What Is It?
A job quote is a formal document outlining the proposed work, the total cost, the expected timeline, and the terms and conditions under which the work will be carried out. Unlike an estimate, a quote is typically a fixed-price commitment that you are expected to honour, provided the scope of work does not change. It serves as a pre-contract agreement that protects both the tradesperson and the customer by recording exactly what was agreed before any work begins.
About This Template
Providing a clear, written quote is one of the most effective ways to win work and protect your trade business. A professional quote sets expectations for both you and the customer, outlining exactly what work will be done, how much it will cost, and when it will be completed. Under UK consumer law, a written quote is generally treated as a fixed price, giving the customer confidence and reducing the risk of disputes once the job is underway. Tradespeople who provide detailed, well-formatted quotes consistently win more business than those who rely on verbal agreements or rough figures given over the phone.
When to Use
- When a customer asks for a price for a specific, well-defined job
- Before starting any work above a few hundred pounds in value
- When competing against other tradespeople and you want a clear, professional document to stand out
- For insurance-funded work where the insurer requires a formal written quote
- When the scope of work is clear enough for you to commit to a fixed price
- For commercial tenders where a formal quotation document is required
What to Include
- Detailed scope of work describing exactly what will and will not be done
- Fixed total price with a breakdown of labour and materials
- Quote validity period, typically 30 days
- Estimated start date and completion timeline
- Exclusions clearly listed to avoid scope creep
- Payment schedule covering any deposit, staged payments, and final balance
- Warranty or guarantee offered on workmanship and materials
- Terms and conditions, including your cancellation policy
- Your business details, qualifications, and any relevant trade body or scheme membership
- Any assumptions the quote is based on, such as clear access to the work area
Tips
Always visit the property before quoting for anything beyond a simple job — hidden issues can quickly eat into your profit margin
Include a clear validity period (30 days is standard) so you are not locked into old prices if material costs rise before the customer commits
List exclusions explicitly — if you do not mention making good, decorating, or removal of waste, customers will often assume it is included
Follow up within 48 hours of sending a quote — customers frequently choose the tradesperson who responds fastest, not the cheapest
Save every quote as a PDF with a unique reference number so you can track your conversion rate and see which job types are most profitable
