Quote vs estimate: what's the difference (and when to use each)?

Customers use the words "quote" and "estimate" like they mean the same thing. They don't — and the difference can cost you real money if you get it wrong.

What is a quote?

A quote is a fixed price. You're committing: "This job will cost $X." Once the customer accepts, that's the price — even if it takes you longer than expected. Quotes work when the job is well-defined and you can scope it accurately.

What is an estimate?

An estimate is your best guess at the likely cost, not a commitment. It signals "around $X, but it may change." Estimates suit jobs where you can't see everything up front — you don't know what's behind the wall until you open it.

When to use each

• Use a quote for defined jobs: a set number of downlights, a fence of known length, a bathroom of agreed spec.
• Use an estimate for unknowns: repairs, fault-finding, anything where scope could grow once you start.

Protect yourself either way

Whichever you send, put it in writing, include what's covered (and what isn't), and note that variations will be charged. Vague scope is where disputes and unpaid hours come from. If a job changes once you're in it, raise a variation before you do the extra work — don't spring it on the customer at invoice time.

Make it easy

Sending a clean, itemised quote that the customer can approve with one tap makes you look professional and gets jobs across the line faster. MateInvoice lets you quote on site, get one-tap approval, and turn the accepted quote straight into an invoice.

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