The terms are often used interchangeably, but legally and practically they mean different things.
What is a quote?
A quote is a fixed price offer. If a client accepts your quote, you are agreeing to do the work for that price. You cannot increase the price afterwards unless the scope of work changes. Quotes are best used when you know exactly what the job involves.
What is an estimate?
An estimate is an approximate price. It gives the client a rough idea of cost but you are not locked into that figure. Estimates are used when the full scope is unclear — for example, when you need to open up a wall before you know how much pipework is needed.
Which should you use?
- Use a quote when the work is well-defined and you can price it accurately
- Use an estimate when the job involves unknowns that could change the cost
- Always make it clear to the client whether you are quoting or estimating
If you give an estimate, include a note explaining what could cause the price to change. This protects you if costs run over and helps clients understand what they are agreeing to.
In BillSend
BillSend lets you choose the document label — you can call it a Quote, Estimate, or Proposal. You can set your preferred label in Settings.
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