05/13/2026
Real talk for subs bidding commercial:
The GC isn't grading your price first. They're grading whether you replied.
Most residential leads come in hot — someone needs a fence, a railing, a repipe. You answer fast because the job is already decided.
Commercial is the opposite. The GC sent the RFP to a dozen subs. They're sorting you before they even read numbers. Silent for 48 hours? You already lost before they opened your bid.
Rule: acknowledge every commercial RFP within 24 hours. Even if the answer is "we're not bidding this one."
Sounds small. It's not. It's why the same three subs win the short list over and over.
Questions on how to structure that first reply? DM me or call (703) 499-5079.