How to Improve Your Bid-to-Win Ratio & Win More Scaffolding Projects

Introduction

Every scaffolding company knows the pressure of submitting bids (tenders) under looming deadlines, narrow profit margins, and high competition. Because clients weigh speed and safety alongside cost, the winning bid often isn’t the lowest, it’s the one that clearly demonstrates value. In a market where one missed detail can cost you the job, companies that leverage scaffolding-specific software and proactive strategies are the ones consistently winning contracts. This article offers practical strategies to improve your bid-to-win ratio using modern tools, strategic approaches, and software like Avontus Designer®, Avontus Viewer®, and Quantify®.

What is a Bid-to-Win Ratio?

The bid-to-win ratio is a metric that indicates how many bids your company submits versus how many it actually wins. For example, a 5:1 ratio means five bids are submitted for every project won. A lower ratio often signals better targeting, clearer value delivery, and greater operational efficiency.

Why is a High Bid-to-Win Ratio Crucial in the Scaffold Industry?

A higher win rate means:

• Higher ROI on business development efforts
• Better forecasting and operational planning
• Greater overall profitability

Common Reasons Why Scaffolding Businesses Lose Bids

1. Inaccurate Estimates – Overestimating costs can make your bid uncompetitive (while underestimating can lead to cost overruns, missed deadlines, and problems during the build phase).
2. Lack of Differentiation – Proposals that fail to clearly convey the design or value of the scaffold are more likely to be passed over—especially when clients can’t visualize what they’re getting.
3. Time-Consuming Processes –Manually creating scaffold drawings and counting materials slows down bid preparation, making it harder to meet tight deadlines.
4. Poor Communication – When proposals lack detail or fail to address the client’s specific needs, it creates confusion and undermines confidence.

How to Improve Your Bid-to-Win Ratio Strategy

Price Your Bids Accurately

Accurate bid pricing balances competitiveness and profitability. Tools like Avontus Designer help generate detailed 3D scaffold models and a bill of materials (BOM), which can then be imported into the inventory management app Quantify to assist in building a complete estimate. The combined use of Avontus Designer and Quantify significantly reduces guesswork, optimizes equipment usage, and helps ensure that pricing aligns closely with project requirements.

Leverage Technology to Improve Speed and Accuracy

Avontus Designer simplifies scaffold design using a drag-and-drop interface. Automatic generation of an accurate BOM with each design helps improve both turnaround time and estimate accuracy on bids. The 3D model allows your team to identify potential hazards and design challenges before construction begins, enabling informed adjustments and reducing risk.

Plus, Avontus Designer integrates with the free Avontus Viewer app, which delivers augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR) visualization that brings scaffold models to life. Clients can virtually explore how the scaffold will be erected around their structure, improving comprehension and building trust. This immersive experience enhances the perceived value of your proposal and often plays a critical role in winning the bid.

Streamline Estimating and Engineering Workflows

Engineering costs and time delays kill efficiency. Avontus Designer enables sales teams to independently produce ready-to-build designs and an accurate, detailed bill of materials, minimizing dependency on engineering resources. This autonomy shortens the bid cycle, enables quick responses to scope changes, and helps secure fast turnaround opportunities that would otherwise be missed due to slow drafting processes or limited engineering availability.

Differentiate Your Bids to Win on Value, Not Price

Today’s customers look beyond cost. They want clarity, reliability, and speed. Avontus apps support this with accurate reports, immersive 3D visuals, and the ability to customize scaffold components to your specified manufacturer, ensuring compatibility and compliance with project-specific requirements. By helping identify hazards, outline access points, and plan equipment logistics directly in your proposal, you not only meet regulatory requirements but also prove your dedication to operational excellence and client-specific needs.

Unique Capabilities of Avontus Designer

• Scaffold Designs in Minutes: Quickly lay out scaffolds with drag-and-drop tools using built-in ring/kwikstage/cup system scaffold components —or import specific catalogs from over 40 manufacturers.
• AR/VR Visualization: View scaffold models in augmented or virtual reality using Avontus Viewer to present a highly engaging and realistic preview to clients.
• Instant BOM Generation: Generate an accurate bill of materials with each design, which helps streamline planning, supports precise procurement, and reduces the risk of over- or under-ordering materials.
• Effortless Integration with Avontus Quantify: Integrate with Quantify inventory management software to generate an estimate for your bid, then once the job is won, easily turn that estimate into a reservation and shipment.

Conclusion: Boost Profitability with Smart Bidding

Avontus Designer, Avontus Viewer, and Quantify are transforming how scaffolding companies approach project proposals. From initial design through estimation and client presentation, these tools support a streamlined, professional workflow that reduces inefficiencies and miscommunication. Designer produces accurate 3D models and BOMs that enhance planning and procurement; Viewer enables AR/VR experiences that clarify and elevate your pitch; and Quantify supports pricing alignment by turning BOMs into material cost estimates. Together, they help scaffolding businesses win more bids by improving clarity, reinforcing trust, and reducing costly errors throughout the proposal lifecycle. Avontus’ solution suite enables scaffolding companies to:

• Improve operational efficiency
• Deliver higher-value proposals
• Win more jobs without sacrificing margins

Additional Tips for Writing a Strong Scaffolding Proposal

• Use 3D models and walkthroughs to enhance clarity
• Customize each bid for the specific project scope
• Highlight your unique value proposition (e.g., safety, efficiency, technology)
• Follow up with clients to reinforce interest and show commitment

Want to win more scaffolding projects? Schedule an Avontus Designer demo today.

FAQs

1. What is a good bid-to-win ratio in the scaffold industry? A ratio of 4:1 or better is considered strong in the scaffold industry, depending on the market.

2. How can I calculate my company’s bid-to-win ratio? Divide the number of bids (tenders) won by the number of total bids submitted in a given timeframe.

3. What’s the biggest mistake in scaffolding bids? The biggest mistake scaffold companies make in the bid process is undervaluing their services to win on price instead of demonstrating value and quality.

4. Can I use Avontus Designer without engineering experience? Yes, the software is designed for sales teams and non-technical users, with drag-and-drop simplicity.

5. What are the benefits of AR/VR in scaffold proposals? AR/VR models provide clients with an immersive view of the project, increasing understanding and trust in your design.