Practical guides

How to write a quote: what to include

A good quote is clear, complete and easy to accept. In short: your details and the client's, number and date, line items with quantities and prices, subtotal, tax, total, validity and how to accept it.

Updated October 4, 2026 · by Kharonte Studio

What to include, in order

  1. Header. Your details (name or company, contact, tax ID where applicable) and the client's.
  2. Number and date. A sequential number makes quotes easy to find and avoids confusion.
  3. Line items. A clear description, quantity and price: keep materials and labor separate.
  4. Totals. Show subtotal, tax and total clearly.
  5. Validity and terms. How many days it is valid, indicative timing and payment terms.
  6. Acceptance. A space for the client's signature makes clear when the quote becomes a job.

Sample line-item structure

DescriptionQtyAmount
Materials1€480.00
Labor (hours)6€228.00
Subtotal€708.00
VAT 22%€155.76
Total€863.76

Made-up amounts for illustration, not a price list.

This guide is a practical outline, not tax advice: rates and obligations depend on your case, so check with your accountant.

Tips to get it accepted

  • Send it as soon as possible, ideally right after the site visit.
  • Use a tidy PDF with your logo: it looks professional.
  • State what is included and what is not, to avoid disputes once work has started.

Frequently asked questions

What should a quote contain?

Both parties' details, number and date, line items with quantities and prices, subtotal, tax, total, validity and acceptance.

Is a quote binding?

It depends on the content and the case: for legal consequences ask a professional.

What format should I send it in?

PDF is the most common: it opens on any device and cannot be edited by accident.