If your public work orders aren’t receiving many offers, the issue usually isn’t visibility. It’s the information — or lack of it — in the work order itself. Subcontractors are looking for jobs they can confidently bid on, and that confidence comes from clear details and realistic expectations.
Think about it this way: you wouldn’t be able to give one of your own customers a solid estimate with no details, photos, or scope of work. The same applies here. Subcontractors can’t price or commit to a job if they don’t have enough information to understand what’s being asked.
1. The starting price is too low
Subs look for work orders that offer a realistic budget.
If the starting price is far below the true cost, most subs will ignore it.
Fix this by:
• increasing the starting price
• explaining what flexibility you have on budget
• adding more details that justify your estimate
A higher starting price often increases the number of offers within minutes.
2. The scope of work is too vague
Subs need enough information to price the job correctly.
If the scope is missing key details, subs will skip it rather than risk losing money on a job they cannot fully understand.
Make sure your scope includes:
• exactly what needs to be done
• measurements when helpful
• what materials you provide and what the sub provides
• any conditions that affect time or labor
• clear instructions and expectations
A good scope of work tells the subcontractor exactly what’s expected — materials, square footage, prep requirements, timelines, and finish standards.
If writing scopes of work isn’t something you enjoy, consider using a tool like ChatGPT to help outline and organize them.
For example, you can write:
“Write a detailed scope of work for repainting the interior of a 2,500 sq ft home. Include prep, priming, and final coat details.”
Then you can copy and paste the draft right into your work order.
3. Not enough photos or videos
Subs cannot give a good price if they cannot see the job clearly.
Always include:
• wide shots
• close-ups
• videos when possible
• before and after examples if relevant
• any reference images
More visuals almost always results in more offers.
4. Timing is unclear or unrealistic
Subs want to know:
• when the job must start
• how long it will take
• whether access is restricted
• if someone must be present
A job with clear timing gets more offers.
5. Communication expectations are not stated
Subs want to work with companies that are organized and professional.
If you add a short note such as “We respond quickly to offers” or “We choose subs who communicate clearly,” you may see more bids.
A good scope of work tells the subcontractor exactly what’s expected — materials, square footage, prep requirements, timelines, and finish standards.
If writing scopes of work isn’t something you enjoy, consider using a tool like ChatGPT to help outline and organize them.
For example, you can write:
“Write a detailed scope of work for repainting the interior of a 2,500 sq ft home. Include prep, priming, and final coat details.”
Then you can copy, edit, and paste the draft right into your work order.
How to improve your results
When you take the time to add detail, subs will take your jobs seriously. You’ll get more bids, faster responses, and higher-quality work because subcontractors can trust that you’re communicating clearly and managing professionally.
Make your posts as specific and transparent as possible. Treat every public work order like you’re hiring someone for the first time — because in many cases, you are.
In short
If your public work orders aren’t getting offers, start by reviewing the information you’re giving subcontractors.
Make sure the pricing makes sense.
Include good photos or blueprints.
Write a detailed scope of work with clear expectations.
When subs can see what’s needed and understand the job, they’re much more likely to send accurate offers — and you’ll spend less time chasing bids.