Story: The process from inquiry to estimate
In 2020, I am improving online presence to utilize UpWork, Craigslist and social media. I decided the goals to receive 100 inquiries, 30 job and 10 website/branding relates work during 2020.
In past 2 months, I receive inquiries from clients that I’ve never met before. This is one of it.
“hi, how much would you charge to design or put together a very basic and inexpensive web store to start with? please email me back at email.”
The first inquiry is not so much different. There is not much information about the project. I appreciate the inquiry, but how can I estimate based on this? I reply to this email. Then, a conversation with the client starts. Some of them are no response. I don’t understand what they wanted to do, but I dare don’t chase it.
Anyway, I got used to this process. Therefore, I would like to make a template through an inquiry to an estimate.
What do I need to know for the estimate?
I assume that I will recieve similer inquiry from client again. This is the first response.
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Dear Client,
Thank you for your inquiry. I sincerely appreciate that you consider work with me.
Before I send you the estimate, could you tell me a bit more about you and your projects?
Company(Your Name):
Location:
Email:
Phone:
Project:
Materials(Text/Image):
Functional Requirement:
Timeline:
Budget:
I will get back to you in 12 hours. I hope I can contribute to your business growth.
Best Regards,
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or
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Dear Client,
Thank you for your inquiry. I sincerely appreciate that you consider work with me.
Typically, my project estimates fall into the tiers outlined below.
Basic: $3,000-$4,000
Not-So Basic: $5,000-$6,000
Far From Basic: $7,500+
Please let me know if you have any questions. I hope I can contribute to your business growth.
Best Regards,
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Shopify Partners: Web Design Estimates: Tips for Quoting Work Before the Project Begins
What Should You Include In Your Proposal?
©The Futur
A request for proposal (RFP) is a business document that announces and provides details about a project, as well as solicits bids from contractors who will help complete the project. – Investopedia
In the first email, RFP(request for proposal) is quite rough, I need something and how much is it? I have to ask about a project as I mentioned above. or I just send a proposal whatever I received.
Proposal ingredients:
– Bio
– Reference(Contact Info)
– Process
– Relevant case study
– Estimate(price bracketing)
Project Proposal Writing: How To Write A Winning Project Proposal
©Project Management Videos
– People buy from people.
– Make a big impact right at the start of the proposal. Desision-maker takes only 5 mins.
Contents:
– Problem
– Vision
– Benefit
– Derivable
– Criteria
– Deadline/Plan/Approach
– Cost/Budget
How to write winning design proposals
©InVision
– The proposal has never surprised client
Contents:
– Overview
– Why me?/Bio(not always)
– Pricing(3 packeges)
– What’s next?(sign up, 50% payment and start project)
– Terms & condition(Up to 10 lists)
1 Tip For a More Effective Architecture Proposal
©Business of Architecture
The video said for an architect, but any occupancies can apply the same method.
– Difference between feature and benefit. Forcus on benefit.
– What are the benefits for the client?
How To Write a Proposal
©Flux
Contents:
– Overview
– Cost & values
– Timeline
– What’s next?
– Terms
Winning Proposal Design and Layout Tips
©Proposify
Contents:
– Client summary
– Packages
– Pricing
– Next
Looks like there is software for proposal. I don’t use it, but it’s the one of business idea. Interesting.
Contracts & Proposals for Creatives
©Jesse Showalter
It’s not easy to talk like his energy.
Contents:
– Me
– Project(May not know details)
– Process
– Price(3 packages)
– Timeline
– Solution
Contract:
– Scope of work
– Quotes
– Ownership
The Exact Web Design Proposal I Use
©Fox Web School
Care about the tone of the email, but I need research. I am not sure how this really works. It looks quite text-heavy. If I were client, I don’t want to read it.
Contents:
– Thank you notes
– Painpoints
– Approach
– Job description, the scope of work
– Credentials
*Remove objection
Examples of Web Design Proposal
PandaDoc: Web Design Proposal
1. Introduction
2. Words of Encouragement
3. Your Website
4. Our Development Process
5. Project Timeline
6. Pricing
7. Project Terms
Bidsketch: Ultimate Website Proposal Template
1. A Cover Page Letter (only in certain situations)
2. Demonstrate you understand their problems with a Problem Statement
3. Explain your Recommended Solution
4. Explain the Benefits of your solution
5. Explain the Project Fees
6. End with a Call to Action to buy
Proposify: Web Audit/Strategy Proposal Template
1. Cover
2. Overview & Goals
3. Scope of Services
4. Timeframe
5. Budget
6. Why Us?
7. Team Bios
8. Sample Case Study
9. Contract
10. Signature
Conclusion: Preparation
I worked at several companies and all of them have some systems and assets. These are reusable over and over again. Through the process, I created 2 proposals for branding and web design. We cannot build design from scratch each time. Reusable, it’s may key for design business.
Reference:
HowWiki: How to Write a Proposal
better proposal: Free Web Design Proposal Template
