Quoting software for tradespeople
Choose quoting software
that can count.
Quoting software should do more than look nice. It should know your products, your prices and your trade - and make the path from job to sent quote so short that quotes actually get sent.
What should quoting software do?
Six requirements to check before you choose - whether you end up with Calco or something else:
Complete quotes, not just templates
The software should build line items, quantities and price from the job itself - not hand you an empty document with a logo.
Your own purchase prices
Quotes without your wholesaler discounts are guesswork. Demand software that reads your price files, so the margin is true.
Trade knowledge built in
Licensing requirements, waste, dimensions and floor surcharges should be baked in - otherwise you correct more than you save.
Mobile first
The quote should be possible in the van or at the customer's - not only at the computer in the evening.
Acceptance and follow-up
The customer should accept online, and you should see whether the quote was opened - otherwise you are calling blind.
On to your order system
Accepted quotes should land in Apacta, Minuba or Ordrestyring with no double entry.
Excel, generic AI or Calco?
Most tradespeople quote in Excel/Word today, and some have started using general AI tools for the text. Here is the honest difference:
| Excel / Word | Generic AI | Calco | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete quote in minutes | NoHours per quote | PartialText, not prices | YesDraft in minutes |
| Real product numbers and cost prices | PartialManual lookup | NoDoes not know your price files | YesFrom your wholesaler price files |
| Your hourly rates and margins | PartialTyped by hand | NoDefaults | YesRemembered per company |
| Fixed fees and habits remembered | NoCopy from last time | NoStarts over every time | YesLearns from your edits |
| Online accept + open tracking | NoPDF into the void | No | YesAccept link + status |
| On to your order system | NoDouble entry | No | YesApacta, Minuba, Ordrestyring |
| Trade knowledge (licensing, waste, sizes) | NoOnly your own | PartialGeneral knowledge | YesBuilt in per trade |
Excel and Word are free but cost your evenings. Generic AI writes nice text but knows neither your products nor your prices.
See the full comparison with named toolsSee it through your trade's eyes
Also read: What is AI quote generation?Calco at a glance
- What
- Calco is a Danish app for quote generation for tradespeople. Describe the job by voice, text or photo and Calco builds a complete quote with line items, quantities and prices in minutes.
- Trades
- Plumbing, electrical, carpentry and painting.
- Price
- Lite free (5 quotes), Basis DKK 899/mo, Pro DKK 1,499/user/mo, Enterprise by agreement. All prices excl. VAT.
- Integrations
- Sends quotes directly to Apacta, Minuba, Ordrestyring and e-conomic - or as a PDF with an online accept link.
- Country
- Denmark.
- Made by
- Calco ApS (CVR 46543319).
Questions about quoting software
Try it on your next job.
Not on a brochure.
Set up your company in two minutes. Your first 5 quotes are free - no card.