The T-48 / T-24 / T+3 Rule: A Follow-Up Cadence That Wins More Bids

Most subcontractors think winning a bid comes down to the number. GCs will tell you that is only half the story. The rest is timing, clarity, and whether your bid shows up the way they need it.

Our GC Survey Report confirmed what many subs already suspected. Most GCs are buried. They handle one to fifteen bids a week and spend a lot of time digging through inboxes looking for the right information. They are not ignoring you. They are overwhelmed.

That is why the T-48 / T-24 / T+3 follow-up cadence works. It cuts through the noise without being annoying and helps your bid land at the exact moment the GC is making decisions.

We broke down how it works and why it wins.

T-48: Confirm Receipt Before Anything Goes Off the Rails

Two days before the bid is due, send a quick, simple message.
Not a novel. Not a full recap. Just a check-in.

“Confirming you received our ITB. Anything you want us to cover before we finalize?”

This does two things:

• It shows you are paying attention.
• It gives the GC a chance to flag scope gaps early.
  
  

GCs told us they struggle with scope clarity and data organization. A quick check-in reduces their stress and positions you as the sub who listens.

T-24: Resend the Full Packet When They Actually Need It

One day before the bid is due, send the complete packet again.
Every file. Every sheet. Every version. Same thread.

GCs use email as their real system of record. Even with PM software in place, they still forward attachments, switch between devices, and look for “the latest” file ten minutes before the deadline.

By resending the entire packet at T-24, you solve that problem for them. You become the sub who is impossible to lose in the inbox.

Keep it simple:

“Reattached the full packet for tomorrow’s deadline. Let me know if you need anything clarified.”

They will remember that.

T+3: Ask for Results While the Job Is Still Fresh

Three business days after the bid, send a quick request for feedback.
Not a guilt trip. Just clarity.

“Checking in on results. Anything we should adjust next time?”

GCs appreciate this because most subs never bother. And because GCs juggle so many bids, asking early gets you accurate feedback while they still remember.

This step also builds the relationship without being needy.
It shows you are trying to improve, not nag.

Why This Cadence Works in the Real World

GCs told us in the survey that silence does not mean disinterest. It means they are buried and prioritizing whatever is loudest and most complete in their inbox.

This cadence hits three pressure points:

• T-48 solves scope questions before the panic.
• T-24 helps them prep the bid book.
• T+3 keeps your company top of mind and improves your hit rate long term.

It is professional without being pushy. Helpful without being annoying.
And it matches the way GCs actually work: email-heavy, time-poor, and constantly shifting tasks.

What Subs Get Out of It

Subs who use this cadence see benefits almost immediately:

• Fewer missed clarifications
• Cleaner bids
• Better relationships
• More predictable GC communication
• Higher win rates on repeat GCs

It is simple. You show up like the sub who has their act together.
In a world of chaos, that stands out.

Where Riffle Makes This Automatic

Riffle turns the T-48 / T-24 / T+3 process into reminders and workflows so you do not have to keep it all in your head or on a sticky note.

Riffle helps subs:

• Assign owners to every bid
• Track deadlines without guessing
• Trigger follow-up reminders
• Keep all versions in one place
• Avoid juggling twenty email threads

The cadence works. Riffle just makes it effortless.

What This Means for Subcontractors

If you want to win more work without lowering your price, tighten your follow-up process. GCs notice the subs who make their job easier.

Adopt the T-48 / T-24 / T+3 rule and stick to it.
Your numbers will not just look better. They will land better.

Join the waitlist at rifflecm.com.

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