A quotation that looks like it came from a serious firm — line items, VAT done right, terms and an acceptance box. Fill in, print or save as PDF. Your business details are remembered on this device.
Clients rarely pick the cheapest quote — they pick the one that feels safest. Clear line items show you've thought the job through; stated terms show you're organised; an expiry date creates a reason to decide. A one-line price on a text message loses to a proper quotation more often than most trades realise.
Be explicit about what's excluded, quote extras separately before doing them, and always get acceptance in writing — the signature box at the bottom exists because "but you said..." conversations are the most expensive ones in the trade.
A quote is a fixed price for defined work; an estimate can move. Send a quote when the scope is clear — clients commit faster to certainty. If the scope is genuinely unknown, say "estimate" explicitly.
30 days is standard; 14 if material prices are volatile. The expiry date isn't just protection — it politely pushes the client to decide.
For material-heavy jobs, 25–50% on acceptance is normal. Put it on the quote so it's agreed before you order anything.
No — don't mention VAT at all. If you are registered, show net, VAT and total separately so the invoice holds no surprises.