Winning a public or private sector tender can open up game-changing opportunities for your business, but only if you get your bid right. At Tendle, we’ve seen countless small businesses lose out on lucrative contracts due to simple, avoidable mistakes. In this article, we explore the top five tendering pitfalls and explain how to avoid them so your next bid has the best possible chance of success. 1. Ignoring the Tender Specification Failing to follow the specification is one of the most common reasons bids are disqualified. Buyers provide detailed instructions, evaluation criteria, and technical requirements for a reason – they want to ensure suppliers can meet their specific needs. What to do instead: Pro Tip: Use the specification as your roadmap. If your bid doesn’t answer every point clearly, evaluators will mark you down – or out entirely. 2. Missing the Tender Deadline Tender deadlines are non-negotiable. No matter how good your submission is, late bids are automatically rejected. Even technical glitches at the final hour can cost you the opportunity. How to avoid it: Tip: Use shared calendars and project management tools to keep everyone on track. 3. Under-pricing or Overpromising to Win While it’s tempting to submit the lowest price or make big promises, doing so can harm your credibility and delivery capability. Most buyers are looking for best value – not just low cost. Instead, focus on: Note: Unrealistic bids often trigger further scrutiny – or disqualification. 4. Poorly Presented Bids Presentation matters. A tender filled with typos, unclear formatting, or vague responses will create doubt in the evaluator’s mind. They want to trust that your business is competent and reliable – and your submission should reflect that. Make sure to: First impressions can make or break your bid. Invest time in polish. 5. Lack of Evidence and Proof Unsubstantiated claims won’t convince a buyer. You need to back up everything with hard evidence. Tenders are assessed on proof of performance – not just good intentions. Always include: Don’t just say you’re great – show them why they should believe it. How Tendle Helps You Submit Stronger Tenders At Tendle, we specialise in helping small businesses navigate the complexities of tendering. Whether you’re bidding for local government contracts, framework agreements, or private sector opportunities, we support you every step of the way. Our services include: Need help with an upcoming tender? Contact – Tendle to book a discovery call. External Resource: Crown Commercial Service (CCS) If you’re looking to explore government procurement further, the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) provides frameworks, procurement guides, and information on upcoming tenders. It’s a useful starting point for businesses aiming to work with the public sector. Final Thoughts: Tendering Success Comes Down to Preparation Avoiding these five common tendering mistakes can significantly improve your win rate. With the right planning, clarity, and support, your business can compete confidently and win high-value contracts. At Tendle and Aspire to Grow we’re here to help you develop a strong, sustainable approach to bidding – giving you the tools, guidance, and support you need to succeed. Looking for tailored support?Let’s talk about how we can help you win your next tender. Get in Contact – Tendle.