Your quote is often the first formal document a potential customer sees from your business. A professional, comprehensive quote builds trust, sets clear expectations, and protects you from disputes. This guide covers everything you should include in your electrical quotes.

Why a Professional Quote Matters

Builds credibility: Shows you're a legitimate business
Sets expectations: Both parties know exactly what's included
Legal protection: Serves as a contract once accepted
Reduces disputes: Clear scope prevents misunderstandings
Professional image: Separates you from cowboys

Quote Header Information

Your business name and logo: Professional branding
ABN/ACN: Required for tax purposes
License number: Shows you're qualified and licensed
Contact details: Phone, email, website, address
Quote number: For tracking and reference
Date: When the quote was prepared
Quote valid until: Expiry date (typically 30 days)

Customer Details

Customer name: Full legal name
Property address: Where work will be performed
Billing address: If different from property
Phone number: For scheduling and queries
Email: For sending the quote

Scope of Work

This is the most important section. Be specific and detailed:

Description of work: Detailed breakdown of what's being done
Location: Where on the property
Materials included: List specific items (e.g., "Clipsal 10A power point x 4")
Labour included: Hours or days estimated
What's NOT included: Important for managing expectations

Example Scope:

"Supply and install 4 x double power points in living room. Includes: chasing walls, cabling from existing circuit, plaster repair, painting to match (customer to supply paint). Excludes: major wall repairs, asbestos removal, redecorating beyond touch-up painting."

Pricing Breakdown

Provide a clear breakdown:

Materials: Itemised list with quantities and prices
Labour: Hours/days × rate, or fixed price
Subcontractors: Any third-party costs (e.g., tiling, painting)
Permits/inspections: Council or network costs
Travel: If charging separately
GST: Clearly stated (whether included or additional)
Total: Final amount

Terms and Conditions

Essential clauses to include:

Payment terms: When payment is due (e.g., 50% deposit, balance on completion)
Quote validity: How long the price is valid
Access requirements: Customer to provide access during work hours
Variations: Process for changes to scope
Delays: What happens if customer causes delays
Warranty: Your workmanship warranty period
Cancellations: Policy for cancelled work
Site conditions: Assumptions (e.g., "based on normal access, no asbestos")

Acceptance Section

Include a formal acceptance area:

Acceptance statement: "I accept this quote and agree to the terms and conditions"
Customer signature: Physical or digital
Date: When accepted
Your signature: Makes it a binding contract

Optional Additions

Consider adding:

Photos: Of the work area or items being installed
Drawings: For complex installations
Product specifications: Data sheets for major items
Timeline: Expected start and completion dates
Insurance details: Your public liability coverage
Testimonials: Brief customer reviews

Quote Best Practices

Be specific: Vague descriptions lead to disputes
Include photos: Document the site condition
State assumptions: "Based on normal working hours, access available"
Use clear language: Avoid excessive jargon
Proofread: Typos look unprofessional
Follow up: Don't just send and forget
Track conversions: Learn from won and lost quotes

Digital vs Paper Quotes

Modern job management software lets you create professional digital quotes:

Look professional with branded templates
Send instantly via email or SMS
Customers can accept online
Automatic follow-up reminders
Track views and acceptance
Store everything securely
Convert directly to jobs

Common Quote Mistakes

Being too vague about scope
Not including terms and conditions
Forgetting to add GST
Typos and poor formatting
Taking too long to send
Not following up
Not having a valid quote number

Quote Follow-Up Strategy

Don't let quotes go cold:

Day 1: Send the quote
Day 3: Follow-up call or email
Day 7: Second follow-up
Day 14: Final follow-up before expiry

Many jobs are won simply by being the tradie who followed up.

Electrical Quote Template