How to write a quote for a job (with a free quote maker)

People use the words loosely, but there's a real difference. An estimate is your best guess when the scope isn't certain, like work behind a wall, and the final price can change. A quote is a firm price for the work described, valid for a set time. Don't call something a quote unless you're prepared to stand by the price.

• Your business name and contact details.
• A quote number and the date.
• The client's name, contact details and job address.
• A short description of the job, including what's not included.
• Itemized lines: labor (hours × your rate) and materials (quantity × price).
• Discount and sales tax, if they apply, and the total.
• How long the price is valid. This protects you if material prices change.
• Payment terms: deposit, when payment is due and how to pay.

1. 1Estimate the hoursBreak the job into steps and estimate each one. Include travel, setup and cleanup.
2. 2Use your real hourly rateYour rate should cover your time plus overhead: insurance, vehicle, tools and the hours you spend on quotes and admin.
3. 3List materials at your costCheck current supplier prices. Many trades add a markup on materials for sourcing and handling; decide what's right for your business and be consistent.
4. 4Add a buffer where the scope is uncertainOr say clearly in the notes what would change the price.

Sales tax on services and materials varies by state and by type of work. Check what applies to you.

Customers often contact more than one business, and a clear quote that arrives quickly makes a strong first impression. Send it the same day if you can, by email or as a PDF, and follow up a few days later if you haven't heard back. When the client accepts, turn the quote into an invoice with the same line items.

We built Quotewise so you can make a professional quote on your phone in minutes, free and without an account. Describe the job in plain words and AI drafts the line items, using your hourly rate for labor and estimating materials for you to check. Add tax or a discount, print it or save it as a PDF, email it, and turn it into an invoice in one tap. It opens with an example handyman business so you can see how it works.

Quotewise covers the basics. GrowDaily can build a version around how your business works, for example:

• Your own price list and packages, so quotes use your real prices every time.
• Online quote approval with an e-signature, and deposits or payments by card.
• Connected to your accounting software, CRM or job scheduling.
• Branded PDFs with your logo, and automatic follow-up reminders.
• Photos of the job turned into a first draft of the quote.

First versions are kept small, with a fixed price agreed after a free call, and you own what we build. Ask for a quote and tell us how you quote today.