Source
r/SCREENPRINTING•
breakers

How far backwards do you bend to win a bid?

I've lost a couple of bids lately after I was sure I'd given solid low prices. I got a chance to see a winning bid that I lost to, and it was nuts how cheap they were. Business has been very good, but I felt guilty for not offering to match the price on the low bid even though I would have barely been breaking even (might have lost money if too many mistakes were made on the print).

Do you do anything to win a bid? Do you feel guilty for not going the distance to win a bigger client?

Posted Feb 26, 2020, 11:12 PM UTC

47
windisfun•

I felt guilty for not offering to match the price on the low bid even though I would have barely been breaking even (might have lost money if too many mistakes were made on the print).

Why bust your ass to "win" a bid that either won't make you any money or may cost you money? Exposure? Hoping to gain them as a client?

If you don't make any money on the first order you do for them what makes you think you'll do better the next time? If they do business by bidding it's probably going to be minimal return unless the other lowballers decide they don't want to work for scraps either.

If you do decide to bid, make it a bid that's fair to you. If you win so much the better, if not, move on to other business.

Just my opinion, take it or leave it.

5
breakersOP•

Thanks dude. I agree with everything you said, I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t being lazy or resting on my laurels while young hungry shops take over everything. They’re a company we’ve done a lot for and continue to do a steady amount of work for, but I know they get a lot of things done elsewhere for as cheap as they can get it, which is fine by me.

1
justinbeiber420•

If they want cheap as possible they can go to Staples and buy iron-transfer paper like its the 90's and they're trying to sell Pog counterfeit merch in the food court at the mall you feel me?

2
breakersOP•

I’ve had customers storm out and go buy cricut machines and blank shirts from michaels just to “save” money. Were there counterfeit pog makers? I got most of my collection from a claw machine at the roller skating rink with the most random crap printed on them

2
demoman3955•

look at it this way. you know or will figure out what you want for profit. The company that had the low bid may be going broke. Its also possible he has a lot less expenses and overhead. Dont do what you cant afford to lose.

2
unauthorizedprints•

They guy I lose to prints 'for fun' from his garage and has a wife that is a Big Tech exec. His kids are adults and money isn't an issue. His overhead is minimal and I have to admit, he's a damn good printer and has pretty high quality equipment for a small manual shop. Naturally he beats mine and every other local printer.

1
unauthorizedprints•

My rule for new customers is this: you contacted me, here's my terms 100% take it or leave it. If you give in on the first job you have set the tone for how the following interactions will go (not always, but that's been my experience). I know what I need per job to make my business work. Also, the promise of "we'll order more soon but this is just a test run!" has never, ever worked out that way for me in 7 years.

When a repeat client needs something, there's value in making that relationship continue to work. If it's a reasonable request, then I will work with them on pricing for that order. Some orders I have turned down due to not lowering my prices have come back after the cheaper options didn't work out for one reason or another. Be there for them and be ready to show them what they missed out on last time.

I have had plenty of customers ask for discount, show other bids being lower, and still worked with me after me respectfully saying I won't change my pricing. I have 100% ratings on Yelp & Google reviews. Those are helpful but the word of mouth from local business to local business is the most powerful selling point. <- point being that working on your public profile is just one helpful point in justifying for your pricing.

Good luck & trust your instincts!

2