Estimate Generator
Give customers an approximate cost before the work begins.
An estimate is your best guess of what a job will cost, before you start. Create one with line items and a validity date — it’s clearly marked as an estimate, not a final bill — and share it as a PDF.
Show what a job is likely to cost before you start. The estimate is clearly labelled so nobody mistakes it for a bill.
How to make an estimate
- Add your business and the customer.
- Set the estimate date and how long it’s valid.
- List the expected work and materials with quantities and rates.
- Add tax or discount to reach the estimated total.
- Keep the “not a final invoice” notice on, then download or print.
What to include on an estimate
- Your business details and the customer’s name
- An estimate number, date and how long it’s valid
- The work or materials you expect, with quantities and rates
- Tax and the estimated total
- Assumptions and what could change the price
- A note that this is not a final invoice
When to use an estimate
Use an estimate when the final price depends on things you can’t know yet — hours on site, materials, surprises. If you can promise a fixed price, send a quote instead. Once the job is finished, bill the actual amount with an invoice.
Estimate questions
Generally no — it’s a best guess. If you want to commit to a price, send a quote instead.
It tells the customer that final costs may vary, which avoids disputes when the invoice differs. You can switch it off under Optional fields.
List them as separate lines. For on-site jobs with hours and materials, the Work Order Generator splits them into sections.