Quoting is more than just pricing – it's an important part of bringing in work, building trust, and protecting your business.

A good quote is clear, specific and complete. It tells a potential customer how much you’ll charge for the goods or services they need and your terms. If a customer accepts your quote, it becomes a legally binding contract.

Getting your quoting right can have many advantages for your business. It can help you:

  • be more competitive
  • show a professional image
  • achieve higher profitability
  • offer goods at the right price
  • lower your legal risk.

Developing great quoting skills can help you win more work and build a customer base.

Top tips for better quotes

  • Write it down. A written quote helps avoid mix-ups and protects your business from disputes or unpaid work.
  • Know what the customer’s goals are and be clear about what the quote includes. This helps manage expectations and avoid surprises.
  • Quote for profit, not just to win the job. Include all the costs and add a fair margin to help grow your business.

What to include in a quote

A written quote should include at least:

  • your business name, Australian Business Number (ABN) and contact details
  • the customer’s name and contact details
  • a clear description of the work or service
  • itemised and total costs. Include goods and services tax (GST) if applicable
  • any variations and revisions discussed
  • payment terms and conditions, such as due date and late payment penalties
  • preferred payment method
  • work start and finish dates
  • quote expiry date
  • space for the customer’s acceptance (signature and date).