If you trying to price work to be done, it’s important to know the difference between a quote and a bid.
DEFINITIONS
A quote - When you ask the provider of the service or product to tell you how much they would do the project or service for with the understanding that you aren't asking other people to "bid" on the same project
A bid - When you ask the provider of the service or product to tell you how much they would do the project or service for with the understanding that you are asking other people to bid on the project as well
COMPARISONS
Less competitive vs. More competitive
May involve only one service provider vs. Will involve more than one
Compare price to what you had in mind or your budget vs. Compare price to what the others bid as well as what you had in mind or your budget
EXAMPLE
Mary Ann called a marketing company and asked them how much they would charge her to design a logo for her, design a brochure for her and have it printed and collated. She was asking them for a quote. She didn't call any other companies.
Marinella send the specifications for her project to 5 companies, outlining what she needed and asked them to bid on it. This signaled the companies that there would be direct and immediate competition and to sharpen their pencils.
KEY POINT
Signal the provider that you are asking for one or the other. It makes a difference in the price they will give you.
BENEFITS
It's a courtesy to let the company know, and they may also ask you to make this distinction, so you need to know the difference. Asking for bids may give you the best price. It may not, however, give you the best result.
RELATED DISTINCTIONS
Dating one person vs. Dating several people
Asking to taste the butter brickle at Baskin-Robbins vs. Asking to sample 5 different ice creams at Baskin-Robbins
About the Author
©Susan Dunn, MA, The EQ Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc. Coaching, distance learning, and ebooks around emotional intelligence for your continued personal and professional development. I train and certify EQ coaches, http://www.eqcoach.net. Get in this field, dubbed “white hot” by the press, now, before it’s crowded, and offer your clients something of exceptional value. Start tomorrow, no residence requirement. Mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc for free ezine.