How to quote a job as a tradesperson — and win more work
10 min read
Most tradespeople still quote by WhatsApp message or a quick verbal estimate on site. That works until you lose the job to someone who sent a proper PDF five minutes after the visit. Customers take professional quotes seriously — even when the price is similar.
This guide is for plumbers, electricians, builders, decorators, and anyone else who quotes domestic and small commercial work in the UK.
What to include in every quote
- Your business name, address, phone, email, and UTR
- Customer name and job address
- Date and a unique quote number
- Itemised breakdown: labour (days × day rate), materials (listed line by line), and any other costs (skip hire, scaffolding, permits)
- Total clearly stated at the bottom
- VAT if you are registered — show net, VAT, and gross separately
- Validity period (30 days is standard)
- Payment terms (for example 50% deposit, balance on completion)
- A brief scope of work so nothing is assumed
A one-line “about £1,200” message leaves room for disputes. A structured quote sets expectations for you and the customer.
How to price your work
Know your day rate. It must cover wages, van, tools, insurance, unpaid admin time, tax, and profit — not just what you would like to earn per day on the tools.
Materials:cost plus a handling markup if you are sourcing and storing them. List them so the customer sees value, not a vague “materials £400”.
Do not underquote to win. It sets a price anchor you cannot sustain and attracts customers who only care about the cheapest number.
Quote a range when unsure:“Between £800 and £1,100 depending on what we find when we open up the wall” protects you better than a fixed price you cannot honour.
How to send the quote
- Email or WhatsApp a professional PDF — not a long text message
- Send the same day if possible; the first quote back often wins
- Attach photos of the problem or site if you took any — it shows you were thorough
See our guide on adding photos to quotes and invoices for why visuals help you win trust.
When they do not reply
Most tradespeople never chase quotes. A polite follow-up after three days often converts a silent maybe into a yes: “Just checking in on the quote I sent — happy to answer any questions or adjust anything.”
Billdr reminds you when quotes go unanswered so nothing slips through while you are on the next job.
How Billdr handles quoting
- Voice to quote: describe the job on site, get a full quote in seconds — see our voice to quote guide
- Professional PDF with your logo and bank details
- Quote to invoice in one tap when they accept
- Automatic follow-up reminders for unanswered quotes
- Track how many quotes become paid jobs
Try Billdr free for 30 days — no card required. Use code 3MONTHSFREE for 3 months free when you continue. Start at www.billdr.co.uk.