Composing a commercial offer: examples of successful design

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Whether you are a novice entrepreneur who is "his own director, accountant and manager" or an employee, whether you manage a large firm or perform services alone - you cannot do without such a document as a commercial offer.

We will try to briefly outline examples of successful decisions in its preparation and common mistakes.

Without a piece of paper you…

It's no secret that many of us don't like, even openly hate, "clerical fuss" with documents. It seems to us that this is a waste of time, because you can find out everything by phone or in person. But how many times have you heard "Please send me a quotation" in response to a call to a firm you'd like to sell goods or services to?

Examples of such answers are enoughcommon occurrence. But only those who do not know the principles of business etiquette at all can take this with hostility. In fact, this is what a competent entrepreneur does, respecting his own and other people's time. He does not need to listen to your trained eloquence and engage in pointless discussion. Only when he has a document called a commercial offer in his hands (examples of design can be taken even from a regular Word Office), perhaps there will be common ground, and mutually beneficial cooperation will begin.

Graphics and style

These are the necessary conditions that must be met in order for your offer to be noticed and not thrown into the trash. What can you say about the design? A well-prepared commercial offer (examples of documents from reputable companies are proof of this) should look restrained and elegant. What does it mean? Do not go overboard with the background, with excessive graphics. No matter how beautiful pictures or photographs may seem to you, a logo and one or two product images (if necessary) are enough on the offer. The text should look neat. Selections are acceptable, lists too, but variegation is undesirable. Stick to one font and a maximum of two or three colors. What can you say about the style of presentation and content? Not every employee can be entrusted with the preparation of a commercial offer. Examples of how a poorly written document (with errors, carelessly) damaged the reputation of the firm are not uncommon. Think for yourself: would you like to work with a company that employs semi-literate managers?

Seven timescheck

In terms of content, there are specific guidelines on how to write a sales proposal.

An example of a well-written offer for each business will be different, but the general principles are the same. By all means, in the "header" and in the "footer" of the document, address and contact information should be indicated. Without them, the commercial offer looks frivolous. Document length - no more than 1-2 pages. In the first paragraph, you must introduce yourself and name the subject (service, product) that will be discussed. Prices are not always indicated, but if the offer relates to a specific product, then the presence of them (or at least a range) will allow the potential buyer to immediately assess whether he is interested in cooperation with you. It is advisable to describe in at least two or three sentences why it is worth working with you: the arguments for choosing exactly your commercial offer. Examples of good slogan statements that can be included are "We don't promise, we deliver" or "Quality First". Other arguments can be a flexible pricing policy, international service, a rich assortment, highly qualified staff. Check the document several times both in terms of content and after the final graphic design. Do not promise the impossible, do not overdo it with self-praise. The best way to perceive a commercial proposal, drawn up restrained and to the point. Good luck to you!