Darn it.  You didn’t get the sale.  Usually when this happens, a salesperson is too embarrased, rejected, or angy to make a follow up call.  Big mistake.  How can you hone your sales skills if you don’t get some feedback?  Yes, it’s a hard thing to do but it is so important.  Strike while the iron is hot and make that call. 

First, thank the contact for giving you the opportunity to submit the bid.  Ask what was the determining factor for their decision.  Was it price?  Design?  Some other factor?  They may not tell you but if you let them know that the information will help you in the future, you just might get an answer and it might, even, be the truth.  If the determining factor was price, ask how much lower was the other quote.  Maybe they won’t tell you, but maybe they will.  This is critical information for you about your competiton. 

Whatever their reasons, keep the door open.  Make your dicussion brief unless they  want to talk further and always ask if you can contact them in nine months or so to bid on the next years contract.  Make a note on your calendar to do so and follow up.  If possible, I would also walk thru the account after six months to see if the other company is  doing a good job or if they are leaving the door open.  Manys the time you hear about a job that got away that comes back home.  Bottom line?  Its never over til its over. 

 Now go out there and get ‘em, Tiger.