An estimate is a priced document you build for one customer, one line at a time, and send for their approval. You can start a blank estimate, or open one straight from a quote request so the customer's details and requested service carry over automatically.
Estimates › New Estimate
Add line items
Add each service or item as its own line. Pick it from your service catalog to start from its normal pricing, or add a custom line for something you don't sell as a standing service. Every line recalculates its total as you edit it.
How a line is priced
| Pricing | How the total is worked out |
|---|---|
| Flat (fixed) | One price for the line, optionally x a quantity. |
| Per unit | A rate x a quantity you enter, e.g. $12 per bin x 4 bins. |
| Per square foot | A rate x the square footage on the line. |
| Per linear foot | A rate x the linear footage on the line. |
| Base fee + rate | A flat fee that covers a set number of units, then a rate per extra unit beyond that - e.g. $150 up to 1,000 sq ft, then $0.12/sq ft after. |
| Hourly | An hourly rate x the hours you enter. |
Square-foot and linear-foot lines can also carry a complexity factor - a multiplier on that line's subtotal for a harder-than-normal job, such as 1.25x for steep or obstructed access. Any line can also have a minimum charge, so a small job never bills below a floor you set, and a per-line discount.
Reusable estimate templates
If you quote the same kind of job often, save its line items as a template instead of rebuilding it every time. Applying a template to a new estimate adds every one of its services as real, priced lines in one step, using each service's own pricing.
- Templates are versioned - when you revise one, its earlier versions stay available to look back on.
- Applying a template still leaves every added line fully editable, so you can adjust quantities, measurements or prices for this customer before sending.
Finish the estimate
- Review the line items and the total.
- Set an expiry date - how long the estimate stays open for the customer to accept.
- Add notes or terms if you want them on the document.
- Save as a draft, or send it to the customer.