Invoice HopWhat to put on a job estimate
A good estimate answers three questions before the customer asks them: what exactly you will do, what each part costs, and how long the price is good for. Write the scope as separate lines rather than one total, because customers often want to drop or add one part of the job.
| Part | Example |
|---|---|
| Scope lines | Paint bedroom walls, 2 coats × 2 rooms |
| Materials | Paint and supplies, 1 lot |
| Discount | 10% for booking both rooms |
| Valid until | 30 days from the estimate date |
| Acceptance | Customer signature and date |
If the work changes after the customer signs, write a new estimate or a change order. Don’t edit the signed one.
A worked example: two bedrooms with a discount
Here is a painting estimate for two bedrooms at the same price each, with a 10% discount for booking both. The math is the same one the Invoice Hop app runs when you say “Estimate for Sarah, paint two bedrooms, 650 each, 10% off” into your phone.
Estimate EST-0012 for Sarah
- Paint bedroom: 2 rooms × $650.00 = $1,300.00
- Discount 10%: $1,300.00 × 10% = −$130.00
- No sales tax on this estimate
- Total: $1,170.00, valid for 30 days
Enter 2 as the quantity, room as the unit and 650 as the price, then 10 in Discount %. The valid-until date updates from the estimate date.
From signed estimate to invoice
Once the job is done, the estimate becomes the invoice. On this page you copy the lines into the free invoice generator. In the Invoice Hop app, one tap turns the estimate into an invoice with the same customer, lines and prices, ready to adjust for anything that changed on site.
- Keep a copy of the signed estimate as a PDF.
- Create the invoice with the same lines and the same estimate number in the notes.
- Add any approved changes as new lines so the customer can see them.
Questions
What is the difference between an estimate and a quote?
Many small businesses use the words the same way. Some use quote for a fixed price and estimate for a best guess. Say which one you mean on the document.
Is an estimate legally binding?
A signed estimate can be part of an agreement, but rules differ by state and by trade. Ask an attorney if a large job depends on it.
Can I add sales tax to an estimate?
Yes. Use the tax settings the same way as on an invoice so the customer sees the full expected total.
Is anything uploaded?
No. The estimate is built in your browser. Save a PDF or CSV before closing the tab.
Not tax or legal advice. This page is general information. Tax, payment and collection rules differ by state. Ask a qualified accountant or attorney about your situation.