Submitting Proposals (Vendors)
As a vendor, proposals are how you pitch your services to buyers who have posted requests. Browse open requests, find projects that match your skills, and submit a compelling proposal to win the work.
Finding Buyer Requests
Go to Dashboard > Buyer Requests to see all open requests from buyers. You can:
- Browse all open requests
- Filter by category
- Search by keywords
- Sort by budget or date posted
Click any request to see the full details: project description, budget, desired timeline, required skills, and any attached files.
What Goes Into a Proposal
Each proposal has three required fields and a few optional ones.
Cover Letter (Required)
This is your pitch. Explain why you are the right vendor for the job. A great cover letter:
- Shows you understand the project
- Highlights relevant experience
- Outlines your approach or plan
- Feels personalized (not copy-pasted)
Buyers can tell the difference between a thoughtful response and a generic template. Take the time to address their specific needs.
Proposed Price (Required)
Your price for completing the project. Review the buyer's stated budget and set a competitive rate that reflects the value of your work.
- Pricing within the buyer's range gets more attention
- Prices far below market rate raise red flags
- If your rate is above their budget, explain why the extra value is worth it
Delivery Time (Required)
How many days you need to complete the work. Be realistic -- it is better to slightly overestimate and deliver early than to promise a tight deadline and miss it. Build in a buffer for revisions.
Attachments (Optional)
Link to portfolio samples, similar past projects, mockups, or anything that strengthens your pitch.
Service Link (Optional)
If you have an existing service listing that matches the request, link it. The buyer will see your service details, reviews, and ratings -- which builds trust.
One Proposal Per Request
You can only submit one proposal per request. If you want to change something after submitting, you can edit your proposal while it is still pending. If you withdraw your proposal, you can submit a new one as long as the request is still open.
Proposal Statuses
| Status | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Pending | Submitted and waiting for the buyer's decision |
| Accepted | Buyer chose you -- an order is created automatically |
| Rejected | Buyer went with another vendor |
| Withdrawn | You pulled your proposal back |
Editing Your Proposal
You can update your cover letter, price, and delivery time at any time while your proposal is still pending. Once the buyer accepts or rejects it, the proposal is locked.
To edit, go to Dashboard > My Proposals, find the proposal, and make your changes.
When Your Proposal Is Accepted
When a buyer accepts your proposal:
- An order is created automatically with your proposed price and timeline
- All other proposals on that request are declined
- You are notified by email and in your dashboard
- The buyer completes payment
- You start work once payment is confirmed
Withdrawing a Proposal
Changed your mind? Go to Dashboard > My Proposals, find the proposal, and click Withdraw. The buyer is notified, and you can submit a fresh proposal if the request is still open.
Good reasons to withdraw: schedule changed, project scope is unclear, or you found a better opportunity.
Tips for Winning Proposals
Do:
- Personalize every proposal to the specific request
- Show relevant examples from your portfolio
- Be upfront about your timeline and process
- Proofread before submitting
Avoid:
- Generic copy-paste responses
- Pricing far below market rate just to win
- Promising unrealistic timelines
- Ignoring the project requirements
If Your Proposal Is Rejected
It happens. Common reasons include budget mismatch, timeline differences, or the buyer choosing someone they have worked with before. Focus on the next opportunity, and use any feedback to improve future proposals.
Common Questions
Can I submit proposals to multiple requests at once? Yes. There is no limit on how many active proposals you can have. Focus on quality over quantity for the best results.
Can I see what other vendors proposed? No. Proposals are private -- only the buyer sees all submissions. You can only see your own.
Do I get notified when the buyer views my proposal? Not currently. You will be notified when your proposal is accepted or rejected.
What if the buyer never responds? Give it 5-7 days. Some buyers take time to review. If there is no response, move on to other requests.