Electrical Quote Template Guide: Win More Jobs in 2025
A professional quote can be the difference between winning and losing a job. Learn how to create winning quotes with the right format, pricing strategy, and terms.
Why Professional Quotes Matter
40%
Higher win rate with professional quotes
15%
Higher average job value
3x
Faster customer decisions
Your quote is often the first formal impression a customer has of your business. A handwritten note or vague email doesn't inspire confidence. A detailed, professional quote shows you're organised, transparent, and serious about your work. This guide gives you everything you need to create quotes that win jobs at the right price.
What Makes a Winning Quote
Essential Quote Elements
The Quote Template Structure
Sample Quote Layout
[YOUR BUSINESS NAME]
Licensed Electrician
Phone: [Your Number]
Email: [Your Email]
QUOTE
Quote #: QT-2025-001
Date: [Date]
Valid for: 30 days
Quote To:
[Customer Name]
[Job Address]
Phone: [Customer Phone]
Email: [Customer Email]
Scope of Work:
[Detailed description of work to be performed]
| Description | Qty | Unit Price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Item description] | [Qty] | $[Price] | $[Total] |
| Subtotal: | $[Amount] | ||
| GST (15%): | $[Amount] | ||
| TOTAL: | $[Amount] | ||
Payment Terms:
• 50% deposit required to confirm booking
• Balance due on completion
• Payment methods: Bank transfer, credit card, cash
Terms and Conditions:
[Your standard terms]
Acceptance:
Customer Signature: _________________ Date: _______
Pricing Your Work
The Cost-Plus Method
The most reliable way to price electrical work is to calculate your costs and add your desired profit margin.
Cost Breakdown Formula
Standard Markup Guidelines
| Material Type | Recommended Markup |
|---|---|
| Standard materials (cable, fittings) | 25-35% |
| Specialty items (smart home, solar) | 20-25% |
| High-value equipment (switchboards) | 15-20% |
| Small items under $5 | Minimum $2-3 or 50% |
| Labour (hourly rate) | Charge-out rate includes markup |
Charge-Out Rates for 2025
NZ Electrician Rates (2025)
Auckland
$95 - $150/hour
Premium for central city
Wellington
$90 - $140/hour
Higher in CBD
Christchurch
$85 - $130/hour
Competitive market
Regional Areas
$80 - $120/hour
Varies by location
Note: These are charge-out rates (what customer pays), not wages. Rates should cover wages, overheads, vehicle costs, and profit margin.
Quote Types and When to Use Them
Fixed Price Quote
One total price for the complete job. Best for well-defined work with clear scope.
Use for: New installations, renovations, standard repairs
Pros: Customer certainty, easy to compare
Cons: Risk of underquoting if scope unclear
Estimate / Range Quote
Price range (e.g., $1,500 - $2,000) rather than fixed amount. Good for work with unknown variables.
Use for: Fault finding, older homes, complex jobs
Pros: Flexibility, manages expectations
Cons: Less commitment from customer
Time & Materials
Hourly rate plus materials at cost + markup. Used when scope is highly uncertain.
Use for: Commercial maintenance, emergency call-outs
Pros: No underquoting risk
Cons: Customer uncertainty, potential disputes
Common Quoting Mistakes
- Underquoting to Win Jobs
Cutting prices to beat competitors leads to unprofitable work. Quote your worth or improve efficiency, not margins.
- Vague Scope Descriptions
"Install power points" is unclear. "Supply and install 4 x double power points in lounge and kitchen" leaves no room for dispute.
- No Validity Period
Material prices change. Always state "Valid for 30 days" to protect yourself from cost increases.
- Missing Terms & Conditions
Without T&Cs, you have no protection for cancellations, delays, or payment disputes. Always include standard terms.
Essential Terms & Conditions
What to Include
- • Quote validity: How long the price is guaranteed (typically 30 days)
- • Payment terms: Deposit amount, balance due date, accepted methods
- • Scope limitations: What's included and what would be extra
- • Access requirements: Customer responsible for clear access
- • Delay policy: Charges for delays caused by customer or other trades
- • Cancellation policy: Notice period and any cancellation fees
- • Warranty: Your guarantee period and what it covers
- • Compliance: Reference to electrical standards and certificates
Follow-Up Strategies
The Quote Follow-Up Timeline
Day 1: Send Quote
Email quote immediately after site visit while conversation is fresh. Include a personal note.
Day 3: First Follow-Up
Text or call: "Hi [Name], just checking you received the quote for [job]. Happy to answer any questions."
Day 7: Second Follow-Up
Email: "Quote expires in 23 days. Let me know if you'd like to proceed or need any changes."
Day 14: Final Follow-Up
Call: "Wanted to check if you're still interested. Quote expires soon and my schedule is filling up."
Downloadable Resources
Free Quote Templates
Word Document Template
Customisable quote template in Microsoft Word format. Edit with your branding.
Download Word Template →Excel Pricing Calculator
Spreadsheet with built-in markup formulas. Just enter costs and it calculates your quote total.
Download Calculator →FAQ
Should I itemise every material or group them?
For small jobs, group materials into categories ("Materials: $450"). For larger jobs, itemise major components. Never show your cost price—always show marked-up prices or labour-inclusive rates.
How do I quote for unknown work like fault finding?
Use a "Diagnostic + Repair" approach. Quote $X for first hour of diagnosis, then provide repair quote once fault is identified. Or give a "not to exceed" range with a cap.
Should I include GST in my quote?
Yes, always show GST separately. In NZ/Australia, quotes must clearly indicate if GST is included. Best practice: show subtotal, then GST, then total including GST.
What if a customer wants a breakdown of labour hours?
Provide it if requested, but quote a fixed labour amount rather than hourly rate × hours. "Labour: $850" is better than "17 hours @ $50/hr" which invites haggling over time.
How quickly should I send a quote?
Within 24 hours maximum. Same day is ideal. Speed shows professionalism and responsiveness. Use mobile quoting software to generate quotes on-site.
Key Takeaways
- Professional quotes win 40% more jobs
- Always include detailed scope and terms
- Use cost-plus pricing with 25-35% material markup
- Follow up within 3 days to maximise conversions
- Set quote validity (30 days) to protect against cost changes
Create Quotes in Minutes with TPT ERP
TPT ERP's quoting module lets you build professional quotes on-site with your parts database, automatic markup calculations, and digital signature capture. No more late nights pricing jobs.
Start Free Trial