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A collection of ideas to help you take control of your sales and grow your business! Practical guides, easy advice, and smart tips for closing more deals.

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    The customer is not always right

    businesssalesproposals

    You've probably heard this a million times - "the customer is always right." Almost every company lives by this rule. Some follow it so blindly that even when a cust omer is completely wrong, they still bend over backwards to please them.Look, wanting to make customers happy is great. But let's be real - it's just not possible to please everyone all the time. Plus, this famous saying has been shortened over the years, and we've completely missed the point.The full saying changes everythingWhat Harry Selfridge actually said was "the customer is always right in matters of taste." Big difference, right? He meant customers know what they like and what they don't like.Think about it this way. You own a shoe store. A customer walks in, you show them a pair, and they say "these are ugly." Well, they're right not to buy them because they have to wear them. Same goes for a wedding dress shop - if all your customers want white dresses but you keep stocking blue ones, then white is clearly the right choice.This is basic business sense. Listen to what your customers needs and adapt to their needs. But don't confuse this with saying yes to every crazy demand they throw at you.Why we forgot the important partSimple answer - language gets lazy. We love shortcuts when we talk, so long phrases get cut down over time. The problem is, when you cut out words, you lose the real meaning.People want to communicate fast, so "the customer is always right in matters of taste" became just "the customer is always right." See how different that sounds? Same thing happened to other sayings too. Like "great minds think alike" - the full version is "great minds think alike, but fools seldom differ."Nobody's right 100% of the timeCustomers included. Yes, happy customers come back. Yes, customer satisfaction drives business success. But trying to please everyone at any cost? That's a recipe for disaster.Imagine a restaurant that makes any dish a customer asks for, even if it's not on the menu. Sounds nice, but now your kitchen is chaos, other customers are waiting forever, and nobody knows what you actually serve anymore. Or think about stores with unlimited returns - sounds great until people start abusing it and your costs go through the roof.Five types of customers who are definitely wrongNot every customer deserves the red carpet treatment. Here are the ones you should absolutely say no to.1. The impossible customerThey walk into your shoe store and ask for forest green shoes. You explain you don't carry that color. They insist you "check in the back." You explain again - the manufacturer doesn't even make that color. But they still don't believe you and demand you keep looking.2. The angry customerThese people think yelling will get them what they want. They show up at a packed restaurant without a reservation and get mad about waiting. Then they spend the whole meal snapping at servers and making everyone around them uncomfortable.3. The scammer customerThey bought something months ago, used it wrong, broke it, and now want a full refund. When you point out the obvious misuse, they swear they followed all the instructions. Even when you show them proof, they stick to their story.4. The entitled customerThey missed your return window, don't have a receipt, but still demand a refund because "the customer is always right." No matter how many times you explain your policy, they refuse to accept it.5. The liar customerThey claim their laptop arrived damaged and want a replacement. But when you ask for details, their story keeps changing. Eventually, they admit they dropped it while unboxing but still expect you to cover it.Know when to say noGreat customer service means knowing when to draw the line. Giving in to unreasonable demands doesn't just hurt your business - it tells your employees their wellbeing doesn't matter. Your staff shouldn't have to take abuse just because someone's a paying customer. Finding the balance between customer satisfaction and employee respect? That's what real business success looks like.Want to create proposals that close deals faster? Get early access and start building winning proposals in minutes, not hours.

