What is the Difference Between Solicited and Unsolicited Proposals?

The main difference between solicited and unsolicited proposals lies in the customer's request for the proposal.

Solicited proposals are submitted in response to a customer's request, usually through a written Request for Proposals (RFP) or verbally. These proposals address the customer's specific needs and requirements, and they often come with formatting instructions and evaluation criteria. Solicited proposals are typically requested by customers who have a clear idea of what they want to purchase and expect a detailed description of the scope of work and deliverables.
Unsolicited proposals are submitted without the customer's request, initiated by the proposer on their own. These proposals aim to introduce a product or service to the customer, who may not have anticipated, planned, or budgeted for the proposal. Unsolicited proposals must be especially convincing, as the customer may not even bother to read them since they didn't ask for them. However, the lack of competitive pressure with unsolicited proposals often makes up for the risk.

In summary, solicited proposals are prepared and submitted in response to a customer's request, while unsolicited proposals are initiated by the proposer without any request from the customer.

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What is the Difference Between Solicited and Unsolicited Proposals?

Comparative Table: Solicited vs Unsolicited Proposals

Here is a table comparing the differences between solicited and unsolicited proposals:

Feature	Solicited Proposals	Unsolicited Proposals
Definition	Proposals submitted in response to a specific request, often through a Request for Proposals (RFP) or Request for Applications (RFA).	Proposals submitted without a specific request, often to advertise or introduce a product or service to a potential customer.
Request	Customers ask for proposals, either verbally or through written RFPs.	Proposals are sent without the customer requesting them, relying on the proposer's initiative.
Expectation	Customers expect the proposal and may have budgeted for it.	Customers may not expect the proposal, requiring the sender to convince them of the need or opportunity.
Format and Criteria	Solicited proposals often come with formatting instructions and selection criteria.	Unsolicited proposals may lack specific formatting instructions and criteria, as they are sent without a specific request.
Risk	Lower risk, as customers are expecting the proposal and have a need that they want to address.	Higher risk, as customers may not even bother to read the proposal since they didn't request it.
Competitive Pressure	Higher competitive pressure, as multiple proposals are often solicited from different providers.	Lower competitive pressure, as the proposer may be the only one introducing the product or service to the customer.

In summary, solicited proposals are submitted in response to a customer's request, while unsolicited proposals are sent without a specific request to introduce a product or service to potential customers. Solicited proposals often have a higher chance of being read and considered, while unsolicited proposals require more effort to convince the customer of their value and need.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.