How to Write a Quote for a Customer in Australia
Learn what to include in a professional quote and how to clearly present your work, pricing, GST and terms.
How to write a quote for a customer
A professional quote should clearly explain what work you are offering, what is included and how much the customer can expect to pay. It should also identify your business and customer and include any important terms that apply to the job.
For Australian tradies and small businesses, a written quote can make it easier for both sides to understand the proposed work and pricing before the job begins.
Ready to create your quote?
Create a professional Australian quote online for free with the Nolaro Labs Australian Quote Builder.
Create a Free QuoteWhat should you include in an Australian quote?
The exact information you need can depend on the type of work and your business, but a clear quote will generally include the following details.
1. Your business details
Start with your business name and contact details. You may also include your ABN, business address, phone number and email address so the customer knows who is providing the quote.
2. The customer's details
Include the customer's name and any contact information that is relevant to the job. If the work is being completed at a particular property, include the job or site address as well.
3. Quote number and date
Give the quote a unique number and include the date it was prepared. This makes it easier to identify the quote when discussing the job or referring back to it later.
4. Describe the work
Clearly describe the services, labour and materials included in the quote. Be specific enough that the customer can understand what they are paying for and what work is covered.
5. List your pricing
Show the cost of the quoted work clearly. Depending on the job, you may list labour, materials, travel, individual services or other charges separately.
Where useful, include quantities, units and prices so the customer can see how the amounts were calculated.
6. Include GST when applicable
If GST applies, clearly show the GST amount and make the final total easy to identify.
7. Add payment terms
If payment terms are relevant to the job, explain when payment is expected and any other conditions that apply. For example, you may specify whether a deposit is required or when the remaining amount is due.
8. Add a quote expiry date
You can include a date showing how long the quoted pricing is intended to remain valid. This can be useful when material costs, availability or other job conditions may change over time.
9. State exclusions and additional work
If something is not included in the quoted price, make that clear. You can also explain how variations or additional work outside the original scope will be handled.
10. Include acceptance details
If you require the customer to accept the quote before work begins, explain how they can accept it and make sure the relevant terms are clear.
How to write a quote step by step
- Understand exactly what work the customer wants completed.
- List the services, labour and materials required.
- Work out the price for each part of the job.
- Add GST if it applies to the quote.
- Include relevant payment terms, exclusions and conditions.
- Give the quote a number and date.
- Check the description, pricing and total before sending it.
Want to start with an example? View our Australian tradie quote template.
QUOTE
Example Tradie Business
ABN: 12 345 678 901
Phone: 0400 000 000
Email: example@example.com
Address: 123 Example Street, Newcastle NSW 2300
PREPARED FOR
Example Customer
Email: customer@example.com
Phone: 0411 111 111
Address: 456 Example Road, Newcastle NSW 2300
Subtotal $770.00
GST $77.00
TOTAL $847.00
NOTES & TERMS
Quote valid for 30 days. Additional work outside the quoted scope may be charged separately.
Tips for writing a clear quote
Be specific about the work
Avoid descriptions that are too vague. Clearly explain the work, services or materials included so the customer has a reasonable understanding of what the quote covers.
Make the price easy to understand
Itemising relevant costs can help the customer understand how the final amount has been calculated. Make sure the subtotal, GST where applicable and total are clearly displayed.
Make exclusions clear
If there are parts of the job that are not included, say so in the quote. This can help avoid confusion about what the quoted price covers.
Keep your terms clear
Include important conditions such as payment terms, quote expiry, variations or other requirements that apply to the job.
Review the quote before sending it
Check the customer's details, description of the work, prices, GST and total before sending the quote.
Quote, estimate or invoice?
A quote generally sets out the expected price and scope of work before the customer agrees to proceed. An estimate is usually a less formal indication of expected costs, while an invoice is generally used to request payment for goods or services that have already been provided.
Using the right document can help make the stage of the customer relationship clear.
Does a quote become a contract?
An accepted quote can form part of a legally binding agreement between a business and its customer. The exact legal effect can depend on the circumstances and the terms involved.
For this reason, it is useful to make sure your quote accurately describes the work, price, inclusions and relevant conditions before sending it.
Ready to create your quote?
Create a professional Australian quote online for free with the Nolaro Labs Australian Quote Builder.
Create a Free QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
How do I write a quote for a customer?
Include your business details, customer details, quote number and date, a clear description of the work, pricing, GST where applicable and any relevant terms or conditions.
What should an Australian tradie quote include?
A tradie quote can include business and customer details, the job description, labour, materials, pricing, GST where applicable, payment terms, exclusions, quote expiry and other relevant conditions.
Do I need to include GST on a quote?
GST depends on whether GST applies to your business and the particular transaction. If GST applies, clearly show the GST amount and total on the quote. For more information, see our guide to calculating GST in Australia .
Can I send a quote as a PDF?
Yes. A PDF can provide the customer with a clear copy of the quote that can be saved or referred to later.
Can I create a quote online?
Yes. You can create a professional quote online using the Nolaro Labs Australian Quote Builder without creating an account.