Sample Proposal Rejection Letter [+ Format & Template]

Every once in a while, a company will advertise a bid. It will then likely receive proposals from different companies. While it is the norm for the advertising company to accept one of the bids and reject the others, they must also break the news to the rejected companies. In the corporate world, this is best done through a professional rejection letter.

A proposal rejection letter is a formal document written by one company to another. It expresses regret that the first company is rejecting the other company’s proposal. In most cases, it also explains why the first company came to this decision.

Rejection letters carry negative news. However, they can be well-received if written in the right tone, language, and format. Here is all you need to know to draft an effective proposal rejection letter. Also, read the guide for writing a website design proposal request in the Ramotion blog so as not to receive rejections.

A well-written proposal rejection letter should be polite, informational, and precise. It should explain your decision without alienating the recipient. To help you draft such a letter, here are some writing pointers:

• Mention the proposal – State details about the request, such as date received and title. This will assure the recipient that you received, reviewed, and considered their proposal.
• Thank the recipient – Express appreciation for the recipient’s interest and willingness to work with you.
• State the rejection – Use precise but polite terms to let the recipient know you have rejected their proposal. This is ultimately better than leaving them to guess your intentions.
• Give a reason for the rejection – Explain to the recipient why you have to say no. Are their prices too high? Do you find their terms restrictive? Help them understand that rejection is not a personal attack.
• Offer constructive advice if possible – Provide pointers that could help make the recipient a successful bidder in the future.
• Suggest possible solutions
• Be polite and professional
• Mention your willingness together on future projects if the recipient makes some improvements
• End on a positive note such as gratitude

Proposal Rejection Letter (Word Template)

Not every bidding company will meet your set guidelines. Some may offer too high prices or too low-quality products. As a company manager, your mandate is to notify such companies that you cannot work with them. This is considered both professional and polite.

When drafting your proposal rejection letter, use courteous language. Don’t shut any doors on the recipient, especially if you might need them later. Try to be helpful when mentioning why you rejected their bid. Your pointers could help the company improve its approach.

Finally, always send your rejection letter on time to allow the rejected company to plan their work.