Updated September 2026: in 2018 I wrote about a short-deadline bid where the client answered our questions the next day and refused any extension, the account team pushed everyone to work the long weekend, and I told them our delivery teams were not available. I have rewritten it into advice on setting limits on bid work over holidays.
I had two bids: one with almost no work, and one due within a week. We sent our questions and, as usual, hoped the client would take time to reply and extend the deadline. Instead, the client answered the next day and said clearly there would be no extension. The account team started pressing every team for inputs and suggested working through the coming long weekend. I replied that our delivery teams were not available over the holiday but would respond the next working day and deliver before the deadline.
Is it reasonable to refuse holiday work on a bid?
Yes, if you can still meet the deadline. What the account team needs is confidence that the submission will be on time. A clear plan that avoids the holiday is often better received than reluctant weekend work.
How do you say no without damaging the relationship?
- Offer a date: when your inputs will arrive, before the deadline.
- Show the plan: who does what, and when.
- Offer a small window: for urgent questions, if the team can agree to one.
- Copy your manager: so the commitment is backed.
Why do clients refuse extensions?
Because their own timelines are fixed by budgets, contracts ending or board approvals. Plan every bid assuming the stated deadline is final.
What should you do before a long weekend?
Finish what you can on the last working day, list open items with owners, and agree the first task for the day after the holiday. A good hand-off lets everyone rest.
Did it work?
The response went in before the deadline. Setting the boundary early, with a plan, turned out to matter more than working every available day.