Editing · All sectors
How to ask tender clarification questions (and what to do with the answers)
Prepared by TenderChecker. Last reviewed 4 October 2026. General guidance only — every buyer's own instructions and criteria take priority.
Short answer
Use the buyer's clarification process and deadline. Ask specific, neutral questions about genuine ambiguity — answers are often shared with all bidders.
When responses are published, check every answer against them; they can change requirements.
What the buyer might be asking
- (Clarification rules are in the buyer's instructions.)
Worked example (fictional)
Everything in this example — company, people and numbers — is invented for illustration.
Example question: (Applies to the clarification stage.)
Fictional context: Fictional bidder: Greenacre Grounds Ltd was unsure whether leaf clearance was included in the specification. (Fictional.)
Weak draft (fictional)
Clarification: 'Can you tell us more about the contract?'
What the draft misses
- Too vague to get a useful answer.
A better version (using only the fictional facts above)
Clarification: 'Section 3.2 lists autumn tasks but does not mention leaf clearance from hard surfaces. Please confirm whether leaf clearance is within scope and, if so, at what frequency.'
Bracketed text marks facts the bidder still needs to supply. Never fill these with invented figures.
Evidence checklist
- ☐ Clarification deadline
- ☐ Specific reference to document section
- ☐ Neutral wording
- ☐ Answers reflected in bid
Common mistakes
- Asking after the deadline
- Revealing your solution in the question
- Ignoring published clarifications