Bid writing fees & pricing
Straight talk on cost. Bid writing isn’t a product with a sticker price — it’s a service shaped by the tender in front of you — but you should never be surprised by a bill. Every job is quoted as a fixed fee, agreed in writing, before any work begins. The first review and quote are always free.
How we price
We work on three models, so the commercial arrangement fits how often you bid:
| Model | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed fee per bid | A set price quoted from the actual tender documents, agreed before we start. No hourly meter, no surprises. | One-off or occasional tenders — cost certainty |
| Day rate | Charged for the days worked, for evolving or collaborative scope, or partial support alongside your team. | Uncertain scope, reviews, coaching |
| Monthly retainer | An agreed volume of ongoing support each month at a predictable cost. | Regular bidders & framework call-offs |
Most clients start with a fixed fee — it gives certainty and aligns us to the outcome, not the hours — and regular bidders move to a retainer once bidding becomes routine.
What drives the cost
Because every tender is different, the fee reflects the real workload. The main drivers:
- Number and length of scored questions — a short selection questionnaire and a multi-lot framework bid are different orders of magnitude
- Sector complexity — regulated or technical bids (NHS, construction, engineering) need more evidence work
- How much already exists — a maintained bid library cuts the cost of every future bid
- The deadline — genuine rushes cost more; early engagement keeps fees down
- Level of support — from a light review to a fully managed bid
What you’re paying for
Roughly where the work goes on a typical fixed-fee bid — most of the value is in the planning and evidence, not the typing.
Is it worth it? The honest maths
The number that matters isn’t the fee — it’s the return. Run the sum: contract value × the improvement in win probability that good bidding buys, against the cost. For a six-figure contract, even a modest uplift in win chance dwarfs the fee. The expensive bid isn’t the one you paid for; it’s the winnable contract you lost because the bid wasn’t good enough. Our guide to bid writing costs, in-house vs outsourced works through the full comparison, including when hiring beats outsourcing.
No charge for any of this
- The initial conversation about your opportunity
- A review of your most recent bid, with honest feedback
- An assessment of whether a tender is winnable for you
- Your fixed-fee quote, in writing
If we don’t think you should bid, we’ll tell you that instead — it’s the honest go/no-go we apply to every opportunity. Upload a tender and you’ll have a price within one working day.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a bid cost to write?
It depends on the number of scored questions, your sector’s complexity, the deadline and how much evidence already exists — which is why we quote a fixed fee from the actual tender documents rather than a rate card. The quote, and the review behind it, are free. Upload a tender for a precise figure.
Do you charge for a quote?
No. The initial conversation, a review of your last bid, an honest view on winnability and your written fixed-fee quote are all free and carry no obligation. You only pay if you decide to go ahead.
Do you offer a win-only or no-win-no-fee option?
We price on the work, because award decisions rest entirely with the buyer and a quality bid is what we control. Be wary of anyone guaranteeing a win. What we guarantee is a compliant, fully evidenced bid written to score, delivered on time, with honest advice throughout.
Can we spread cost with a retainer?
Yes — for businesses that bid regularly or work framework call-offs, a monthly retainer gives predictable cost and a writer who already knows your business and content library, which makes each bid faster and cheaper than the last.
Will the fee ever change after we start?
Not for the agreed scope — the fixed fee is fixed. If you later add work (more questions, an extra lot, a tight new deadline), we’ll agree any change in writing before doing it. No surprises is the whole point.