A Few Minutes of Checking Saves Expensive Mistakes
QuickEstimate applies your overhead and margin automatically, but it can only price what you put in. Use this checklist before you generate and send a proposal.
Your Pre-Send Checklist
1
Check the Scope Is Complete
- Read the Description step: does it describe all the work, and what's excluded?
- On Materials & Labor, check quantities and hours against your takeoff or site notes
- Have you added subcontractors, equipment and permits the job needs?
2
Check the Right Rates Are Used
- The Department on the Client step decides your overhead and margin. Make sure it's the right one
- The pricing panel shows the overhead percentage and target margin being used
- If prices in your list are out of date, update them under Management → Materials or Labor first
3
Check Your Margin
- Look at the margin health indicator under the client price: green means on target, yellow or red means below target, black means a loss
- Discounts, equipment added at cost and low subcontractor markups are the usual reasons a margin drops
See the Margin Health Indicator Guide for what each colour means.
4
Check Discounts and Tax
- On Sales Information, confirm the discount type (fixed or percentage) and amount
- Confirm the tax option and rate are right for this client and location
5
Generate and Review the Proposal
- On Summary, click Generate Proposal
- Review the proposal page before you send it. Use Edit to go back and change anything
- Use Download PDF on the Estimates page to see the PDF your client will receive
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change an estimate after I've sent it?
Yes. Edit it and send it again; the proposal is marked as revised. Once a client has signed, the proposal is locked.
Can I offer the same job at different price points?
Yes. Turn on multiple packages in Business Settings (paid plans) and fill in each package. Your client chooses one when they approve.
How do I make a copy to try a different version?
On the Estimates page, open More actions on the estimate and choose Duplicate Proposal.