A question for Sectrainer and others

[GordonSecurity]

I am a Private Patrol Operator in the state of California. The company is brand new! A potential client asked for a pricing package. I'm not exactly sure what they are asking for. What kind of package should I put together?

Thanks in advance

[john_harrington]

I am a Private Patrol Operator in the state of California. The company is brand new! A potential client asked for a pricing package. I'm not exactly sure what they are asking for. What kind of package should I put together?

Thanks in advance

Gordon,

The pricing package that a potential client is looking for is likely a company overview that will include information about your company, key staff resumes and qualifications, a rate sheet, and references. It is something that the person you meet with can give to, or send to, another decision maker in their organization (which is why I like to have a well printed and bound overviews in my bag but alway follow up with an email with the same attached in PDF)

The hardest part are your references, they take time. Until you have solid corporate references include personal references (perhaps a former supervisor, acct manager, etc).

Good luck!

[SecTrainer]

...ditto John's reply. Be sure to include insurance particulars.

The rates are, of course, the trickiest part. As I've done elsewhere, I strongly recommend the use of a software package to help you with this complex task, such as AutoRate from http://www.hrdickinson.com/autorate (I have no connection with this product). One contract improperly bid will cost you many times the cost of software like this, so it's really critical for new companies especially to start off on the right foot with pricing strategies that make you money rather than costing you money...and the difference isn't always obvious.

[N. A. Corbier]

Ah, ok. I know what this is, now. Its also called a "Proposal," or a "Quotation." You can find ones from other companies online, usually under their GSA Advantage! section.

They'll give you an idea of what some clients expect.