How to Write an Electrical Quote That Wins Jobs in Australia
A quote does two things: gives an accurate price and sells your business. Most electricians lose jobs not because they're too expensive, but because they quote too slowly, leave out key information, or present unprofessionally. Here's how to fix that.
What Makes a Winning Quote vs One That Gets Ignored
Customers getting multiple quotes are not always choosing the cheapest. They're choosing the electrician they trust most. A well-written quote signals professionalism, attention to detail, and reliability — before you've done a single hour of work.
Quotes that win jobs
- Arrive within 24 hours of the site visit
- Are clearly formatted and easy to read
- Include all required compliance information (ABN, licence)
- Explain what's included and what's not
- State payment terms clearly
- Look professional on any device
Quotes that lose jobs
- Take 3+ days to arrive
- Are sent as a text message or verbal estimate
- Don't show GST separately
- Have no licence number or ABN
- Contain vague descriptions like "electrical work"
- Have no payment terms or expiry date
What Every Australian Electrical Quote Must Include
Mandatory Information
Business name and ABN
Required for any GST-inclusive quote
Electrical contractor licence number
Required in all states — include your state licence
Customer name and site address
Must match the site where work will be done
Detailed description of work
Be specific — vague descriptions cause disputes later
Price excluding GST and including GST
Show both — required for tax invoice compliance
GST amount stated separately
ATO requirement for tax invoices over $82.50
Quote validity period
Typically 30 days — protects you from material price changes
Payment terms
e.g. "50% deposit on acceptance, balance on completion"
Exclusions and assumptions
e.g. "excludes patching/painting after cable runs"
How to Price an Electrical Job Correctly
Underpricing is the biggest business killer for Australian electricians. The most common mistake: pricing based on labour and materials only, forgetting the hidden costs that eat your margin.
The Complete Pricing Formula
Your charge-out rate should include: base wage + super (11%) + leave loading (17.5%) + tool allowance + vehicle costs + overhead + profit margin. Most electricians need $95–$140/hr to cover true costs.
Quote Presentation and Speed
The 24-Hour Rule
The first credible quote received wins the job the majority of the time. Customers have a decision-making window — usually 24–48 hours after getting their first quote. If you arrive third, you're competing against an emotional decision already half-made. Send your quote the same day, ideally from your phone before you leave the site.
Common Quoting Mistakes That Cost Jobs
Not separating GST
Customers comparing quotes want to see the ex-GST price. If your quote only shows the total, it's harder to compare — and harder for commercial customers to claim input tax credits. Always show both.
Vague scope descriptions
"Electrical work as discussed" is not a quote — it's a verbal agreement on paper. Be specific: "Supply and install 2x double GPOs in kitchen, 15A outlet in garage, test and certify." Specificity builds trust and protects you from scope creep.
No payment terms
Without stated payment terms, customers default to whatever suits them — often 30 days or longer. Always state your terms: deposit on acceptance, progress payments for large jobs, final payment on completion.
Missing exclusions
If your price assumes no asbestos, no concrete cutting, or no after-hours work, say so. Exclusions protect you when the job turns out more complex than expected.
Forgetting the expiry date
Material prices change. Without a validity period, a customer can accept your quote 6 months later and expect the same price. State "This quote is valid for 30 days from the date above."
How to Follow Up Without Being Pushy
Send the quote — same day as the site visit
Single follow-up: "Hi [name], just checking you received my quote for [job]. Happy to answer any questions."
If no response: one final contact, then move on. Note in your CRM.
Quote expires automatically. If they come back after expiry, requote.
When You Win: Quote to Invoice
The moment a customer accepts your quote, two things should happen immediately: they receive a confirmation with deposit payment details, and your job management system creates a work order. Manually retyping quote information into an invoice wastes time and introduces errors. The best systems convert an accepted quote to a job and invoice with a single click.
FAQ
What must an electrical quote include in Australia?
Business name, ABN, state electrical contractor licence number, customer and site details, clear description of work, price ex-GST and inc-GST, GST amount stated separately, payment terms, quote validity, and exclusions.
How do I calculate the right price?
Materials at trade + materials margin + labour (hours × charge-out rate) + travel + GST. Your charge-out rate must include super, leave loading, tools, vehicle, overhead, and profit — most electricians need $95–$140/hr.
How quickly should I send a quote?
Same day, within 24 hours at most. The first credible quote wins the job the majority of the time. Send it from your phone before leaving the site if you can.
Should I itemise or give a lump sum?
Lump sum is cleaner for residential. Commercial jobs typically expect itemised breakdowns. Show the total prominently with an itemised schedule available on request.
How do I follow up without being pushy?
One follow-up at day 2–3, one final contact at day 7 if no response, then move on. More than two contacts rarely converts and can damage your reputation.
Key Takeaways
- Send quotes within 24 hours — speed wins jobs
- Always include your ABN, licence number, and GST breakdown
- Price to cover your true costs, including super, leave, vehicle, and overhead
- State payment terms, exclusions, and a 30-day expiry on every quote
- Follow up once at day 2–3, once more at day 7, then move on
Quote from Your Phone. Win More Jobs.
TPT lets you build professional quotes from saved materials and labour rates, apply GST automatically, and send to a customer before you leave the site. Accepted quotes convert to jobs and invoices in one click.
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