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    Digital signatures have become super popular for signing documents online. They're secure, fast, and convenient. But here's the thing - they don't work in every situation. There are times when digital signatures just aren't the right fit. Whether it's because of legal rules, tech problems, or simple human factors, you need to know when they won't work. Let's break down the main scenarios where you can't rely on digital signatures.1. No internet or tech accessHere's a basic one - digital signatures need computers and internet. If your client is in an area with poor connectivity or doesn't have access to the right devices, you're stuck. Without proper internet and the necessary tech setup, getting documents signed electronically becomes a real headache. Sometimes, you just have to go old school with pen and paper.2. When people don't know how to use themEven if everything's set up perfectly on the tech side, your clients might not know what they're doing. And that's a bigger problem than you'd think. If someone doesn't understand the signing process, they'll make mistakes. Maybe they'll sign in the wrong spot, skip important steps, or just give up halfway through. The worst part? Some people think a scanned signature is the same as a proper digital one. It's not.These mix-ups can make your documents legally invalid, which nobody wants to deal with later.3. Legal requirements and restrictionsMost countries now accept digital signatures as legally valid. The EU has eIDAS, and the US has the E-SIGN Act. Both give electronic signatures the same legal weight as handwritten ones for business deals. But notice the keyword there - "most" business deals. Not all of them.Some documents still need a physical signature no matter what. Government paperwork, certain legal agreements, and high-stakes contracts often fall into this category. The authorities want to minimize fraud risks, so they stick with traditional methods.Lawyers will tell you that wills, trusts, and estate planning documents usually need handwritten signatures. Same goes for anything that needs to be notarized - many places still require you to show up in person for that.Marriage certificates, adoption papers, and documents needing an apostille also typically need physical signatures. These rules vary by location, so always check your local laws before assuming digital will work.4. Complicated file formatsPDFs and Word documents are everywhere, right? But they're actually pretty annoying to sign digitally. The process is clunky. You download the file, open it in specific software, figure out where to add your signature, apply it using the right tools, save it, and upload it again. That's way too many steps. People make mistakes during this process all the time. They forget steps, use the wrong software, or can't figure out digital certificates. It's frustrating and time-consuming. This is exactly why smart companies use platforms that have signatures built right in. No downloading, no special software, no confusion.5. When someone says noThis one's simple but important - both parties have to agree to use digital signatures. It's the law in both Europe and the US. If your client doesn't want to sign digitally for any reason, you can't force them. You'll need to provide a traditional signing option instead.ConclusionSome problems on this list are out of your control - you can't fix someone's internet connection or change government regulations. But most of these issues are totally solvable, and the key is making the signing process as simple as possible. When clients feel nervous about signing online, it's usually because the process seems complicated or unfamiliar. That's where Wonit helps - our proposals come with built-in e-signatures that actually work the way people expect them to, so your clients don't need to download anything, install certificates, or learn new software. They just click, sign, and they're done.

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    Sending a proposal shouldn't feel like a gamble, but often it does. You've talked to the client, understood their needs, presented your solution - and now everything depends on one document. A strong proposal closes deals. A weak one loses them.If your proposals keep getting ignored or clients take forever to respond, you're probably making one of these four mistakes. The good news? They're all fixable.1. The "simple" emailThrowing your proposal into an email seems quick and easy. Add some text, paste a link or two, attach a file. Hit send and you're done.But here's what actually happens: emails break. Images don't load on the client's device. Formatting falls apart. Links get lost in long threads. Your clean proposal turns into a mess of broken elements and confusing information.When clients forward your email to their team, everyone sees the same chaotic jumble. You look unprepared and unprofessional - exactly the opposite of what you're trying to achieve.2. The plain text proposalPlain text feels like the safe choice. No formatting issues, no design work, just straightforward information. If you're sending multiple proposals or don't trust your design skills, this seems practical.But clients notice. A plain text proposal looks rushed, like you couldn't be bothered to make it presentable. From their perspective, it reflects how much effort you'll put into their actual project.The numbers don't lie either - well-designed proposals convert 82% better than plain text ones. Presentation isn't optional. It's a major part of closing the deal.3. The payment linkThe meeting went well. Client's ready to start. You send a quick email listing your services in bullet points, mention the price, and ask them to confirm. Then you follow up with a payment link.This feels efficient, but it's costing you deals. Without a proper proposal document, clients don't have the full picture. If they need to show it to their team or manager, your bullet points don't provide enough detail for decision-making.Plus, typing "confirmed" in an email doesn't feel official. It lacks the security and professionalism of a real agreement. Even ready-to-buy clients can get uncomfortable with this informal approach and back out.4. Skipping the proposal altogetherClient says they're ready to buy, so why waste time on a proposal? Just send the invoice and get paid, right?Wrong. An invoice only shows what they owe. It doesn't outline what you're delivering, when you're delivering it, or under what terms. Without this clarity upfront, you're setting up misunderstandings and scope creep.Clients need to see the full picture before committing. Skip the proposal and they'll either hesitate or choose someone who gave them more confidence through proper documentation.The simple fix?Stop sending broken emails and plain text documents. Use proper proposal software. With Wonit, just tell the AI what you need - "marketing proposal, $50K budget, 3-month timeline" - and you'll get a professional proposal in minutes. Pricing tables, timelines, clean design, everything included. No templates to figure out.Prefer building it yourself? Use the simple drag-and-drop editor with ready-made blocks. Everything automatically looks good on any device.Track when clients view your proposal and which sections they read. They'll also see an AI chatbot that answers their questions instantly. Add e-signature and payment links to close everything in one place.ConclusionClients won't tell you what's wrong with your proposal. They'll just choose someone else whose proposal felt clearer and more professional. Most lost deals aren't about your service or pricing - they're about how you presented it. Fix these four mistakes and you'll see your close rate improve. Your proposal is often your last chance to win the client. Make it count.Want to create proposals that close deals faster? Get early access and start building winning proposals in minutes, not hours.

