In the market for new bid folders to give to potential clients?
You might have come across the argument that custom folders are better… or perhaps you’ve seen the argument that cheap stock folders are the way to go.
Some contractors just add a sticker to a blank pocket folder. Others go all-out and order custom printed folders for their business.
So which type of bid presentation folder is best for your business?
We’ve collected insights from contractors that are both in favor of—and opposed to—custom presentation folders for presenting bid packets. Here are how they feel about custom bid folders for their business.
Custom folders give you more storage options.
Our most popular folder measures 9″ x 12″ and has two 4″ pockets plus business card slits. For many quote presentations, this is enough. A letter-sized 9″ x 12″ pocket folder can hold about 40 pages.
But what if you need to give your clients more information? Manufacturer brochures, spec sheets, warranties, agreements… standard-sized folders just won’t cut it.
For large proposals or bid packets for your high-end leads, get a custom folder that has a wide spine (it’s the space between the front cover and back cover). We carry folders with ¼” and ½” spines. Presentation folders with a ½” spine can hold up to 100 pieces of paper. It’s also the perfect option for when you want to include small catalogs with your other bid materials.
Custom bid folders help set you apart from the competition.
With stock proposal folders, you run the risk of handing out the same folder as your competitor. Believe it or not, consumers notice. Sometimes, that extra bit of selling and marketing effort can land you the job.
Print your folders in your company colors, add your logo and other branding details, your slogan, and website address. With stock folders, you’re limited to adding just your logo and contact info—if you can even add that.
Adding your logo and branding will really help set your business apart from the others.
Custom folders are a must for high-end clients.
For small jobs, the cost of assembling proposal packets might not be worth it—or even needed. You’ll likely have fewer spec sheets and warrantee documents.
But if a client is spending $60,000 on a project, they deserve that extra effort. They probably expect it, too.
Sometimes it takes a little research to figure out who gets the proposal packet; you’ll want to “prequalify” them for a nice proposal packet. If they meet the standards you’ve set, give them their estimate in your branded bid folders.
If custom folders still seem too expensive, consider co-branding.
First off, what is co-branding? Co-branding is when two or more advertisers share the ad space available. Co-branding can happen in most any advertising medium, including billboards, print ads, radio spots, t-shirts, and pocket folders.
Now ask yourself this: do you have good relationships with your suppliers? Consider asking them to co-brand your folder; many times they will front the cost of printing or at least help offset the cost of your folders.
Co-branding is not a new concept, and it’s actually something that professionals in many industries use. For example, realtors often opt for co-branded pocket folders with mortgage brokers (or contractors!).
A brief argument in defense of blank pocket folders with a sticker on the front cover
How you use custom presentation folders—and if you use them—depends on your market and clientele.
Depending on your market and average job size, custom folders for job proposals might not be the best investment for your business, especially if you are just starting out and marketing funds are tight.
If this is the case, consider purchasing blank glossy folders, print some labels with your logo and information on it, attach the label to the front cover, and you’ll have a folder that will satisfy many of your clients.
You have to ask yourself: if you are doing lots of smaller projects, is it worth the cost of custom printed folders?
Because let’s face it: buying custom branded folders is an investment for your business. You need to look at them as part of your selling and marketing strategy. If there is little to no return on that investment, blank folders with a sticker on the cover might just be your ticket. But always, always keep your market in mind and present accordingly.
How to use custom project proposal folders
Contractors get really clever in how they use their custom folders. Some leave proposal packets with clients who are bidding out higher-end jobs. Others take them to every bid meeting.
Here are a few ways to hand out folders during the bid process:
- Hand it to the homeowner after you do the job walk. Tell them they can look at color options, material choices, and read about your company while you do your walk to calculate the price of the job. Doing this gives the homeowner some time to digest what you had talked to them about, review their options, and seriously consider you for the job.
- Leave it with the homeowner after the initial meeting. This works only if your quote/sales process involves two steps. The first day, get measurements for the job. Leave the presentation folder with them, and return another day with your estimate and presentation. The two-step process shows more of a commitment on your part, and the folder helps pique their interest more about what you can do for them.
- Mail it after the quote is complete. If you don’t do on-site estimates, consider mailing a small presentation folder with your job quote and some helpful materials. To save on postage, you can use a folder that fits in a #10 envelope, or for larger bids, consider mailing a standard 9×12 folder.
What goes in a presentation folder for presenting project proposals?
- Cover Letter
- About Us / Company History
- Job Procedures
- Color Selection Info
- Reference List
- Testimonials
- Proof Of License & Insurance
- Job Photos
- Contractor Check List
- Color Charts
- Warranties
Learn more about contractor folders and get custom folders for your business
At Easy Pocket Folders, all we do is make folders, and we’ve made a lot for contractors, including some made out of recycled paper for the eco-friendly contractors (read why recycled paper is best).
Whether you need help designing your folders or just want a second opinion picking out the right paper stock, we’re here for you. Our expert design team will help you get exactly what your business needs.
Let’s make your contractor presentation folders. Want to talk to us? Give us a call at (800) 346-3063.