How to Quote a Trade Job: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
A good quote does two jobs at once: it wins the work, and it protects your margin. Quote too high and you lose the job; quote too low and you do the work for nothing. Here's a simple, repeatable process for quoting trade jobs so you're not guessing every time.
1. Scope the job properly
Most quoting mistakes happen before a single number is written down — in a rushed or vague scope. Get clear on exactly what's included: the work to be done, the site conditions, access, who supplies what, and anything that could go wrong. If you can, visit the site. A five-minute look often saves a costly surprise later.
2. Cost your materials and labour
- Materials — list everything you'll need with current supplier prices, and add a buffer for waste and small consumables.
- Labour — estimate the hours honestly and multiply by your charge-out rate (not just your pay rate — it has to cover overheads).
- Other costs — travel, equipment hire, disposal, subcontractors, and permits.
3. Add your margin
Your costs are the floor, not the price. Add a margin on top so the job actually makes money after overheads like insurance, tools, vehicle, and admin time. Decide your target margin up front and apply it consistently — that's how you stop under-pricing under time pressure.
4. Send a clear, professional quote
A tidy, branded quote with a clear scope, price, inclusions, and exclusions builds trust and reduces disputes. Spell out what's not included so there are no arguments later, and make it easy for the customer to accept. The faster and more professional your quote looks, the more likely you are to win the job.
This is where job management software helps: Flowody lets you build branded quotes, reuse line items and templates, convert an accepted quote straight into a job, and then invoice from it — so nothing is retyped and nothing is forgotten.
Want to see it in action? Flowody is free for 30 days — all features included, no lock-in.
Start Free Trial →5. Follow up
Most quotes aren't accepted or rejected — they're forgotten. A quick, friendly follow-up a few days later wins a surprising number of jobs. Keep track of which quotes are still open so none slip through the cracks.
Frequently asked questions
How do I quote a job without underpricing?
Cost your materials and labour honestly, then add a consistent margin on top to cover overheads. Decide your target margin before you start so you're not tempted to cut it under time pressure. Quoting software that reuses your line items and rates helps keep pricing consistent.
Should I charge for quotes?
Most trade quotes are free, but for complex jobs that require significant scoping or design, some tradies charge a quoting or assessment fee that's credited back if the job goes ahead. It depends on your trade and market.
How can I send quotes faster?
Use templates and saved line items so you're not writing every quote from scratch, and quote on the spot from your phone where possible. Flowody lets you build branded quotes, convert them to jobs in a click, and invoice from them — all from one place.