What is an estimate?

Definition of an estimate

An estimate is a document that you give to a customer, showing how much you expect to charge them for goods or services you're going to supply.

If you give an estimate to a customer, you're still allowed to charge them more (or less) on the invoice when you actually come to supply the goods or services.

On the other hand, if you give a customer a quote or quotation, you have to supply the goods or services at the same price as you quoted.

How to write an estimate

Your estimate should include:

• Your business contact details
• The details of the person or business receiving the estimate
• The date of the estimate
• The goods or services that you are offering to supply
• An estimated price for each good or service
• The total of all estimated amounts

Sending estimates with software

FreeAgent enables you to create, customise and send your estimates to clients by email and then track whether they are approved or rejected. You can also build your own workflow of proposals, quotes and estimates. When the work's done, you can quickly convert your estimate into an invoice.