A proposal is a great tool for you to display your expertise and establish credibility with clients. Some proposals can be simple, where they lay out the basics such as price and timeline. But to really show what you’re capable of, you want to present a proposal that will encompass more than that. So to craft the right proposal, you’re going to need to prepare. After all, you want a proposal that is accurate, tailored to your client’s wants and needs, and persuasive.
This week’s blog post will help you through the process of preparing for writing winning proposals.
Preparing for the Proposal
Performing these pre-proposal steps will help you win the job. They will prevent misunderstandings, ensure you don’t miss any opportunities, and avoid making poor design decisions. Here's what you should do before you write a proposal.
Conduct a Thorough On-Site Consultation and Document It
You have to know the outdoor space you’re dealing with first in order to come up with lighting solutions. Walk the property with your client and take all sorts of notes about the property, such as dark zones, focal points, or safety hazards.
Knowing the space will give you a better understanding of how outdoor landscape lighting can enhance it.
Measure and Assess Power Access
You also want to take note of technical needs and spaces. For example, you can locate where the transformer is going to be installed and measure out fixture distances and wiring runs. That will tell you how many light fixtures and how much cable you will need. You can also speak to your client about the need for smart timers or app integration.
A good plan will prevent any unwanted surprises when it comes time to install.
Understand the Client’s Vision and Budget
Sit down with your client and discuss their vision or goals for their space and their budget for the project. Incorporate the notes you took about the space and offer your recommendations. See how the client reacts to them. Together, you can come up with a general design plan and installation of the new outdoor landscape lighting system. Having this conversation will align everyone’s expectations for the project to avoid future dissatisfaction.
Visit the Site at Night (if Possible)
If possible, visit the outdoor area at night. Tell your client that it will give you a better idea of how the space will look and function at night and how outdoor landscape lighting can improve it. You can also take note of anything that you missed during the daytime walkthrough. For example, you can assess any dark areas or if there could be potential light pollution. A nighttime walkthrough will give you a better idea of how outdoor landscape lighting can improve the outdoor space.
Review Existing or Upcoming Landscape Plans
A good plan not only takes into account the present but the future as well. You can request architectural or planting plans for new home construction or renovations to see how the outdoor landscape lighting system can be incorporated into the plans. You must also consider plant growth or elevation changes. You don’t want the light fixture to be blocked or become ineffective due to growing foliage. Planning for the future allows you to create a lighting system that will grow with your clients.
Discuss Product Preferences and Options
You can discuss with your clients if they have any preferences for fixture brand, type, shape, finish, and material. If not, you can help them choose one that will complement their existing aesthetic. You can also let them know of other options available to them, such as color-changing lights, dimmers, and app-controlled features, which would give them customization and convenient control of the lights. Presenting options will increase value and sales.
Check for HOA, Zoning, or Code Restrictions
You want to ensure that you are complying with local regulations. Organizations or governing bodies such as the city, HOA, or state regulations will have regulations on uplighting, brightness, and light trespass that you don’t want to violate. Complying with them also means you won’t face delays or redesigns. Following the rules will protect your reputation and your client’s investment.
Address Long-Term Maintenance and Service
Inform your clients about the benefits of keeping a regular maintenance routine, such cleaning and checking for any wear and tear. You can also offer them maintenance services. Letting your clients know how to properly maintain their lighting system will ensure its longevity and possibly earn you recurring revenue.
Draft a Conceptual Design Sketch
Once you have all the necessary information, you can draft a sketch of the landscape lighting design. In it, you can include fixture types, positioning of the light fixtures, beam angles, and lighting techniques in specific areas. It will give you and your client a visual framework of the system and how it will look. Having a sketch will also streamline proposal writing and enhance clarity for the client.
Proposal Accepted? Time to Order Fixtures from LightCh8in
A well-crafted proposal is a great tool that can help you get more jobs. Great proposals will showcase your expertise and work to potential clients. Proper planning and evaluation will enable you to craft the right proposal for your client and secure that job.
Once you have the job, you can find everything needed for it at LightCh8in. From brass outdoor light fixtures to direct burial cable to LED lamps and more, you will find it all at LightCh8in. A LightCh8in account will grant you access to unbeatable pricing and service.