Sample Email for Unsuccessful Tender: How to Gracefully Decline a Bid

In the business world, writing emails is a necessary skill that every professional should master. And if you’re in charge of responding to tenders, being able to craft polite and clear emails is paramount, even if they’re about unsuccessful tenders. To help you in that regard, we’ve put together some examples of sample emails for an unsuccessful tender.

You can find multiple examples of them online, and edit them as needed to suit your unique situation. By doing so, you can learn how to use the right tone, language, and structure to let your recipient know that they haven’t been successful in winning the tender.

Whether you’re sending these emails to external vendors, potential partners, or internal stakeholders, it’s essential to do it properly. Remember that this is an opportunity to build your brand, show professionalism, and maintain a good corporate image.

So without further ado, here are some examples of sample emails for unsuccessful tenders. We’ve made them as concise, courteous, and informative as possible, letting the recipients know that their tender wasn’t successful, but also establishing a positive, respectful relationship moving forward.

Sample Email for Unsuccessful Tender:

Dear [Recipient],

We regret to inform you that your tender submission for [Name of Tender] has not been successful. Although your submission met our technical requirements, another supplier’s offer better matched our needs.

We appreciate the time and resources that you have invested in preparing your submission and would like to thank you for your participation in the tender process.

Please note that we would welcome opportunities to work with you in the future if there is a suitable project or tender that aligns with your capabilities and our needs. We appreciate your organisation’s skills, and we hope you’ll bid for more of our tenders in the future.

And we’d like to remind you that all aspects of the evaluation process were carried out objectively, fairly, and transparently.

Thank you again for your proposal and interest in working with us.

Best regards,

[Name and signature]

Hopefully, these examples will serve as a helpful guide for your unsuccessful tender email communications. Remember to always convey positivity, clarity, and respect, and you’ll be well on your way to establishing a long-lasting, positive relationship with your recipients.

The Best Structure for a Sample Email for Unsuccessful Tender

If you’re a business owner or decision-maker and have ever been in charge of issuing tenders, you’ll know all too well that not every bid will win. Unfortunately, it’s a fact of business life that not everyone can be successful all the time. However, it’s important to remember that businesses which treat unsuccessful bidders with respect and professionalism will ultimately benefit more in the long term than those who don’t.

With that in mind, let’s look at the best structure for a sample email for unsuccessful tender:

1. Start With a Brief Thank-You

Your first paragraph should acknowledge the bidder’s efforts and investment of time and resources. Something like “Thank you for taking the time to submit your proposal. We appreciate the effort that went into preparing it” can go a long way in building a positive relationship with the unsuccessful bidder.

2. Getting to the Point

Your second paragraph should provide clear and concise feedback on why the bid wasn’t successful. It’s important to avoid generic statements in this section. Instead, focus on specific aspects of the bid that didn’t meet the requirements or expectations, whether it was price, delivery time, quality of goods or services, or any other factors.

3. Be Honest

Honesty is always the best policy in business, so if there are specific reasons for rejecting the bid, it’s best to be frank and open about these. However, you need to do it in a way that doesn’t come across as negative or hostile. Be professional and respectful in your communication.

4. Offer Encouragement

Remember that it’s always important to foster long-term relationships with other businesses, even those that weren’t successful in the bidding process. As such, always offer some form of encouragement and invitation for the failed bidder to try again in the future. After all, this leaves the door open for future business opportunities and shows that you value the bidder’s efforts. However, make sure this is done in a sincere manner, or it may come across as being insincere.

5. End on a Positive Note

Always end the email on a positive note. Thank the bidder once more for their interest and effort and wish them all the best for their future endeavors.

In conclusion, the structure of a sample email for unsuccessful tender is essential and potentially impacts the entire business’s perception. By following the above structure, businesses can ensure they deliver the unhappy news professionally and genuinely. Moreover, when businesses make an effort to send constructive feedback, they transform a disappointing result into a growth opportunity for the failed bidder. Not only does this foster better business relationships, but it also reflects positively on the company’s brand image and reputation.

Email Templates for Unsuccessful Tender

Regret Letter for Unsuccessful Tender Due to Non-Compliance

Dear [Bidder Name],

We regret to inform you that your tender for [Project Name] has been unsuccessful. Our bid assessment team found that your submission did not meet the necessary compliance standards required for selection.

Although we appreciate your interest in working with us and the effort you put into submitting your tender, it is important that we adhere to our strict compliance guidelines to ensure that all our vendors meet our minimum requirements

Thank you for taking the time to apply for this tender. We encourage you to apply for future opportunities with us as they arise.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Regret Letter for Unsuccessful Tender Due to Lower Bid

Dear [Bidder Name],

We regret to inform you that your tender for [Project Name] has been unsuccessful. Our bid assessment team found that we have received a submission from another bidder that offered a lower price while meeting our requirements.

We understand that this may be disappointing news, but we must select the proposal that offers us the best value for our money and meets our requirements.

Thank you for taking the time to apply for this tender. We encourage you to apply for future opportunities with us as they arise.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Regret Letter for Unsuccessful Tender Due to Lack of Experience

Dear [Bidder Name],

We regret to inform you that your tender for [Project Name] has been unsuccessful. Our bid assessment team found that your submission lacked the necessary experience required for this project.

Although we appreciate your interest in working with us and the effort you put into submitting your tender, we require vendors with relevant experience for this project to ensure successful project delivery and completion.

Thank you for taking the time to apply for this tender. We encourage you to apply for future opportunities with us as they arise.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Regret Letter for Unsuccessful Tender Due to Late Submission

Dear [Bidder Name],

We regret to inform you that your tender for [Project Name] has been unsuccessful. Unfortunately, our bid assessment team found that your submission was received after our submission deadline.

