Before you send this: replace the [square brackets] with your details, delete anything that doesn't apply, and delete the tips under each heading. Then delete this line.

PROPOSAL FOR [CLIENT'S BUSINESS NAME]
How we'd approach your project

Prepared by: [Your business name] · [your name]
Contact: [your email] · [your phone] · ABN [your ABN]
Prepared for: [Client's business name] · [contact name]
Date: [Date]
Valid until: [Date]
Version: v1

Thanks for sending your brief. This sets out what we understood, what we're assuming, how we'd work and the options. It doesn't include design ideas: those start once you've said yes and we've agreed the scope. Please read it, ask about anything that isn't clear, and reply by the date above.

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PART 1 — THE JOB
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1. What you asked for
   Tip: Two or three sentences, in the client's own words from their brief: what the job is for, what they need and by when. If you've misread something, it shows up here, before any work starts.
   

2. What we're assuming
   Tip: List what you've assumed and the questions you still have, e.g. who supplies the wording and photos, and who gives the final OK. Say what you'll assume until they reply.
   

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PART 2 — HOW WE'LL WORK
============================================================

3. How we'll work
   Tip: For each stage, say what you'll show, when, and what you need back. Don't include designs, concepts or sketches at this stage: the proposal shows how you'll work, not the work itself. The AGDA proposal template puts it this way: “AGDA does not support pitching strategic or creative solutions.”
   This proposal doesn't include design ideas. Those start once you've said yes and we've both agreed the scope of work.
   Stage 1 — [name]
      You'll see: 
      When: 
      We need from you: 
   Stage 2 — [name]
      You'll see: 
      When: 
      We need from you: 
   Stage 3 — [name]
      You'll see: 
      When: 
      We need from you: 
   Stage 4 — [name]
      You'll see: 
      When: 
      We need from you: 

4. What you'll get, and what's not included
   Tip: Write each item so it can be counted: what it is, how many, what size, which file types and how it's handed over. Then list what someone could easily assume is part of the job.
   You'll get: 
   Handover: 
   Rounds of changes included: 
   Not included: 

5. Key dates
   Tip: Give the reason for each date, and say whether it can move. These dates only hold if the client says yes by the date on the cover.
   - Work starts:  Date:      Why this date:      Can it move? [ ] Yes [ ] No
   - First drafts to you:  Date:      Why this date:      Can it move? [ ] Yes [ ] No
   - Final OK:  Date:      Why this date:      Can it move? [ ] Yes [ ] No
   - Final files delivered:  Date:      Why this date:      Can it move? [ ] Yes [ ] No

============================================================
PART 3 — PRICE AND RIGHTS
============================================================

6. Price and options
   Tip: Keep amounts out of the proposal: put them in the quote and point to it here. Offer one option, or two or three with a different scope. If you're registered for GST, say whether prices include or exclude it.
   Option A: 
   Option B: 
   Price: 
   GST (if you're registered):  [ ] Prices include GST   [ ] Prices exclude GST
   Amounts and payment terms are in the quote.

7. Who owns the work, and licences
   Tip: Unless a contract says otherwise, the designer owns the IP in what they create. Say whether ownership passes to the client (and when), where they can use the work, and who pays for photo and font licences. If ownership passes to the client, make sure the price reflects it.
   Who owns the final design:  [ ] You, once paid in full   [ ] We do — you can use it as written below
   Where and for how long you can use it: 
   Editable files: 
   Photo, font or other licence costs:  [ ] You pay   [ ] We pay (included in the quote)   [ ] None expected
   Details: 
   The full terms go in the scope of work.

============================================================
PART 4 — ABOUT US AND NEXT STEPS
============================================================

8. About us
   Tip: Two or three past jobs like this one, with a line on what you did. Only show work, client names and testimonials the client has agreed you can use.
   Who we are: 
   Past job 1: [Client, what we did, link]
   Past job 2: [Client, what we did, link]
   Past job 3: [Client, what we did, link]
   What a client said: [Testimonial, name and business]
   We only show work and client words that the client has agreed we can share.

9. Next steps
   Tip: Give a date to reply by and the reason for it, how to say yes (signature or email), and what you'll send next.
   Please reply by: [Date], so that [reason].
   To say yes: Sign below, or reply to our email saying which option you'd like.
   What happens next: Within [   ] business days we'll send the scope of work for you to check and sign. Work starts once you've confirmed it.
   Accepted for [Client's business name]
      Option chosen:  [ ] Option A   [ ] Option B
      Name: 
      Signature: 
      Date: 
   Or confirmed by email on: 

Questions? Email [your email]. We're happy to talk it through.

This template is a general starting point, not legal or tax advice. For questions about contracts, intellectual property or GST, talk to a lawyer or a registered tax agent.