Overview
An estimate should be clear enough for the customer to approve without extra explanation. Before you send it, confirm the pricing, wording, and delivery channel all match the current version of the job.
Before you begin
- Confirm the customer email address, mobile number, or portal-sharing method is current.
- Review labor, parts, taxes, fees, expiration dates, and approval notes with the latest scope of work.
Steps
- Open the estimate and review every line item for quantity, price, and tax treatment.
- Add customer-facing notes that explain the work or approval expectation without exposing internal shorthand.
- Preview the estimate, then send it by the channel your customer is most likely to respond to quickly.
- If you revise the estimate, send the updated version instead of asking the customer to rely on an older link or attachment.
Tips
- Use concise approval language so the customer knows exactly what they are saying yes to.
- If the estimate is time-sensitive, include a clear expiration date.
Troubleshooting
- If the customer says the estimate looks wrong, compare the current estimate version to any prior revision they may still have open.
- If approvals stall, confirm the estimate status is still open and the customer received the latest version.
- If the wrong taxes appear, review the estimate lines and the applicable business tax defaults.
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Need more help
If estimate delivery keeps failing, include whether you sent by email, text, or portal link and whether the customer saw any error.