Definition: An RFP is a request for proposal. In design, an RFP may be a formal or an informal procedure. It is simply a client telling a designer what they want (a logo design, a brochure makeover, etc.) and that they'd like the designer to submit a bid or provide them a price quote for getting the job done.
The client or company may have an RFP form that they use or it could be generated by the designer from a Web form or during a telephone or in-person meeting with the client. The RFP spells out the parameters of the job - the type of design work requested along with any restrictions or specific requests as to colors, fonts, format, printing, delivery deadlines, etc. The designer then uses the RFP to come up with an estimate on what the project will cost.
Designers also use RFPs to obtain bids from several different print vendors on printing a project.
Also Known As: request for proposal | bid request | quote request
