ZipBonds is different from any other surety provider out there. Our customers come first, and we genuinely care about the outcome of your next project. When you partner with Zip, you gain a teammate who will walk with you through the bidding process until project completion. And we’re not just reliable, we’re FAST. We offer contractor prequalification and same-day service on most of our bonds.

ZipBonds Agent Tina Bockholt, who specializes in supporting contractors, reveals insider tips to give you a competitive edge. Discover practical strategies to win more bids and learn what makes ZipBonds a standout partner in the industry — from exceptional customer service to unmatched expertise and proactive support.

Tips to Help Contractors Win More Work and Larger Projects

1. See what else is out there.

When was the last time someone examined your bond program to determine whether you could be more competitive or have a higher bonding capacity? There’s only one winner, always. That’s just the reality of hard-bid work. Put your bids in the best possible position by exploring what our bond agency may be able to do for you. 

Not all carriers are created equal. Loyalty is essential in this industry, but it goes both ways. You have ZERO chance of being more competitive if you do nothing. You have everything to gain by contacting  ZipBonds to see what else is out there.

ZipBonds partners with several of the best surety companies in the country, including the SBA. This ensures we work every angle to offer our clients the options and competitive bond programs they deserve. Our goal for every submission is to find an option, even for the “hard to place” scenarios.

We recently worked with a contractor who doubled their bonding capacity by switching to ZipBonds. Read the case study!

2. Consider a bond program for private work.

Many private project owners require contractors to get bonded before bidding or taking on a job. This guarantees the owner will be protected if something goes wrong, such as the contractor reneging on the contract or damaging property midway through the project. It also covers issues we’ve faced since the pandemic, like supply chain holdups and material cost increases.

Private work and subcontractor bondbacks are becoming more common than you may realize. Don’t miss out on the perfect project by not having a bond program in place. 

Learn more about the importance of bonds for private jobs.

3. Require subcontractors to bond back.

One of the most common risk mitigation tools in the construction industry is subcontractor bonding. As a general contractor, requiring your subcontractors to “bond back” can mitigate risk for you and the project owner, build your reputation, ensure quality, help you win larger jobs, and more!

Learn how subcontractor bonding works and when to utilize this strategy for maximum success: Your Guide to Subcontractor Bonding.

4. Pay attention to the details.

Can my bid be thrown out for using the wrong color envelope? YES.

Are all bid instructions the same? NO.

If I’m 30 seconds late for a bid opening, will they reject my bid? YES.

Every engineering company and project owner does things a little bit differently. Some are stricter than others. The details matter and can make the difference between winning a bid and having your bid thrown out.

When you partner with ZipBonds, we will assist you throughout the entire bid process to help ensure your bid is accepted. We aren’t just a signature on the bond. We become a member of your team!

The ZipBonds Bond Application Process

For those who aren’t familiar with the bonding process, here’s a step-by-step guide to what our process looks like:

  • We identify your needs: We’ll be your go-to expert, providing guidance and answering questions.
  • Complete the application: Together, we’ll fill out the bond application with accurate and detailed information about your business and the nature of the bond.
  • Underwriting review: The surety company will review your application, considering your credit history, financial stability, and business operations.
  • Approval and issuance: Once approved, the bond will be issued, and you’ll receive the bond documents.
  • Delivery and payment: You’ll receive the bond, allowing you to proceed with business as usual. Then, you’ll pay the bond premium, a percentage of the bond amount. This fee is typically based on the type of bond and your financial profile.

ZipBonds for Contractors: We Work for YOU.

Winning more projects starts with having the right partner by your side. At ZipBonds, we do more than issue bonds — we become part of your team. From boosting your bonding capacity to helping you navigate the bid process with precision, we provide the tools, guidance, and proactive support contractors need to succeed.

If you’re ready to gain an edge in the industry, secure larger projects, and streamline your bonding process, ZipBonds is here to help you every step of the way.

Get started today! We offer pre-qualification for projects under $750,000. If you already have a bond program with us, we can get you the bonds you need FAST. If we’ve never worked with you, feel free to apply for any bond on our website to get started. You can also call or email us at any time.

We look forward to working with you!