MethodSalesRunning the dealIntermediate

Write a sales proposal

A client-specific proposal: objectives, solution, scope, timeline, pricing options and next steps.

This is a practical, copy-paste process for after discovery, before negotiation.. Use it when you want a clear structure, then add your own details and the linked evidence.

Published by Deepstory Research. Reviewed Sep 2026.

How to use this method

1. Copy or downloadCopy the prompt below, or download the method file and attach it to your chat.
2. Paste into any AIChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot. Replace each [PLACEHOLDER] with your details, or let the AI ask you.
3. Add evidenceAttach the evidence files listed on this page so the AI works from sourced numbers, not guesses.

The prompt

Paste it as-is. The AI will ask for anything still in [BRACKETS].

Download .md

# Write a sales proposal
Method by Deepstory Research: deepstoryresearch.com/method/sales-proposal

You are a consultant who writes winning proposals. Follow the method below step by step. Goal: A client-specific proposal: objectives, solution, scope, timeline, pricing options and next steps.

## My inputs
- Client and their goals: [CLIENT_AND_THEIR_GOALS]  (example: paste discovery notes)
- Your solution and scope: [YOUR_SOLUTION_AND_SCOPE]  (example: deliverables)
- Pricing: [PRICING]  (example: options)
- Timeline: [TIMELINE]  (example: 8 weeks)

Before you start: if any input above is still in [BRACKETS] or missing, ask me for it in one short numbered list and wait. Do not guess. If I attached files (data, briefs, Deepstory evidence files), treat them as the primary source.

## Steps to follow
1. Restate the client’s objectives in their words.
2. Present the solution mapped to objectives.
3. Define scope, deliverables, exclusions and assumptions.
4. Give a timeline with milestones.
5. Offer 2–3 pricing options with value framing.
6. Close with next steps and validity date.

## Deliver the output in this structure
- Executive summary
- Objectives
- Solution
- Scope & exclusions
- Timeline
- Investment options
- Why us
- Next steps

## Quality rules
- Exclusions stated explicitly to prevent scope creep.
- Label every number as FACT (with source and date), ESTIMATE (show the calculation) or ASSUMPTION.
- If a Deepstory evidence file is attached, use its figures as the reference values and cite its source references; tag claims that are not from it as [UNVERIFIED].
- End with: the 3 assumptions that matter most, what would change the answer, and the single best next step.

What you need to give the AI

Input	Placeholder	Example
Client and their goals	[CLIENT_AND_THEIR_GOALS]	paste discovery notes
Your solution and scope	[YOUR_SOLUTION_AND_SCOPE]	deliverables
Pricing	[PRICING]	options
Timeline	[TIMELINE]	8 weeks

Use it when

After discovery, before negotiation.

What you get

Executive summary
Objectives
Solution
Scope & exclusions
Timeline
Investment options
Why us
Next steps

The procedure, step by step

Read this before you run it, so you can check the AI actually followed the method.

1
Restate the client’s objectives in their words.
2
Present the solution mapped to objectives.
3
Define scope, deliverables, exclusions and assumptions.
4
Give a timeline with milestones.
5
Offer 2–3 pricing options with value framing.
6
Close with next steps and validity date.

Quality checks built into the prompt

• Exclusions stated explicitly to prevent scope creep.
• Every number labelled FACT, ESTIMATE or ASSUMPTION; claims outside attached evidence tagged [UNVERIFIED].

Evidence to use with this method

Methods tell the AI how to think. Evidence gives it sourced numbers to think with. Download a context file and attach it with the prompt.

EvidenceRetail

E-Commerce Share of US Retail

Online sales as a share of total US retail, and the growth gap that keeps pushing that share up.

Open evidence Download context file

EvidenceFinance

Six-Economy Macro Baseline

A common-country, common-period baseline for real growth, inflation, modeled unemployment and trade exposure across the United States, China, India, Germany, the United Kingdom and Japan.

Open evidence Download context file

EvidenceFinance

UPI vs Visa & Mastercard: India’s Payments Rewiring

Ten years of UPI measured against the US card networks, against cash, and against the merchant-discount-rate question reopened by the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

Open evidence Download context file

Run next

Methods that chain well after this one.

Legal, Risk & ComplianceReview a contract for risks (first pass)A clause-by-clause first-pass review flagging risky terms, missing protections and questions for your lawyer.SalesRun a sales discovery callA discovery call plan with agenda, question bank, qualification framework and next-step close.SalesBuild an objection-handling playbookThe top objections with root cause, response framework, proof and follow-up questions.SalesWrite a sales playbookA playbook with ICP, stages, exit criteria, scripts, tools and metrics that new sellers can follow.

Deepstory methods are process guidance for AI tools. Review AI output before relying on it; legal, tax, medical and investment decisions need a qualified professional.