A good quote names a fixed price for a defined scope, includes a validity period, and states payment terms upfront. This guide walks through scope definition, itemising line items, payment schedules by project size, validity period rules, acceptance language, handling revisions, follow-up rhythm, and the common mistakes that lose quotes. Includes ready-to-use email templates.
In most jurisdictions, yes. Once the client accepts a quote with clear terms — itemised scope, fixed price, validity period, payment terms — it generally becomes a binding contract.
Industry standard is 14-30 days. Shorter periods create urgency and protect against material/cost changes.
Only if the scope changes. Any change in scope should be documented as a change order with its own price, signed by the client before work proceeds.
Always PDF, attached to the email. PDFs look professional, can't be edited by the recipient, and survive forwarding intact.
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