What is a quote?
A quote (also called an estimate or quotation) is a document you send to a potential client before any work starts. It lists the goods or services you are offering, their prices, and the terms under which you will deliver them. Once the client accepts, the quote becomes the basis for your invoice.
A clear quote sets expectations early, protects you from scope creep, and makes it easy for the client to say yes. BillOak lets you create one with the same editor you use for invoices, so turning an accepted quote into an invoice takes a single click.
What to include in a quote
- Your business name, logo and contact details
- The client's name and contact details
- A quote number and the date it was issued
- An itemized list of products or services with quantities and prices
- Taxes, discounts and shipping, if they apply
- The total amount and the currency
- How long the quote is valid, plus payment and delivery terms
Quote vs. estimate vs. invoice
A quote is usually a fixed price: if the client accepts, that is what they pay. An estimate is an approximation that may change as the work progresses. An invoice comes after the work is done and formally requests payment.
In practice many businesses use "quote" and "estimate" interchangeably. Whichever you send, put the validity period and any assumptions in the notes or terms, so the client knows exactly what the price covers.
How to create a quote with BillOak
- Fill in your details and your client’s details in the editor above
- Add each product or service as a line item with quantity and rate
- Apply tax, a discount or shipping as a percentage or flat amount
- Pick a layout, accent color and font, and add your logo
- Download the quote as a PDF and send it to your client
Frequently asked questions
Is the quote generator free?
Yes. You can create and download unlimited quotes for free, with no signup, no watermark and no trial period.
Can I turn a quote into an invoice?
Yes. Open the document type selector and switch from Quote to Invoice. All your details and line items stay in place, so you only need to update the number and dates.
How long should a quote be valid?
Many businesses use 14 or 30 days. Put the validity period in the terms section so the client knows when the price expires.
Can I create a quote in another currency or language?
Yes. BillOak supports over 150 currencies and 21 languages, so you can quote international clients in their own currency and language.