# Proposal template (3-package, scope-proof)

A proposal that sells the result, prices in packages, and blocks scope creep before it starts. Fill the [BRACKETS]. Delete the italic notes before sending. Target length: 2 pages.

*How to fill it fast: run the project through `tools/project-pricing-calculator.html` first. It gives you the 3 package prices, the payment schedule and the opening paragraph.*

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# [Project name] — Proposal for [Client company]

**Prepared by:** [Your name / studio] · **Date:** [DATE] · **Valid until:** [DATE + 14 days]

## 1. Where you are now

*2–4 sentences in the client's own words from the discovery call. This proves you listened. Schwartz rule: they must recognize their problem before they'll trust your solution.*

> Right now, [CLIENT] [current situation, e.g. "gets most leads from referrals, and the website isn't converting the traffic from your new ads"]. You told me the biggest cost is [their pain, e.g. "losing an estimated 20 demo requests a month"]. You want [desired outcome] by [date/event].

## 2. The result we're aiming for

*One measurable outcome, and how you'll know it's done.*

> By [DATE], you'll have [deliverable outcome, e.g. "a 6-page site that turns ad traffic into booked demos"], ready for [event/use]. Success looks like: [1–2 concrete markers, e.g. "demo form live and tracked, page load under 2 seconds on mobile"].

## 3. How I'll get you there

*Your mechanism: 3–5 phases. Name them. A named process is easier to trust and to pay for.*

| Phase | What happens | You get | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Discovery | [e.g. 60-min workshop, audit of current site] | [e.g. sitemap + messaging brief] | Week 1 |
| 2. Design | [ ] | [ ] | Week [ ] |
| 3. Build | [ ] | [ ] | Week [ ] |
| 4. Launch & handover | [ ] | [ ] | Week [ ] |

## 4. Choose your package

| | **Essentials** | **Complete** (recommended) | **Priority** |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Deliverable 1] | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| [Deliverable 2] | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| [Deliverable 3] | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Revision rounds | [1] | [2] | [3] |
| Timeline | [N+1] weeks | [N] weeks | [~0.75N] weeks |
| Support after delivery | Email during project | [14] days of fixes | [30] days + strategy session |
| **Investment** | **[GOOD]** | **[BETTER]** | **[BEST]** |

*Why three: clients compare your packages with each other instead of comparing you with other freelancers. Make the middle one the one you want to sell. Make the top one something you'd be genuinely happy to do.*

## 5. What's not included

*Copy from clause 3.2 of the clause library. List the 4–8 things clients in your niche usually assume are included.*

- [e.g. Copywriting. You provide final text, or add copywriting for [PRICE]]
- [e.g. Stock photo licenses]
- [e.g. Ongoing maintenance after the support window, available at [RATE]/month]
- [e.g. Additional pages: [PRICE] each]

Anything not listed in your package gets a short written quote (a "change order") before I start it. No surprises on either side.

## 6. What I need from you

- [Content / logins / brand assets] by [DATE]
- One point of contact who can approve decisions: [NAME]
- Feedback within [5] business days of each delivery, as one consolidated list

*Timeline dates assume these. If they slip, the timeline moves by the same amount.*

## 7. Payment

| Payment | Amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | [40]% — [AMOUNT] | On signing. Reserves your start date |
| Milestone | [30]% — [AMOUNT] | On [milestone] approval, due in [14] days |
| Final | [30]% — [AMOUNT] | Before final files / access handover |

Invoices are due within [14] days. Work pauses if an invoice is more than 14 days overdue. Full ownership of the final deliverables transfers to you on full payment.

## 8. Why me

*2–3 proof points, specific. Numbers over adjectives. One short testimonial if you have it.*

- [e.g. "Built 14 sites for B2B SaaS teams in the last 2 years"]
- [e.g. Result for a similar client: "Northwind's demo requests went from 12 to 31/month after relaunch"]
- [e.g. "You'll always talk to me directly. No account managers."]

## 9. Next step

> Reply "Go — [package name]" and I'll send the agreement and deposit invoice the same day. Your start date is confirmed once the deposit lands. I currently have [one start slot in MONTH / availability from DATE].

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*Before sending, check:*
- [ ] Their problem is described in their words (section 1)
- [ ] Exactly one measurable result (section 2)
- [ ] Exclusions list filled in (section 5)
- [ ] Prices checked against your floor in the calculator
- [ ] Expiry date set (14 days)
- [ ] Your contract clauses attached or linked (clause library: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

**Made by Dan Shipped — @danshipped.** Template only, not legal advice.