Although we appreciate your interest in working with us and the effort you put into submitting your tender, we must maintain a fair and impartial assessment process and cannot accept late submissions.

Thank you for taking the time to apply for this tender. We encourage you to apply for future opportunities with us as they arise.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Regret Letter for Unsuccessful Tender Due to Inadequate Information

Dear [Bidder Name],

We regret to inform you that your tender for [Project Name] has been unsuccessful. Our bid assessment team found that your submission did not provide adequate information on your proposed solution for the project.

Although we appreciate your interest in working with us and the effort you put into submitting your tender, we require vendors to provide detailed and comprehensive proposals for our review.

Thank you for taking the time to apply for this tender. We encourage you to apply for future opportunities with us as they arise.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Regret Letter for Unsuccessful Tender Due to Technical Issues

Dear [Bidder Name],

We regret to inform you that your tender for [Project Name] has been unsuccessful. Unfortunately, our bid assessment team found that your submission had technical issues impeding the assessment process.

Although we appreciate your interest in working with us and the effort you put into submitting your tender, we require submissions that are technically sound and can be assessed without issue.

Thank you for taking the time to apply for this tender. We encourage you to apply for future opportunities with us as they arise.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Regret Letter for Unsuccessful Tender Due to Scope of Work

Dear [Bidder Name],

We regret to inform you that your tender for [Project Name] has been unsuccessful. Our bid assessment team found that your submission did not fully meet the scope of work required for this project.

Although we appreciate your interest in working with us and the effort you put into submitting your tender, we require submissions that fully meet the scope of work outlined in the tender.

Thank you for taking the time to apply for this tender. We encourage you to apply for future opportunities with us as they arise.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Tips for Writing a Sample Email for an Unsuccessful Tender

Writing an email to inform a company that their tender has been unsuccessful can be a daunting task. You want to be professional while also being sensitive to the fact that they have invested time and effort into the process. Here are some tips to keep in mind when crafting your email:

  • Be clear and concise: You want to make sure that your email is easy to understand and doesn’t leave room for misinterpretation. Get straight to the point in a concise manner.
  • Show appreciation: Even though the tender was unsuccessful, it’s important to show appreciation for the effort the company put in. Thank them for their submission and their interest in the project.
  • Provide feedback: While you might not be required to do so, providing feedback to the company can be incredibly helpful. Be specific in your feedback and highlight areas that could have been improved.
  • Offer support: You might want to offer support to the company if they decide to submit a tender again in the future. Let them know that you are available to provide guidance and answer any questions they may have.
  • Provide a contact: It’s always helpful to provide a contact person in case the company has any further questions or concerns. Let them know who they can reach out to if they need any further assistance.

Writing an email for an unsuccessful tender can be tough, but it’s important to keep the above tips in mind so that you can be professional and helpful throughout the process. Remember that the company may be disappointed and frustrated about not being selected, but your email can provide clarity and a positive path forward.

FAQs related to sample email for unsuccessful tender


What is a sample email for unsuccessful tender?

A sample email for unsuccessful tender is an example of an email that a company can send to a bidder whose bid has been unsuccessful. The email politely informs the bidder that their bid has not been successful and explains the reasons why.

Why would a company need to send a sample email for unsuccessful tender?

A company may need to send a sample email for unsuccessful tender to notify bidders that their bids have not been successful in a professional and courteous manner. This can help to maintain good relationships with bidders, reduce the risk of legal action, and preserve the company’s reputation.

What should be included in a sample email for unsuccessful tender?

A sample email for unsuccessful tender should include a clear and concise explanation of why the bidder’s bid has not been successful. It should also express gratitude for the bidder’s effort, thank them for their interest, and provide contact details for further inquiries.

When should a company send a sample email for unsuccessful tender?

A company should send a sample email for unsuccessful tender as soon as possible after the decision has been made. This helps to maintain good relationships with bidders and to avoid any potential legal action that could arise from delayed or unclear communication.

Can a sample email for unsuccessful tender be personalized?

Yes, a sample email for unsuccessful tender can be personalized by adding the bidder’s name, the specific details of their bid, and any other details that are relevant to the decision to reject their bid. Personalization can help to demonstrate that the company has carefully considered the bidder’s application.

What tone should be used in a sample email for unsuccessful tender?

A sample email for unsuccessful tender should use a professional and polite tone that conveys gratitude for the bidder’s effort and a clear explanation of why their bid has not been successful. The tone should be sensitive to the bidder’s feelings while also maintaining a professional distance.

Is it important to provide a reason for the rejection in a sample email for unsuccessful tender?

Yes, it is important to provide a clear and concise reason for the rejection in a sample email for unsuccessful tender. This helps bidders to understand why they were not successful and can help them to improve their bids in future tenders.

What should a company do after sending a sample email for unsuccessful tender?

After sending a sample email for unsuccessful tender, a company should be prepared to provide additional information or answer any questions that the bidder may have. The company should also be open to providing feedback to the bidder about their bid and how they can improve their chances in future tenders.

Can a company provide feedback to bidders in a sample email for unsuccessful tender?

Yes, a company can provide feedback to bidders in a sample email for unsuccessful tender. Providing feedback can help bidders to improve their bids in future tenders and can also help the company to receive better quality bids in future tenders.

Thanks for Reading and Keep Trying

So that’s it folks, I hope this helped you create your own unsuccessful tender email. Remember, it’s not the end of the world if you don’t win a bid. Just keep trying and improving your strategies. There are always new opportunities and plenty of fish in the sea. Thanks again for visiting and be sure to come back for more helpful tips and tricks!