executive summary should be limited to two typewritten pages-especially if the main body of the report is fewer than 50 pages in length.
Needs and Benefits Analysis
This section is typically composed of two primary parts. First, the situation analysis should concisely explain the salesperson’s understanding of the customer’s situation, problems, and needs. Second, the recommended solution is presented and supported with illustrations and evidence on how the proposed solution uniquely addresses the buyer’s problems and needs. The emphasis in this section should be on the benefits resulting from the solution and not on the product or service being sold. It is important that these benefits be described from the perspective of the customer. Proprietary information required in the proposal can be protected in a number of ways. The most common method is to place a notice on the cover (i.e., “Confidential” or “For Review Purposes Only”). Many technology companies ask the prospect to sign a nondisclosure agreement that is part of the overall document, and in some instances, the selling organization will even copyright the proposal.
Company Description
Information about the supplier company offering the proposal is included to demonstrate why the company is the best vendor for this solution. This section offers a succinct overview and background of the firm, but the emphasis should be on the company’s capabilities. Case histories of customers for whom the company solved similar problems with similar solutions have proved to be an effective method to document and illustrate organizational capabilities and past successes.
Pricing and Sales Agreement
The Previous sections are designed to build the customer-value of the propose solution. Once this value has been established, the proposal should “ask for the order” by presenting pricing information and delivery options. This information is often presented in the form of a sales agreement for the buyer to sign off on and complete.