We have been dedicated exclusively to providing bonds for contractors for 40 years, and we've heard this question at least 40 times!
It's frustrating for contractors. Everyone knows surety bonds are hard to get, but it is really maddening when your less capable competitors are bidding public work and you can't get across the goal line. What is the missing ingredient? Can we name the secret that answers this question?
The process of qualifying for bid and performance bonds is based on people and paper. The contractor is interviewed and evaluated. That's the people part. A file is gathered and the paperwork is reviewed. What can cause a perfectly capable contractor to not qualify for bonding? The answer may be the paperwork.
Secret #5 was "The Three C's of Bonding - Plus One!" It touched on this important point. In our experience, the most common area where capable and bond worthy contractors fall down is in the creation of their file.
The people part of the process is obviously important. If the underwriter is uncomfortable with the applicant, guess what: No bonds. The paperwork doesn't matter if the human element fails.
However, it is equally true that the paperwork must achieve its goal. And what is that goal? It is CREDIBILITY. The difference between two equally capable contractors, where only one is bonded, may be the failure to present a convincing file.
When reviewing a new account, bond underwriters know what is normal and believable. Contractors who fail to meet these expectations will be rejected. Think of an extreme example: If you were evaluating the file, would you be more likely to believe an applicant's self-serving comment that they have $100,000 in the bank, or an independent CPA firm that issued a report confirming they verified such an asset? HOW the info is presented can make all the difference.
It's just that simple. The purpose of the file is to establish the contractor's CREDIBILITY for all who read it, including those who will not actually meet the applicant. For them, their decision-making is based solely on the credibility and content of the file.
What are some of the most common paperwork deficiencies that derail contractors?
It's frustrating for contractors. Everyone knows surety bonds are hard to get, but it is really maddening when your less capable competitors are bidding public work and you can't get across the goal line. What is the missing ingredient? Can we name the secret that answers this question?
The process of qualifying for bid and performance bonds is based on people and paper. The contractor is interviewed and evaluated. That's the people part. A file is gathered and the paperwork is reviewed. What can cause a perfectly capable contractor to not qualify for bonding? The answer may be the paperwork.
Secret #5 was "The Three C's of Bonding - Plus One!" It touched on this important point. In our experience, the most common area where capable and bond worthy contractors fall down is in the creation of their file.
The people part of the process is obviously important. If the underwriter is uncomfortable with the applicant, guess what: No bonds. The paperwork doesn't matter if the human element fails.
However, it is equally true that the paperwork must achieve its goal. And what is that goal? It is CREDIBILITY. The difference between two equally capable contractors, where only one is bonded, may be the failure to present a convincing file.
When reviewing a new account, bond underwriters know what is normal and believable. Contractors who fail to meet these expectations will be rejected. Think of an extreme example: If you were evaluating the file, would you be more likely to believe an applicant's self-serving comment that they have $100,000 in the bank, or an independent CPA firm that issued a report confirming they verified such an asset? HOW the info is presented can make all the difference.
It's just that simple. The purpose of the file is to establish the contractor's CREDIBILITY for all who read it, including those who will not actually meet the applicant. For them, their decision-making is based solely on the credibility and content of the file.
What are some of the most common paperwork deficiencies that derail contractors?
- Lack of credible financial information. They don't have a year-end financial statement. Maybe the accounting method is unacceptable or they should have a CPA prepared report but don't. Sometimes the financial reports contain arithmetic errors and have sections missing.
- Bad advice. Actions taken by management can make it harder to obtain bonds. Borrowing money, investing and even the choice of accounting methods can have an impact.
- Incomplete files. Many contractors start but fail to complete. Their energy is focused on "making money," so they never take the time to complete their bond submission.
Steve Golia is an experienced provider of bid and performance
bonds for contractors. For more than 30 years he has specialized in
solving bond problems for contractors, and helping them when others
failed.
The experts at Bonding Pros have the underwriting talent and market access you need. This is coupled with spectacular service and great accessibility.
The experts at Bonding Pros have the underwriting talent and market access you need. This is coupled with spectacular service and great accessibility.
