advice of 3dogmama and sepratbill have given you. Always be honest. If you have to adjust the budget be prepared to think of items you may not have thought about. You may always adjust the estimate but be prepared to leverage your credibility against large or odd budget changes.

But always be honest.

natobasso's picture
3953 pencils

Before bidding you need clear, consistent communication with your client. Politely tell them you didn't have all the facts when you made your bid and that you will resend based on the new input you've received.

This can happen, but the bigger the job the more important it is to get all the facts before you submit a bid/proposal. I just sent one in for a website and I had 3 phone calls with my client as well as copious notes on the pdf they sent me outlining the site before actually sending my bid in to them. Will find out today if I got the project. :)
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