How long should I wait? - Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 12-22-2007

I would like to know how long I should wait to contact a client in response to an RFP. After you submit your proposal, if the potential client tells you they will get back to you with an answer within a week, how long should you wait to call them if they take longer to call you back?

Best regards,
Tomesia Ingram

#2 (**permalink**) 12-22-2007

Hi Tomesia

I'm assuming you talked to the potential client about a week ago? It's kind of hard to say with RFPs...it could be that they found someone and realized they couldn't feasibly get back to everyone who'd submitted interest. But with the holidays going full speed it's also likely they're just busy.

I think you can safely get in touch with your client sometime after Christmas (if they said a week then give them an extra few days to get in touch on their own). But when you do email you might say something about hoping they had a great holiday and you're following up on the RFP, you're still interested in their project...and if they have any further questions for you...etc. etc. to kind of get the ball rolling.

#3 (**permalink**) 12-23-2007

Hi Tess,
Actually this was a little over a month ago. I waited and called 2 days after the potential client was to call back and was told a decision was still not made. I then waited another week and called back and never received a return call. I was just wondering if I jumped the gun and turned them off by not giving them an opportunity to call me back. Or evidently it just was not meant to be in the first place.

Best regards,
Tomesia Ingram
www.vp4success.com

#4 (**permalink**) 12-23-2007

Hmmm, no telling what happened there. I don't think you did anything wrong at all in following up - and maybe, as you said, it just wasn't meant to be.
They may still come back to you, but if not, that leaves the space open in your schedule for your ideal client - and in the meantime, you've truly done your best to gain the contract.

#5 (**permalink**) 12-27-2007

I would follow-up after the holidays. Perhaps they're waiting until after the new year to arrive upon a decision.

A lot of people are still out of their offices on vacation (not me, though

)

#6 (**permalink**) 12-28-2007

Thanks EditingEtc,

I have decided to follow-up one last time after the holidays.

Best regards,
Tomesia Ingram
www.vp4success.com

#7 (**permalink**) 12-28-2007

Let us know how it goes Tomesia, and good luck! Remember to approach your contact with the mind set that you've absolutely got what they need - confidence!

#8 (**permalink**) 01-02-2008

I think it is always a good idea to follow up with proposals. If possible a phone call just to let them know you sent it and to tell them you are available if they have any questions. Sometimes that extra call makes the difference in making your proposal stand out from all the other emails they receive. Like Tess said, if this one doesn't work out it just means you have more room for your ideal client.

#9 (**permalink**) 01-03-2008

I know that I've made myself stand out from the crowd many times just by following up RFP regularly. I'd follow it up once more and see where you end up.

Good luck with it!

Kylie Short
Tilda Virtual Services

#10 (**permalink**) 01-03-2008

All your suggestions are wonderful. I am making my final follow-up attempt today. Thanks for all the support I have received on this post.

#11 (**permalink**) 01-11-2008

One more suggestion, if you're not already doing this: add them to your list of contacts to stay in touch with via e-newsletter, postcard, etc. This way they will see that you are the "real deal" and in there for the long haul. Don't let this be the last time they hear from you.

Victoria Watts

#12 (**permalink**) 01-11-2008

Tomesia,

I had the very same question and rather than post a new thread was glued to your. The suggestions everyone has given you are quite valuable...but i'm still wondering how your follow up went?

Patti