Start with the job, not just the price
A customer wants to know what will happen at their property and what the finished result will be. Name the job clearly, then describe the work in plain English. “Prepare and paint two bedroom walls” is easier to understand than “painting services”.
Put your business name, ABN and contact details beside the customer’s details. Add the site address if it differs from the billing address. These small details make the quote easier to recognise and discuss later.
Make the price easy to follow
Break the work into sensible line items. Show quantities where they matter, identify materials and labour, and display a clear total. State whether GST applies and whether the displayed total includes it. If a cost depends on what you find on site, say so before the customer accepts.
A quick pre-send check
- Is the scope specific enough that both sides expect the same result?
- Are exclusions, access requirements and possible variations clear?
- Are the total, payment terms and valid-until date visible?
- Can the customer see how to accept or ask a question?
Explain what happens next
Give a realistic start window or explain when scheduling will be confirmed. Include a valid-until date and a simple way to accept. Once you send the quote, follow up politely if you do not hear back.
A professional quote does not need fancy language. It needs to be accurate, complete and easy to act on. Save a final copy so you can refer back to the same scope if the job changes.