Quoting, answered
What's the difference between a quote and an estimate?
A quote is a fixed price for the work described: once the customer accepts, that's what they pay unless the job changes. An estimate is your best guess, and the final bill can differ but should stay reasonable. If the price could move, call it an estimate and say what might change it.
Use the "Title on the document" switch above to print QUOTE or ESTIMATE. Quote or estimate: which to send.
Source: Citizens Advice, Problem with building work or home improvements.
What should a quote include?
Your business details, the customer and job address, a clear breakdown of the work and materials, the price for each part and the total, whether VAT is included, how long the price is valid, any deposit you need and your payment terms. A written breakdown heads off arguments when the final invoice arrives.
Every one of those has a place in the template. Put anything you're leaving out, like making good or skip hire, in the notes. How to price a job.
How long should a quote be valid for?
As long as you can hold the price. Thirty days suits a lot of jobs, shorter if material prices are moving. Put a "valid until" date on the quote so the customer knows when it runs out; after that you can re-price before you start. This template sets 30 days and you can change it.
Should I add VAT to a quote?
Only if you're VAT registered, and then show it clearly. Householders can't reclaim VAT, so give them the total including VAT, not just the net price. If you're not registered, don't add VAT at all. Switch on VAT registered above to pick 20%, 5% or 0% for each line.
VAT for tradespeople, explained, or work out a figure with the VAT calculator.
How do I ask for a deposit?
Put the deposit on the quote as a percentage and say what it covers, often materials, and when it's due. If a householder agrees the job in their home or online, they can usually cancel within 14 days; to start before that ends, get their request in writing, by email for example.
How to take a deposit, step by step.
Source: Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, regulations 30 and 36.
Is this quote template really free?
Yes. No sign-up, no watermark and no limit on how many you make. It runs in your browser: what you type and your logo stay on this device and are never sent to us. In the TradeLinkers app, customers accept an estimate online and you turn it into the invoice in one tap.
Your details are kept in this browser so they're still there next time. Use Clear form to remove them.
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