MSP sales proposals are more than just a document detailing what you can offer to a prospective client and how much it will cost them. It also has details on the hardware and software they’re going to sell or implement for a client, which comes with a set of their own nuances. A proposal has the power to make or break a deal; in the case of an MSP, it matters a lot more to the success of the sales process you have invested in.
As an MSP, your ability to create sales proposals can mean the difference between your company's short-term revenue and long-term success.
This guide aims to dive deep into everything you need to know about creating an MSP sales proposal that converts.
Simply put, an MSP sales proposal is a document that outlines the products, services, and solutions that a managed service provider can offer to a prospective client or an existing customer. This includes the software and hardware that the MSP is going to sell to the client or implement for them, for which they are dependent on the technology companies that have built them. These are also commonly known as 'business proposals' or 'project proposals' in some industries and include a pricing breakdown of the scope of work.
Recommended read: Download free guide to creating successful MSP sales proposals with Zomentum
More often than not, sales proposals for MSPs are templatized. But let's take a look at why we think they need a little more attention before being sent:
A sales proposal is often a prospective client's first impression of a well-crafted MSP's services when winning new business. It's like a first date - you want to impress, show off your greatest assets, and leave a lasting impression. A well-crafted proposal can help differentiate the MSP from competitors and demonstrate its value to clients. This can be the difference between winning and losing new business.
A sales proposal isn't just about winning new business - it's also about setting expectations. You could compare it to planning a trip with your friends. You want to ensure everyone is on the same page about the destination, the itinerary, and the costs involved. Similarly, a sales proposal sets expectations for the client and the MSP. It outlines the scope of work, timeline, and charges, ensuring that both parties are on the same page.
A well-written sales proposal can build trust and establish the MSP as a credible and reliable partner beyond setting expectations. The proposal demonstrates that the MSP thoroughly understands the industry trends, benchmarks, and best practices, has taken note of the client's needs, and has a clear plan for meeting them.
Sales proposals will also help an MSP demonstrate that they have taken the time to understand the client's business and can deliver a tailored solution.
A sales proposal also serves as a roadmap for the project, outlining key milestones, deliverables, and timelines. This provides the client with a clear understanding of what to expect throughout the engagement. Moreover, it helps to ensure that the project stays on track.
Lastly, coming to the most important point, the sales proposal is a tool for closing the deal. The proposal provides the client with the information they need to decide whether to engage in MSP's services. A well-crafted proposal can help overcome objections and persuade the client to choose the MSP over your competitors.
A wellcrafted sales proposal also helps define the agreement you have with hardware and software solutions you intend to sell to the client, or implement for them. This may vary based on your scope of work and the extent to which you will be using the hardware or software.
Before creating an MSP sales proposal, let's do a little number-crunching to understand why every step is important. Here are some MSP sales proposal statistics highlighted time and again through surveys by HubSpot and Salesforce:
Before you begin creating a sales proposal, you must clearly understand your MSP business and what you have to offer. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
When it comes to writing an MSP sales proposal, there are several steps that should be followed to ensure you cover all ground. Here are the key steps we have identified working with MSPs from across the globe:
To streamline creating an MSP sales proposal, you can also use platforms like Zomentum.
Zomentum eases the process of creating sales proposals with the help of ready-to-use and customizable templates. These templates can be customized with project and pricing detail fields, branding, and more to help you navigate the above steps faster. They can be used multiple times, saving you time when it comes to creating proposals too.
PS. We will be sharing a detailed blog on what you should include in an MSP sales proposal. Remember to subscribe to our blog to be notified!
Creating an MSP sales proposal is not the end of your job. Once you send it, we at Zomentum recommend that MSPs plan their follow-ups on a case-based scenario. We typically take the following three responses to sales proposals:
Pro-tip: Remember also to keep time duration in mind. Don't spam or annoy your client with excessive emails.
Overall, Zomentum can help you streamline your sales proposal process and make it easier to handle different scenarios. By automating follow-up actions, you can save time and ensure your clients feel cared for at every funnel stage.
As your MSP business grows, the number of sales proposals you create will likely increase, and keeping track of them all is essential. While it may seem like a good idea to do so manually at the start, it's important to gradually move to leverage technology to streamline the process so that you don't miss out on any potential business opportunities.
This is where Zomentum comes in.
Zomentum is an all-in-one platform that can help you streamline your sales proposal process, keep track of your proposals, and automate follow-ups. You can create high-quality proposals quickly and efficiently with features like proposal templates and customizable workflows in minutes!
Struggling to gain control over your MSP sales proposals?