Quote
A quote is a fixed price a seller offers a client for specific work or goods before the work begins.
A quote (or quotation) is a firm offer you give a client before any work starts. It spells out exactly what you'll do and what it will cost, so the client can say yes with confidence. Unlike a rough guess, a quote is a commitment to the price for a defined scope and a set period of time.
What it means
A quote states a fixed price for a clearly described piece of work. Once the client accepts it, that price is locked in for the agreed scope, which protects both sides from surprises.
Most quotes include a validity period, often shown as a "valid until" date. After that date the prices may change, because your costs or availability could have shifted. A quote is not yet a bill; it becomes an invoice only once the work is approved and done.
Quote vs. estimate
People use these words loosely, but they mean different things.
- A quote is a fixed, committed price for a defined scope
- An estimate is an approximate figure that can change as work progresses
- Clients treat an accepted quote as a price they can rely on
- Estimates are better when the full scope isn't yet known
Example
A landscaper quotes $1,500 to build a patio, valid for 30 days. The client accepts within that window, so the price is set. When the patio is finished, the quote turns into an invoice for $1,500.
In Platybooks a quote uses its own numbering (such as QUO-0007) and a valid-until date. The client can accept or decline online, and an accepted quote can convert into a draft invoice in one step, or auto-convert the moment it's accepted.
Frequently asked questions
Is a quote legally binding?
A quote generally becomes binding once the client accepts it within its validity period, since acceptance forms an agreement on price and scope. Local law and your written terms determine the exact obligations, so be clear about what the quote covers.
Can a quote become an invoice?
Yes. Once a quote is accepted and the work is done, you convert it into an invoice for the same amount. Platybooks can do this in one click or automatically when the client accepts the quote.
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