Free Quote Template Generator
Create a professional quote with your branding, itemised costs, scope of work, and terms. Download as PDF. No sign-up, no watermark.
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Gaffer auto-generates quotes from job details
AI-powered quoting, customer approval portal, e-signatures, and automatic follow-ups.
Try Gaffer freeHow to write a winning trade quote
A well-written quote doesn't just state a price — it sells your professionalism and builds trust before you've even started the job. Here's what separates quotes that win work from quotes that get ignored:
Be specific about scope
Don't just write 'bathroom refit'. List exactly what's included: remove existing suite, first fix plumbing, install bath/shower/basin/toilet, tile walls and floor, second fix, etc. Customers need to compare quotes — make yours easy to understand.
Separate labour and materials
Transparency builds trust. Show your labour rate, hours estimated, and materials with costs. If a customer can see what they're paying for, they're more likely to accept.
Include what's NOT included
The exclusions section prevents disputes. Common exclusions: redecoration after plumbing work, asbestos removal, skip hire, building control fees, unforeseen structural work.
Set clear payment terms
State when payment is due, whether you need a deposit, and what happens with variations. A 50% deposit for larger jobs is standard across UK trades.
Add a validity period
Material prices change. Set 30-day validity for standard jobs, 14 days if materials are volatile. This protects your margin without seeming unreasonable.
Follow up within 48 hours
Most customers get 3 quotes. The tradesperson who follows up first — with a friendly call, not a pushy chase — wins more work.
Frequently asked questions
What should a trade quote include?▾
Your business details, the customer's details, a unique reference number, the date, a description of work, itemised costs for labour and materials, VAT (if registered), total price, validity period, estimated start date and duration, payment terms, and terms and conditions.
What is the difference between a quote and an estimate?▾
A quote is a fixed price — once accepted, you can't change it unless the scope changes. An estimate is approximate and can go up or down. For most trade work, customers prefer quotes for certainty.
How long should a trade quote be valid?▾
30 days is standard. For volatile material prices (copper, timber), consider 14 days. Always state the validity clearly.
Should I itemise labour and materials separately?▾
Yes, for transparency. Customers appreciate seeing what they're paying for, and it protects you if the scope changes.