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    So, you've done the work, put together your offer, and sent the proposal. Now, you're just waiting for them to sign. But it doesn't happen. You follow up once, no answer. You follow up again and still - nothing. If you follow up a third time, will you look desperate? If you don't, is the deal dead?To be honest, you're right to worry. Follow-ups are tricky. There's a thin line between "Oh yes, I was going to get back to you" and "Take a hint and leave me alone". Good news is, crossing that line doesn't happen by being too pushy. It happens by making a few common mistakes. Here's what they are and how to fix them.Mistake 1: you're following up too soonThis is the classic new person mistake. You send your proposal and follow up the next day. Or worse, a few hours later. This makes you look like you're sitting around waiting for their reply.The fixWait at least 3-5 work days before your first follow-up. Give them time to read the proposal, think about it, and get back to you.Mistake 2: you're too unclearYou send a follow-up email that says something like, "Just checking in on the proposal I sent". And that's it. No details, no reminder of why your proposal matters. It's like knocking on someone's door and not saying who you are or why you're there.The fixBe clear. Remind the client of the main points from your proposal so they don't have to guess what you're talking about.Mistake 3: you're being pushyYour follow-up sounds like "Ready to buy yet?". It's all about you getting an answer. Your message either demands a quick decision or makes the client feel bad for not replying.The fixKeep it friendly and professional. Make it clear that you're available and they can reach out when it works for them.Mistake 4: you're not giving valueAll your follow-up emails are basically the same - different ways of saying you're checking in on the proposal. You're not giving them anything they didn't already get from your first email and you become just noise in their inbox.The fixGive them something useful. This could be a case study, a helpful article, or an idea that builds on your proposal. The goal is to keep the talk going and help them move toward a decision, not just remind them you exist.Mistake 5: your follow-ups feel fakeCan you spot a generic email from far away? So can your clients. If your follow-up feels like it went to 100 people, that's exactly how it'll get treated.The fixMake it personal. Take a minute to mention something specific from your last conversation. Show them this follow-up was made just for them instead of being part of an automated email blast.Time to get those repliesFollowing up is like walking a tightrope. Show interest, but don't seem desperate. Keep things light, but don't be unclear. Be persistent, but not annoying. Finding that balance is hard, especially when you don't know what your client is thinking. That's why Wonit makes sure you do.With real-time insights into how your client interacts with your proposal, you'll know exactly when to follow up and what to say. Get early access today and take the guesswork out of your follow-ups. We'll notify you the moment we launch.

