We typically do not. Generally for RFPs there is a large pool of candidates, whereas with one-on-one communication there is usually an internal selection process (on the client’s end) where the candidates are narrowed down to just a few. Investing in RFPs means that we spend a larger percentage of our time seeking out work and a smaller percentage of our time providing service to our clients. We limit ourselves to creating proposals for those that are interested enough in what we do that they are able to discuss the project person-to-person. This allows us to confidently maintain a high level of service that is custom tailored to the needs of each person or organization that approaches us. It’s a conscious decision on our part that, despite the potential losses, improves our workflow and increases the value of the work we’re able to deliver to our clients.
FYI
Cast Iron Design is now The Office of Ordinary Things. We relocated from Boulder to San Francisco, but otherwise we’re pretty much the same people doing the same things, just a bit more hardcore.