Create a proposal
Win the work before you invoice it. This guide follows Ridgeway Towing & Recovery proposing a year of fleet recovery cover to Harbour Logistics.
Step 1
Meet the proposal builder
A proposal is written directly on the page. The list on the left jumps to each section, Ready to send tracks the essentials, and the action bar lets you preview, download and send.
- 1Open Proposals and select Create, then Proposal.
- 2Select a section in Build your proposal to jump to it on the page.
- 3Work through Ready to send: a title, a client, a summary, the scope, a deliverable and a price.
Use the zoom controls beside the page to zoom in, zoom out or fit the whole proposal on screen.
Step 2
Customize the design
Design works just like it does for invoices: choose a template, a color pair, corners and a font.
- 1Select Design at the top of the list.
- 2Choose a template, then a color pair. Primary, Secondary and Accent update to match.
- 3Pick Sharp, Soft or Rounded corners and choose a font.
Step 3
Add a title and client
The cover is the top of the proposal: your logo and business details, the proposal title, who it's prepared for and the date.
- 1Select Cover.
- 2Click Proposal Title on the page and type a clear, specific title.
- 3Click Client Name and choose a saved client.
Your logo, business name and contact details come from Settings, so you only enter them once.
Step 4
Write the executive summary
In a few sentences, explain the client's goal, your approach, and why you're the right partner.
- 1Select Summary.
- 2Click the Executive Summary section and type.
- 3Use the toolbar for headings, bold, italics and lists.
Lead with the outcome the client cares about, such as a faster response or lower costs.
Step 5
Describe the scope of work
Set clear expectations: what's included, and just as important, what isn't.
- 1Select Scope of Work.
- 2Choose the bullet list in the toolbar.
- 3List what's included, then add an Out of scope line.
Step 6
List the deliverables
Deliverables are the concrete things your client receives. Each one is numbered on the proposal.
- 1Select Deliverables.
- 2Select Add deliverable.
- 3Type a name and a short description. Repeat for each deliverable.
Step 7
Plan the timeline
Break the work into phases so your client knows what happens when.
- 1Select Timeline.
- 2Select Add phase.
- 3Name the phase and set its dates. Repeat for each phase.
Step 8
Set your price
Price the work as a fixed total, at an hourly rate, or itemized line by line.
- 1Select Pricing.
- 2Choose Fixed, Hourly or Itemized.
- 3Enter the amount. The total at the bottom of the Investment section updates as you type.
Fixed suits ongoing contracts like this one. Itemized is clearer when the price has several parts.
Step 9
Add terms and sign
Close the proposal with your terms and conditions, above your authorized signature.
- 1Select Terms & Signature.
- 2Type your terms, such as the contract length, billing and notice period.
- 3Check the signature block: your signature, name, business and the date.
Step 10
Reorder or remove sections
Every proposal is different. Move sections into the order that tells your story best, and remove the ones you don't need.
- 1Click a section on the page to select it.
- 2Use the up and down arrows below it to move it.
- 3Select × to remove a section you don't need.
The list on the left always follows the order on the page.
Step 11
Preview, download and send
When everything looks right, preview the proposal, download a PDF, or send it to your client.
- 1Select Preview to see exactly what your client will receive.
- 2Select PDF to download a copy.
- 3Select Send to email the proposal. Its status changes to Sent.
Duplicate copies this proposal, a quick start for similar clients.