It can be disheartening when a potential client rejects your bid, especially after putting in hours of work on the proposal. However, it’s important to remember that rejection doesn’t necessarily mean the door is closed forever.
In fact, handling this situation with grace and professionalism can leave a lasting positive impression and may open the door for future opportunities related to your client bid.
4 Powerful Steps You Can Take When a Client Rejects Your Bid
In this post, I am going to share with you four powerful steps to take when a client rejects your bid, broken down into immediate actions and actions to take later on.
What to Do Immediately
Instead of dwelling on the fact that your creative quote was rejected, get into action with these two steps immediately while you still have the client’s attention on your bid.
They’ve spent time conversing with you, so they still have some invested interest in making this work.
1. Share a Creative Brief at a Lower Budget
If your client has declined your bid due to budget constraints, offering a more affordable option can demonstrate flexibility and commitment to helping them. Send them a new quote that meets their budget. Share details via a creative brief to inspire them of what’s possible within a lower budget bid.
In your follow-up email, you could say something like:
“If it’s not too late or impossible within the scope of your budget, I’ve put together two options for. I offer these purely to support and this exciting project. If this isn’t feasible, I’d still like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to work together.”
This approach shows that you’re willing to work with them, and even if they decline again, you’ve made a lasting impression with your professionalism and adaptability. Make sure to send a revised brief and a new creative estimate that fits their budget.
2. Ask to Share New Work in Six Months
If the client doesn’t respond to your revised proposal, don’t give up just yet. It’s a good idea to reach out again in a few months with some new work that connects to their brand. Here’s an example of how to word this:
“I absolutely love your brand and am excited about the possibility of working together in the future. Can I send you some new portfolio work in a few months?”
Setting a reminder to reach out in four to six months shows your ongoing interest in the project and gives the client a chance to reconsider you as an option when their budget or needs change.
It’s an easy and seamless way to stay in front of a client, without feeling like you’re cold pitching or solely focused on your previous bid.
To Do Later: What Comes Next?
If this is a brand or client you’d like to work with, there are some additional steps you can take down the line to inch your way back in front of a client. Let’s review them.
3. Stalk Their Channels and Send Positive Feedback
Even if a client passes on your bid, it doesn’t mean you should disappear from their radar. Keep an eye on their social media, website, or other platforms to see when they launch new projects or campaigns. Send a thoughtful message congratulating them or offering positive feedback related to those projects, subtly reminding them of your previous bid.
“I saw your recent campaign on and just wanted to say how much I loved it. The visuals were fantastic!”
Replying to the original email thread with a quick note about their new campaign shows that you’re engaged with their brand and are invested in their success. It also keeps the relationship warm, which may lead to future opportunities.
4. Send a Creative Brief You’d Love to Execute
This is where you can get creative. Even if a client has turned down your initial bid, it’s still worth reaching out with fresh ideas. Craft a creative brief that aligns with their brand, showcases what you could do for them or is seasonally relevant. Don’t include a budget or estimate—this is purely about showing off your creativity and value, distancing the focus from the previous bid.
“I have an idea for a project that I think would resonate with your audience. Here’s a creative concept that ties in with your current marketing direction, and I’d lbe excited to discuss it further with you.”
By sending creative ideas first and discussing money later, you shift the focus away from the financial aspect and back to the creative value you bring to the table.
Rejection can feel like a setback, but in reality, it’s an opportunity to build stronger relationships with potential clients. By following up with flexibility, engagement, and creativity, you can keep the door open for future collaborations and bids.
Not every client or project will be worth the effort, but remember that persistence in a thoughtful and professional manner pays off in the long run. They already know your name—your job is to stay in front of them and continue showing your value even after a bid rejection.
For more tips on how to get clients and run a food photography business, check out the business posts here:
5 Ways to Make More Money Without Finding New Clients
Signs You Need to Charge More – 3 Tips to Raising Your Prices
Everything You Need to Know About Client Estimates
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