How to write an estimate that wins the job
An estimate — also called a quote or quotation — tells a prospective client what a job is likely to cost before any work begins. It's often the first formal document a client sees from you, so it does double duty: it communicates price and it sells your professionalism. A clear, itemized estimate helps clients compare options and makes it easy to say yes.
Break the work into logical line items rather than a single lump sum. Clients trust a quote more when they can see how the total was calculated, and itemization makes it simple to adjust scope — removing an optional item is easier than renegotiating a single price. Use the Hours / Rate mode for time-based work and Qty / Price mode for materials or fixed deliverables.
Always include a validity date. Material costs, availability and your schedule change, and a "Valid Until" date protects you from being held to an old price months later. Thirty days is common; use the Net quick-select buttons to set it in one click.
Use the notes section to state assumptions and exclusions: what is included, what isn't, how changes will be billed, and what deposit is required to start. Being explicit up front prevents scope creep and uncomfortable conversations later. If taxes apply, add them now so the client isn't surprised by the final invoice.
When the client accepts, simply switch the document type to Invoice — all your line items carry over — update the number and dates, and send the bill. Estimates, invoices and receipts created here share the same layout so your paperwork always looks consistent and professional.