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    A business proposal can either open exciting new opportunities or close the door for good. That's why putting one together can feel overwhelming, no matter how experienced you are. To make things easier, we've looked at what makes proposals successful. Here’s how to structure a proposal using 8 research-based tips to win more business and showcase your company at its best.1. Create a strong cover pageThe cover page is the first thing clients see, so it needs to make the right impression. Keep the design simple and clean. A cluttered cover page distracts from important information like project name, client's name, your company name, contact information, and date.Always add your logo, but make sure it's high quality. A pixelated or poorly placed logo creates a bad first impression. Here's an important fact: proposals with cover pages have better conversion rates than those without them. So if you're skipping this step, it's time to start using one.2. Write a compelling introductionBefore clients work with you, they need to understand who you are and what value you bring. Your introduction is where you make that connection. Don't make it all about you. Focus on the client's problems and show how you can solve them. This grabs their attention right away and increases your chances of closing the deal.Make it personalGeneric proposals don't work. Your potential client is probably looking at other companies too, so you need to stand out. Personalization is key. With Wonit, you can import data from your CRM and let AI create personalized proposals in seconds. Just tell the AI "create a proposal for @hubspot:DealName" and it will fetch all the important information from your CRM to build a custom proposal.Reference your meetingIf you've already talked to the client, you know what problems they're facing. Use that information. Mention their goals, their current situation, and how you'll help them succeed.Keep it briefDon't write a novel. Your introduction should hook the prospect and keep them interested. Save the details for later sections.3. Explain what they're gettingClients want to know what's in it for them. Focus on results, not just the process. For example, if you're selling SEO services, your client cares more about increased website traffic than the technical details of keyword research. They're hiring you for results, not a technical education. Find the balance: highlight the benefits while including enough detail to avoid confusion later. Think about the transformation you're providing - what will their business look like after working with you? Paint that picture clearly without getting lost in technical jargon or process details.4. Include a clear timelineEvery client wants to know how long the project will take. A timeline helps them understand the process and lets you set clear milestones. Break long projects into smaller phases. A six-month timeline looks less scary when it's divided into manageable sections. This also keeps you on track with deadlines. Consider making your timeline a sign-off sheet. This keeps everyone aligned on deliverables and makes it easier to charge for additional work outside the original scope. Clear timelines also help manage client expectations and reduce back-and-forth communication about project progress.5. Add social proofThe best way to build trust is showing you've done similar work before. Add one relevant case study to your proposal. Choose a case study that matches either the client's industry or project type. Don't overdo it. Successful proposals usually have just six to seven sections total. Your case study should highlight the challenge, your solution, and most importantly, the results. Numbers work best here - percentage increases, revenue growth, time saved. Real results from real clients are far more convincing than any sales pitch you could write.6. Present pricing clearlyThis is the section everyone spends the most time on. Use "investment" instead of "pricing" because it reminds clients they're investing in their future, not just spending money. Place testimonials near your pricing to show how you've helped others right after they see the price - this demonstrates value and builds confidence. If the client showed interest in an extra service during your call, add it as an optional add-on in your pricing table. It's an easy way to increase the deal size without being pushy.7. Explain next stepsIf clients don't know what to do next, they'll get frustrated. Make it simple. Tell them how to sign the proposal, make payment, and what happens after they sign. Keep this section short and straightforward. Use numbered steps if it helps with clarity.For example:Review and sign below.Complete payment via the link provided.We’ll kick off within 48 hours.8. Include terms and conditionsUnless you need a separate contract, add your terms and conditions to the proposal. This way, the client signs one document, everyone knows what to expect, and you're legally protected.Bonus tips for winning proposalsSkip the "about us" page - If you're sending a proposal, the client already knows who you are. They've researched you online. Instead, highlight the team who'll work on their project.Go digital - Printed proposals can hurt your conversion rate significantly. Digital proposals are better for the environment and your business. E-signatures get proposals approved faster and help you get paid quicker.Make it mobile-friendly - Almost 50% of people open proposals on mobile devices. PDFs are painful to read on phones with all the zooming required. Wonit creates mobile-responsive proposals automatically, so your proposals look perfect on any device.Remove jargon - If clients don't understand your proposal, they won't sign it. Write in plain English. Only use technical terms if your client is in the same industry and expects them.Proofread everything - Spelling and grammar mistakes make you look unprofessional and unreliable. Misspelling a client's name is even worse. Always proofread before sending. Use a spell checker or ask a colleague to review it.ConclusionCreating proposals doesn't have to be stressful. The key is structure: a strong cover page, personalized introduction, clear services and timeline, social proof, transparent pricing, simple next steps, and proper terms. Make it digital, mobile-friendly, and easy to understand. When you focus on the client's needs and present your solution clearly, closing deals becomes much easier. Follow these eight tips, and you'll create proposals that stand out from the competition and win more business.Want to create proposals that close deals faster? Get early access and start building winning proposals in minutes, not hours.