How to quote jobs so you win and still make money
Most tradies think they lose quotes on price. Sometimes that’s true. But a lot of jobs are lost on things that have nothing to do with the number at the bottom of the page.
Cheapest rarely wins the good jobs
Racing to the bottom on price wins you the clients who shop on price alone. They’re usually the hardest to deal with and the slowest to pay. The clients you actually want are comparing more than the total.
What clients really compare
- How quickly you got back to them
- Whether they understood what they’re paying for
- How confident they feel that you’ll turn up and finish
- Whether you looked like a proper business, not a side hustle
- How you made them feel on site
A quote is a sales document
A one-line quote with a total and a phone number is easy to compare on price, because there’s nothing else to compare. A clear quote that explains the scope, the inclusions, the timeline and what makes you different gives the client a reason to choose you.
It doesn’t need to be long. It needs to be clear, professional and easy to say yes to.
Speed matters
The tradie who gets a quote back in two days often beats the one who takes two weeks, even at a higher price. The client is still excited about the job. A week later they’ve moved on, or someone else has already been in.
Know your walk-away number
Before you send any quote, know the lowest price that still covers your costs, your overheads and a fair profit. If the job won’t work above that number, it isn’t a job worth winning. Busy at a loss is worse than quiet.
Follow up
Many quotes are won or lost after they’re sent. A short, friendly follow-up shows you want the work and gives the client a reason to decide. (More on that in how to follow up quotes.)
Quoting well is a system, not a talent. We help tradies build one that wins the right work at the right price.
General information only, not financial, tax or legal advice. Speak to your accountant or adviser about your own situation.