In sales, time is money! Save time closing a deal with a sales proposal template. Find the premium and free sales proposal examples you need.
When it comes to making proposals, a professionally designed proposal is your best bet to win more business and close more deals. While the idea of designing a sales proposal may seem daunting, the good news is that there are plenty of selling proposal templates available online. Download the best sales proposal templates and use as a starting point.
Using a selling proposal template can save you time. It means you don't have to worry about sales proposal design because the basics are already there. Just add your information.
To make the best impression, use a professionally designed sales proposal. But if you're strapped for cash, you can find dozens of free sales sample proposal templates to start working on your proposal.
Where to Find Top Premium Sales Proposal Templates
Before we get into the free sales proposal examples, keep in mind that you can also buy a premium sales proposal template to save time. One of the best places to find premium selling proposal templates is Envato Elements.
Envato Elements is a subscription-based marketplace with a compelling offer. For a low monthly price, you get access to thousands of unlimited-use creative assets. From product sales proposal templates to brochures, business cards, stock photos, and more, Envato Elements has it all.
GraphicRiver is another great place to find premium proposal templates. GraphicRiver is part of Envato Market, a suite of marketplaces catering to various creative needs. You can find hundreds of trendy selling proposal templates to buy individually and customize to your needs.
The Best Premium Sales Proposal Templates for 2022
Take a look at some of the best premium sales proposal templates from Envato Elements and GraphicRiver:
1. Modern Sales Proposal Template
This modern sales proposal template has a versatile design and all the sections you’ll need to create a winning proposal. The template comes with 24 predesigned pages with master pages and character styles included. Easily customize it to your needs.
2. Creative Sales Proposal Template
This creative template has 42 pages total and is a great choice for a proposal. It's got all the necessary sections to present your idea and close the sale. The template is easy to customize in InDesign and comes with premade character and paragraph styles.
3. Client Proposal Template
This is another versatile proposal template that can be used for any type of proposal. It's got 25 premade pages and comes with a premade color palette, character styles, and image placeholders. The ease of use puts it far ahead of the free sales proposal templates you'll see.
4. Proposal Bundle
This proposal bundle includes five different proposals so you can easily choose the one that suits your style and vision best. Edit the templates using InDesign and Word. They're easy to customize.
5. Proposal Template For Sales Proposals
This proposal template has a modern and professional design. The template includes a total of 32 pages. Customize it with InDesign, Pages, and Word. You’ll also find premade character styles and master pages.
22+ Top Free Sales Proposal Template Examples to Download for 2022
Premium templates will definitely give you more customization options and more creative layouts. Before looking for a free sample sales proposal template on the web, check Envato's free offerings first. Try out various premium template files (not always sales proposals) at no cost to you.
Here's the deal:
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Every month Envato Elements offers 12 different hand-selected files, (fonts, presentations, videos, and more). Create a free account to download this month's free premium files now.
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Or try Envato Market for free. They offer seven handpicked monthly freebies. Log in with your Envato Market account to get this month's handpicked premium freebies.
But if your budget is tight, you might want to start off with a free sample sales proposal template.
These free templates will have the basic pages that you can duplicate and customize to fit different proposal sections. Bear in mind there won’t be a lot of customization options for you to explore and make use of. With that in mind, here are the top free sales proposal template examples for 2022:
1. Free Corporate Sales Proposal Template
Edit this free sales proposal template with InDesign. It's got a simple design. The template includes several inner pages along with a cover page.
2. Free Sales Proposal Template
This free sample sales proposal template comes with a letter, quotation, team and company presentation, testimonial, and more. Edit it in Word.
3. Free Download Sales Proposal Template
If you’re looking for something simple, this free sales proposal template is a good starting point. It comes with 12 premade pages that are editable in Adobe InDesign.
4. Free Clean Sales Proposal Template
Try this selling proposal template if you want your proposal to have a high-end look and feel. It's got a black color scheme and uses clean fonts. It's also got 16 pages. Edit the template with InDesign.
5. Free Floral Sales Proposal Template
This free sample sales proposal template has a floral design. It comes with 44 premade pages with predefined character styles. Edit the template using InDesign.
6. Free Word Sales Proposal Template
This free sales proposal template is one of the simplest templates you can find. It's got a blue color accent. Edit it in Word.
7. Free Business Proposal Template
This template has a minimal design. It's got seven pages you can customize to your needs. It can be edited in Word
8. Sales Proposal Template Free Download
This product sales proposal template has a creative and colorful design. It's got several predesigned pages. Customize it with InDesign.
9. Sales Quote (Green Gradient Design)
If you want a simple proposal with just a quote, this template is a good starting point. Edit the template using Word.
10. Free Sales Proposal PowerPoint Template
Consider this free sales proposal template if you want something that can be edited in PowerPoint. The template has 16 pre-designed slides that you can customize.
11. Free Blue Business PowerPoint Template For Sales Proposals
This PowerPoint template features a corporate blue design. It comes with four pre-designed slides.
12. Free Analytical Sales Proposal PowerPoint Template
Provide a detailed analysis of the project with this selling proposal PowerPoint template. It comes with four pre-designed slides that are easy to customize.
