Win more work and get paid sooner
Practical advice on proposals, pricing, contracts and payments for service businesses.
How to write a business proposal that wins (structure, examples and a checklist)
A practical guide to writing business proposals clients say yes to: the structure to use, what to put in each section, how to present pricing, and the mistakes that lose deals.
9 min readProposal vs quote vs estimate: what's the difference and which should you send?
Estimates, quotes and proposals do different jobs. Learn what each one means, when they're binding, and which to send for different kinds of work.
5 min readAre electronic signatures legally binding? UK, EU and US explained
Electronic signatures are valid for most business agreements in the UK, EU and US. Here's what the law says, which documents are exceptions, and how to make your e-signatures stand up.
7 min readGood, better, best pricing: how to offer options in your proposals
Offering clients a choice of packages changes the question from "should we hire you?" to "which option?". Here's how to design tiered pricing and optional extras that clients actually choose.
6 min readHow to get paid faster: deposits, payment terms and late payment rules
Practical ways for service businesses to get paid on time: deposits, clear terms, easy payment methods, reminders, and your rights under the UK's late payment law.
7 min readHow to follow up on a proposal (with email templates)
When and how to follow up on a proposal without being pushy, with copy-and-paste email templates for each stage.
5 min readWhat to include in a statement of work (SOW), with a template outline
A statement of work defines exactly what you'll deliver, when and for how much. Here's what to include in each section, and how it fits with your proposal and contract.
6 min readHow to price a retainer: models, minimum terms and examples
Retainers give service businesses predictable income. Learn the main retainer models, how to set the price, minimum terms and notice periods, and how to collect payments reliably.
6 min readHow to send a proposal by email (with templates)
The email you send with a proposal affects whether it gets read. Here's what to write, when to send it, and templates for common situations.
4 min readHow to invoice a client in the UK: what an invoice must include
What a UK invoice must include, the extra details on a VAT invoice, payment terms, numbering and record keeping, plus tips to get paid on time.
6 min readDirect Debit vs card payments: which is better for collecting from clients?
How Direct Debit and card payments compare for one-off invoices and recurring fees: speed, reliability, cost structure and what your clients experience.
5 min readWhat is an e-signature audit trail, and why does it matter?
An audit trail is the evidence behind an electronic signature: who signed, when, from where and exactly what. Here's what a good one records and how it helps if a signature is disputed.
4 min readSend your next proposal today.
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