Definition
Most B2B proposals carry a validity period of 14 to 30 days. After that date, the supplier is free to revise pricing or withdraw the offer. The validity period protects the supplier against cost changes, scope drift, or the proposal resurfacing months later at outdated terms.
Always state the validity period clearly in the proposal — typically near the price summary or on the acceptance page. A specific date ('Valid until 28 April 2025') is clearer than a relative period ('valid for 14 days') because it removes any debate about when the clock started.
Why it matters
Without a validity period, an old proposal can be accepted long after costs or capacity have changed, leaving the supplier locked into pricing that no longer makes sense. Validity also creates gentle decision pressure without manufactured urgency — buyers who genuinely want to proceed reply within the window.
Where this appears in your tools
The Proposal Builder lets you set a validity date that surfaces on the proposal itself and is referenced in any follow-up reminders.
Example
A proposal sent on 1 April with 'valid until 15 April' is accepted on 12 May. The supplier is no longer obliged to honour the original price — but should respond promptly with either a refreshed quote or a one-line confirmation if the price still stands.
Common confusion
Validity is not the same as a discount expiry. A validity date says 'this offer expires'; an early-acceptance discount says 'sign by X to save Y.' Mixing the two on the same page confuses buyers and weakens both levers.