How to write a quote with the editor
The editor above is already set to the quote document type. You fill it in the same way as an invoice, with a few quote-specific fields.
- Basics. Pick your country and the client type. For US settings, the document prints as “Estimate”, which is what most American clients expect.
- You. Add your business details and logo. Contractors should include their license number if their state requires it on bids.
- Client. Choose a saved client or paste the contact details from their e-mail.
- Items. List the work in lines the client can check: labor, materials, equipment, disposal. Use units such as hours, sq ft or each.
- Details. The quote gets its own number series. Set the date and a valid until date, then add notes on scope, exclusions and payment schedule.
- Design. Choose one of 12 designs and your accent color.
- Review & download. The checklist reminds you of missing items before you download the PDF.
What a good quote contains
A quote has no legal checklist like a tax invoice, but clients compare quotes side by side. The clearer yours is, the easier it is to say yes.
- A title and number: “Quote Q-2026-031” or “Estimate E-118” so the client can refer to it.
- Date and expiry: the price is valid until a stated date.
- Scope of work: what is included, in plain words, line by line.
- Exclusions: what is not included, such as permits, painting after drywall or haul-away.
- Prices and tax: unit prices, quantities and the tax treatment, so the total is not a surprise.
- Payment terms: deposit, progress payments and the final balance.
- Acceptance: a signature line or a request to confirm by e-mail. You can add your own signature from the signature generator.
Example: a bathroom repaint estimate
| Item | Qty | Unit price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prep and patch walls | 6 h | $55.00 | $330.00 |
| Paint, 2 coats (materials) | 3 gal | $48.00 | $144.00 |
| Painting labor | 8 h | $55.00 | $440.00 |
| Estimate total | $914.00 |
Valid until: 30 days from the quote date. Notes: “Price assumes walls are free of mold. Ceiling not included. 50% due on start, balance on completion.” Check your state’s rules on deposits: California, for example, caps home-improvement down payments at 10% or $1,000, whichever is less.
From accepted quote to invoice
When the client agrees, open the quote in My documents and choose Accepted? Turn it into an invoice. The client and line items carry over, and the invoice gets a new number from your invoice series, so your quote and invoice numbers never mix. If the client wants to pay before the work starts and needs a document for that, a pro forma invoice may fit better.
Quote templates for your trade
Different trades price work differently. These versions of the editor open with realistic sample lines you can edit:
- Contractor quote template for general and remodeling work
- Roofing estimate with squares, tear-off and underlayment
- Construction quote with phases and allowances
- HVAC estimate for equipment and installation
- Photography quote for sessions and usage
- Cleaning quote for one-off and recurring visits
Prefer working in a document? Our blank Google Docs template can be relabeled as a quote. And when the job is done, the invoice generator takes it from there.