How to Spot a Weak Tender (Even If It Looks Polished)

July 25, 2025

A tender can look great on the surface — well written, nicely formatted, and technically compliant. But that doesn’t mean it will score well.

🚩 Looks Good, Scores Poorly

We’ve seen hundreds of tenders that “read well” but still miss the mark. Why? Because they don’t answer the questions in a way that convinces commissioners. Watch out for these warning signs:

Too generic: Overuse of phrases like “we always strive” or “we are committed” with no specific examples.
Policy over people: Long sections quoting policies without linking them to real practice or outcomes.
Missing ‘how’: Lots of what and why — but no clear step-by-step on how it’s actually delivered.
Disjointed voice: Cut-and-paste responses from past bids that don’t reflect this service or team.

🔍 Ask Yourself: Would I Trust This?

Put yourself in the commissioner’s shoes. Does this bid help you trust the provider with your service users? Is there a clear picture of the service in action — or just statements of intent?

💡 Strong Tenders Tell a Story

Winning bids link evidence, action, and values. They show not just what will be done, but how, by whom, and why it works. They make invisible quality visible.

🛠 Want to Build a Stronger Tender?

Download tender-ready method statements, get tailored bid support, or explore strategy templates to sharpen your narrative and impact.

Written by Mike Harrison, Founder of Impact Guru Ltd — specialists in bid writing and strategy for social care providers