Common Mistakes That Make Tender Applications Fail

Why small errors cost big money

In competitive tenders, avoidable mistakes can disqualify your bid before anyone reads your value proposition. Use this checklist to tighten up your next submission.

1) Missing mandatory documents

• Omitting required forms (e.g. tax compliance status, B-BBEE certificate/affidavit, CSD report).
• Fix: Build a preflight pack and verify each item against the tender’s checklist.

2) Ignoring eligibility criteria

• Bidding without required registrations, experience, or certifications.
• Fix: Map every criterion to evidence in your annexures.

3) Weak pricing and maths errors

• Unbalanced rates, hidden exclusions, or spreadsheet formula errors.
• Fix: Use a locked pricing template and a second checker.

4) Late or non-compliant submission

• Missing the deadline, wrong format (envelopes/labels), or incorrect email subject/portal upload.
• Fix: Rehearse the submission; aim to finish 24 hours early.

5) Generic, copy-paste responses

• Failing to answer this buyer’s requirements point-by-point.
• Fix: Use a compliance matrix that traces each requirement to your response page/section.

6) No proof of past performance

• Missing case studies, contactable references, or KPIs.
• Fix: Add short project summaries with outcomes and client references.

7) Overlooking site briefings and Q&A

• Not attending compulsory briefings or ignoring issued addenda.
• Fix: Calendar every briefing; re-check your bid after each addendum.

Quick checklist before you submit

• All mandatory forms included and signed.
• Eligibility proved with annexures.
• Pricing verified by a second person.
• Submission method rehearsed and done early.
• Responses mapped to requirements.

Next: Find opportunities and set alerts on Fetch Tenders to avoid last-minute bids.