Guides for tradies
What to include on a trade quote in Australia
A quote that leaves something out costs you money. Here is a checklist you can run through before you send the next one.
The basics every quote needs
Your business details
Business name, ABN, phone and email. If you are registered for GST, say so.
Your licence number
Most states require a licensed trade to show their licence number on quotes and contracts. Check what your state or territory regulator asks for.
The customer and the site
Name, contact details and the address where the work happens.
The date, and how long the price holds
Materials and wages move. Say how many days the quote stays valid, for example 30 days.
The scope, in plain words
What you will do
Describe the job so the customer and you picture the same thing. Replace one hot water unit is clearer than hot water works.
What is not included
Write down the exclusions. Patching and painting after a wall is opened, council fees, removing old material, access problems. Most disputes start here.
The materials and brands
List the main items and models, or say what allowance you have made, so a cheaper or dearer swap is a clear change.
Labour and time
Show the hours or days you have allowed, and when you can start.
The money
The price, with GST shown
Say whether the total includes GST, and show the GST amount.
A fixed price or an estimate
Say which it is. A quote is a firm price. An estimate is a best guess that can move, so say by how much.
The deposit and the payment terms
Say what you ask for upfront and when the rest is due. Limits on deposits apply in some states for residential building work, so check yours.
What happens to changes
If the customer adds work, how will you price it and will they sign it first? Agree this before it happens, not after.
Before you hit send
Read the quote as if you were the customer. Would you know what you are getting, what it costs and what is not covered? Then ask yourself the question every tradie has: am I in the ballpark, and have I covered everything so I do not under quote?
Check your next quote in minutes
Novato Trade helps you work out if your price is in the ballpark and flags what you may have left out. Try it as a plumber, electrician or carpenter, with no sign up and no card.
Try the demoThis guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules differ between states and territories, so check with your licensing regulator or fair trading office.