13. Free Illustrator Sales Proposal Template
This template features a blue and yellow color scheme and comes with 20 premade pages along with cover pages. Edit it using Illustrator.
14. Free Professional Business PowerPoint Template
Here’s another business template that can be edited in PowerPoint. It's got a multipurpose design so you can use it for proposals.
15. Free Download Sales PowerPoint Template
This PowerPoint template comes in wide and standard screen resolution. It can be used for proposals. It's got four premade slide designs.
16. Free Retail Sales Strategy PowerPoint Template
This template is a good starting point for retail sales proposals. It features a bold design and comes with several premade slide designs.
17. Free Business Proposal Template (InDesign)
The free InDesign business proposal template can be used for sales proposals as well as any other business proposal. It comes with 20 premade pages and premade character styles.
18. Free Company Business Proposal Template
This template features a gray and yellow design. It comes with premade pages and character styles. Edit it with Illustrator.
19. Free Olive Sales Presentation Layout
This sales presentation layout would be a good starting point for a product sales proposal dealing with organic products. It's got 20 premade pages and character styles. Edit this product sales proposal template with InDesign.
20. Free Business PowerPoint Template
If you’re making a proposal to expand your operations or for an international company, this template will come in handy. It contains 36 slides and a map to show your expansion plans or locations.
21. Leadership Business PowerPoint Template
This template has a colorful design that can be used for modern proposals. It's got 36 premade slides. Edit it in PowerPoint.
22. Business Sales Presentation On Product Or Service
Edit this product sales proposal template in PowerPoint. It comes with several pre-designed slides that you can customize to your needs.
23. Stylish Sales Proposal InDesign Template | Free Download
If you’re looking for a modern and stylish proposal, this template is a good starting point. It comes with premade character styles, master pages, and a premade color scheme. Edit it using InDesign.
How to Create a Sales Proposal Design Quickly
After you select a sales proposal template design, you're ready to create your own. It's simply a matter of updating the sales proposal template to include your details. Let's learn how below.
In this section of the tutorial, we'll work with the Proposal template, a top option for sales proposal samples.
1. Open the Sales Proposal Template
After you download the premium sales proposal sample, open the .zip file. Inside, you'll find a series of folders that include templates for Adobe InDesign. We'll work with the Proposal Letter.indd file. Double click to open it.
You'll notice that this template file is large and includes 32 total pages. For this section, we're going to customize a two page spread. It's on page 26 and 27, and it's titled Estimated Budget Breakdown by default.
2. Update the Color Scheme
When you work with sales proposal templates, they typically include a starter color scheme. But that scheme is totally customizable to your brand's color palette.
In the InDesign template, click on any shape to select it. Then, find the Appearance panel, typically on the right side. Click on the color swatch next to Fill to select a new color. Your active shape is now recolored.
Text color updates are just as easy, too. In a text box, click inside and highlight text. Then, find the same Fill option on the Appearance tab. Click on it, then choose a preset color or use the color panel to choose one that fits your style.
That's it! This easy tweak highlights the power of premium designs: they're much easier to adjust than free sales proposal templates. They're structured with the user in mind.
3. Replace Text Elements
So, your template is starting to take shape stylistically. It's time to add the most important part of a design: the content.
In InDesign, simply click inside of any text box and type over the existing placeholder. Repeat this process until you've set up your perfect sales proposal.
For optional text tweaks, check out the Character panel. This typically shows on the right side when you've got text boxes selected. Change the font from the dropdown, or the size for precise control.
If you want to learn more about what to include in your sales proposal sample, we've got writing tips for you. Check out the outstanding article below that gives you cues and ideas for your next sales proposal.
4. Add Images to Placeholders
We're nearly finished with our sales proposal design. But we're missing one key change that really rounds out our sales proposal design: images.
There are many ways to update the image placeholders in InDesign. I prefer the simplest one: simply paste them on top of the placeholder.
Start by copying an image from any other app, then right-click on an image placeholder and choose Paste Into.
Your image may appear overly zoomed at first if you paste a large image. In that case, use the Fit content to frame button on the Frame Fitting panel. Note in the screenshot above that this icon is selected.
5. Export Your Finished Sales Proposal Design
Now that you've customized your sales proposal sample, you might be getting excited to share it. After all, it's all about making the proposal to a client.
Let's export our finished sales proposal design as a PDF file. This is easy to send, share, and display. To do that, go to the File > Export menu. Choose a location for your finished file. Then, press Save.
Now, you'll see a menu like the one in the screenshot below. I always start with a High Quality Print preset from the top. Then, input the Range of pages in the Pages section.
In this case, I'll choose 26-27. This exports only the pages we worked with.
That's it! Press Export, then find your finished PDF saved to the location of your choice.
It's up to you if you wish to complete more pages from the sales proposal template. Remember: as part of a sales pitch, it's your choice on what to include.
