What a good quotation includes
- A quotation number and date, so you can match the customer’s reply to the right quote.
- A valid-until date. Prices and availability change; a clear expiry protects you. Thirty days is common.
- Each item or service, described clearly enough that the customer knows exactly what they are getting.
- Quantities, unit prices and a total, with tax shown separately if you charge it.
- Your terms: what is included, any deposit, delivery or installation, and warranty.
Quotation, quote or estimate?
The words are often used interchangeably. Strictly, a quotation or quote is a fixed price that you agree to honour until it expires, while an estimate is an approximate price that may change once the work starts. If your price may change, say so in the terms, for example “This estimate may change if the scope of work changes.”
How to make a quotation
- Add your business details and logo once; they are saved for next time.
- Enter the customer’s name and contact details.
- Check the quotation number and the valid-until date, which is set from your default validity period.
- Add the items and prices, and any discount or tax.
- Add terms from the menu, such as a 50% deposit or a warranty, or write your own.
- Download the PDF and send it.
From quote to invoice in one click
When the customer accepts, click Invoice at the top of the generator. The customer, items and prices carry over, a new invoice number is filled in, and you can download the invoice straight away. Once they have paid, switch to Receipt.
Tips for quotes that win work
- Describe outcomes, not just products: “Supply and install a 3 × 3 m canopy tent” is clearer than “Tent”.
- Keep it to one page where you can. Customers compare quotes side by side.
- Mention what makes you the safer choice, such as a warranty or free delivery, in the notes.
- Follow up a day or two before the quote expires.
A worked example
Carlos runs a small air-conditioning business in Manila. A café asks for a price to supply and install two split units. His quotation lists two 1.5 HP inverter units, copper piping by the metre, installation labour and a one-year service visit, with VAT shown separately and a valid-until date 15 days away, because supplier prices change quickly. Under the terms he adds “50% deposit to confirm the order, balance on completion” and his warranty. The café owner can see exactly what is included, compare it with other quotes and sign the acceptance line.
What to include on a quotation
- The word “Quotation”, a quote number and the date.
- Your business details, and the customer’s name and contact.
- Each item or service with quantity, unit price and amount. Be specific: brand, model, size, number of visits.
- Subtotal, any discount, tax on its own line and the total.
- How long the price is valid.
- Payment terms: deposit, stages, and when the balance is due.
- Delivery or completion time, and what is not included.
- A way to accept: a signature line, or a simple “reply to accept”.
Quoting tips that win work
- Reply fast. The first clear quote often wins. Saved customers and items make a second quote take seconds.
- Break it down. A list of items builds trust; a single lump sum invites haggling.
- Show what is included. Lines with no price, such as “Free site visit”, show value without changing the total.
- Offer options. For bigger jobs, use the proposal generator to offer Basic, Standard and Premium packages.
- Follow up. If you have not heard back in a few days, a short message asking if they have questions often closes the deal.
Quotation or estimate?
A quotation is a fixed price for a defined job. If the work could change once you start, such as repairs or renovations, send an estimate instead, with materials and labour shown separately and a contingency for surprises. When the customer accepts either, turn it into an invoice in one tap.
Quotation terms explained
- Valid until
- The last day the customer can accept at this price.
- Deposit
- Part of the price paid upfront to confirm the order; it is taken off the final invoice.
- Exclusions
- Things a customer might assume are included but are not, such as delivery or installation.
Updated 2026-10-29