Most contractors lose bids not because of price — but because of presentation. Here's the exact format that wins more work.
Quick Take
A homeowner gets 3 bids. Two are scrawled on a piece of paper. Yours is a 2-page professional document with a cover letter, itemized materials, and a project timeline. You can price 20% higher and still win.
1. Cover page — your logo, license #, insurance cert #, contact info
2. Project summary — what you're doing, in plain English, in 2-3 sentences
3. Scope of work — exactly what's included AND what's not (exclusions matter)
4. Materials list — itemized, with brands where relevant (shows you know your stuff)
5. Labor breakdown — hours × rate, by phase
6. /strong 7. Payment terms — 33%/33%/34% or 50%/50%, clearly stated Add this to your cover letter: "This bid is valid for 30 days. I'm available to start [specific date] and will have this project complete by [specific date]." Specificity = confidence. Confidence = trust. Trust = won bid. Never give one price. Give three options: Good ($X), Better ($X+15%), Best ($X+30%). Most clients choose the middle. You've anchored the price high and given them a choice — people love choosing. The "Best" option often includes a warranty or premium material upgrade that costs you little but justifies the premium. 📥 This Week's Free Template Contractor Bid Pack — complete template pack, instant download Or use our free Break-Even Calculator first. Sponsor Jobber Scheduling, quotes, invoicing, and payments — built for field service businesses. Try free 14 days. Was this useful? Share it with a colleague.The One Line That Wins Bids
Pricing: The 3-Tier Strategy