5 Top Sales Proposal Tips to Help Close Deals in 2022
Now that you’ve seen all the great sales proposal templates, it’s time to pick one and start working on your proposal. But before you dive into the proposal creation process, here are five quick tips to keep in mind:
1. Pay Attention to the Cover
The cover of your proposal is the first thing potential clients will see. Make sure it represents your business and company well. Use a high-quality photo and a bold font for the title of your proposal.
2. Use Color But Don’t Go Overboard
Color in your sales proposal is a great way to add a personal touch but don’t go overboard. Use color in moderation to draw attention to specific sections in your proposal.
There are even more ideas for proposals in this tutorial:
3. Incorporate Branded Images
Show your brand’s image by adding images to your proposal. Include photos of your corporate offices, employees, products, and even past customers paired with testimonials.
4. Make White Space Your Friend
Leaving plenty of white space around different elements on the pages of your sales proposal template makes your proposal look more professional. It'll also make it easier to read.
5. Don’t Forget Your Call To Action
Finally, don’t forget to include a call to action at the end of your proposal. Make it clear what the next step should be — whether that’s calling a specific number, filling out a form or sending an email.
5 Top Trends for Sales Proposals in 2022
Consumer preferences are always shifting. That means that what it takes to win a sales proposal shifts too!
In this section, let's look at five of the top trends we see in sales proposal designs in 2022. Consider these while building your sales proposal sample. It shows that you keep your work up-to-date.
1. Keep It Short and Sweet
Your audience likely will hear and see a number of sales proposals. Not only are you competing for their time, but you're competing for their attention span.
Your sales proposal design should be short and sweet. Sure, you should take the space you need to show that you understand the client. But as soon as you establish authority, deliver the punchline with your proposal.
Free sales proposal templates don't offer designs with this trend in mind. Once upon a time, lengthy proposals were preferred to attempt to impress a buyer. Instead, choose an up-to-date premium sales proposal template.
2. Cross-Selling Creates Value
More than ever, clients want one-stop shopping. They might rely on you for multiple services. So, leave room in your proposal to cross-sell other services you offer.
Here's a common mistake I see in sales proposals: they're too prescriptive. Overly rigid sales proposals forget what the client may also need.
Here's an example: you operate a full-service marketing firm. You can do web design, video production, and mail campaigns. Your client needs all these, but your pitch only includes one service.
The solution? Upsell. Learn more about overcoming self-limiting sales beliefs in our article below:
3. Provide a Printable Sales Proposal
Everything old is new again! In an ever-more-digital world, it's easy to forget the power of a printed product. With a printed sales proposal, you can set yourself apart from the competition.
All the premium designs we've featured are great sales proposal designs for printing. The best sales proposal templates shine both on-screen and off-screen.
Don't forget to press print! A physical sales proposal design might just be the reason you're remembered.
4. Embrace New Proposal Formats
Throughout this tutorial, we've focused on printed sales proposal designs. These are intended to be printed or exported, then sent to a client.
For high-stakes pitches, the sales proposal might take on a different format. That might include an in-person pitch including a Q&A session.
If your sales proposal will be delivered in person, consider a new format like a PowerPoint presentation. Check out our tutorial (including fitting sales proposal templates) to learn to build yours:
5. Sell the Team
Ultimately, buyers want to choose people that they know, like, and trust. That means that it's important to focus on your team.
If you're using a multi-page sales proposal design, dedicate at least one spread to your team. That includes some basic information, past projects, and key skills.
Your success hinges on the team behind the design. Shine a spotlight on your key contributors in a sales proposal.
Discover More Top Proposal Template Designs
The above is just a small selection of available proposal template designs. If you want even more inspiration, be sure to check out these roundups below:
Templates25 Microsoft MS Word Business Proposal Templates to Make Deals in 2022
Proposals24 Best Digital Marketing, Social Media, & SEO Proposal Templates for 2021
Templates20 Best Consulting Proposal Templates To Close Important Deals in 2021
Learn More About Great Proposal Designs
Creating a great proposal may seem daunting. From layout to content, there are lots of elements that go into a winning proposal design. Luckily, we've got plenty of tutorials to help you learn more about great proposal designs:
Proposals20 Creative Business Proposal Ideas for Better Sales in 2021
Adobe InDesignHow to Quickly Make a Business Proposal in InDesign With Templates
ProposalsWhat Are the 6 Most Effective Types of Business Project Proposals for 2021 (+ Expert Tips)
Create a Sales Winning Proposal
Creating a sales winning proposal isn't difficult once you've got a solid template to use as a starting point. If you’re just getting started with proposals, a free template is a good place to start. Use it to practice your sales proposal design and writing skills. When you're confident, invest in a better quality premium sales proposal template.
But if you want to create a professional proposal that'll win you more business, a premium sales proposal template is the best choice. Stop by Envato Elements and browse through our selection of the best sales proposal templates with modern designs. Get access to thousands of other design assets for all your design needs.
Or, if you prefer buying design assets individually, choose one of the trendy sales proposal templates from GraphicRiver.
Either way, with one of our templates, you can create a sales winning proposal. So, get started today.
Editorial Note: This post has been updated with contributions from Andrew Childress. Andrew is a freelance instructor for Envato Tuts+.
