Estimate vs. quote
An estimate is your best guess at what a job will cost. It sets expectations but can change once the work is underway. A quote is a firm price. Use an estimate when the full scope isn’t known yet, such as a repair where you can’t see the damage until you open things up.
How to create an estimate
- Enter your business details and the customer’s details.
- Number and date the estimate.
- Split the job into labour (hours × hourly rate) and materials (quantity × unit cost).
- Add tax if it applies.
- In Notes, explain what could change the final price and by roughly how much.
- Download the PDF and send it to the customer for approval.
What makes a good estimate
- Separate lines for labour and materials, so customers can see where the money goes
- A clear statement that the figure is an estimate, not a fixed price
- Any assumptions you made, such as “assumes existing pipes are in good condition”
- How you’ll handle extra work: “Additional work will be agreed before it starts”
Frequently asked questions
How accurate does an estimate need to be?
It should be your honest best figure. Many tradespeople aim to stay within about 10–15% and agree any larger changes with the customer before doing the work.
Can I charge more than the estimate?
It depends on your terms and local consumer law. The safest approach is to tell the customer and get approval before going over the estimate.
Is it really free?
Yes. You can create and download as many documents as you like without paying and without creating an account.
Where is my data stored?
Everything you type stays in your own browser. Drafts and your history are saved locally on this device, so nothing is uploaded to our servers.