Guide · 6 min · 5 July 2026
How to write a winning trade quote
A good quote wins the job without costing you money down the line. Here is what it takes - from the job description to the bottom line.
A quote is often the first real impression a customer gets of you. If it looks messy, overpriced or thin, the job goes to someone else - even if you are the best tradesperson for it. A good quote does three things at once: it wins the customer's trust, it protects your margin, and it leaves no doubt about what the price includes.
Describe the job, not just the price
The customer needs to see that you have understood the job. Briefly state what will be done, where, and what is included. A line like "Replacing the kitchen mixer tap, including removal and disposal of the old one" says more about your professionalism than a bare price ever will.
Split the quote into materials and labour
Separate materials from labour. It makes the quote transparent for the customer and easy for you to adjust if something changes. State quantities (units, metres, m², hours) - not just one lump sum. It signals that the price has been calculated, not guessed.
Use your actual purchase prices
The most common margin leak is materials priced from memory. Wholesaler prices change, and a guess across 20 line items quickly turns into hundreds of kroner you either lose or overcharge. Use your actual price file from the wholesaler, add your margin on top, and let the numbers be deterministic.
Remember what usually gets forgotten
The items that most often go missing - and eat into your profit - are:
- Driving (both ways, not just one)
- Waste removal and disposal
- Consumables and fixings
- Material wastage (typically 5-10%)
- Setup, cleanup and handover
Make it easy to say yes
A quote sitting around waiting for a reply is lost time. Set a clear total price, an expiry date, and an easy way to accept - ideally a link the customer can tap on their phone. The less friction, the faster the yes.
In short
A good trade quote is specific, split into materials and labour, calculated on real prices, complete (no forgotten items), and easy to accept. Get those five things right and you will win more jobs - and earn more on the ones you win.
Frequently asked questions
- How detailed should a quote be?
- Detailed enough that the customer can see what is included, and that you can stand behind the price. Split it into materials and labour with quantities - avoid one big lump sum with no explanation.
- Should I show material prices to the customer?
- That is up to you. Many show a total material price per line and keep the purchase price and margin to themselves. What matters is that YOU calculate with your actual purchase prices behind the scenes.
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