Blog>Trade>Growing your trade business>What's the best quotation software for trade businesses?
Last updated: 19 December 2024
What's the best quotation software for trade businesses?
You can win more business more quickly using small business quoting software. In this article, we take a look at the best quotation and construction estimation software.
In this article you'll find:
When you think about it, small business runs on quotes. Whether verbal, written or digital, few jobs can start before terms and prices are agreed with customers.
The more efficient your quotation process, the better your business. Nowadays, that means going digital. The good news is that quotation software for small business has advanced significantly in recent years.
You can send quotes on the go using an app on smart devices and mobile phones. Fewer business opportunities will be missed. And you should have happier customers.
What is quotation software?
Quotation software does what it says on the tin. Plus a load more clever things that can boost your business.
A quotation differs from an estimate in one significant way. An estimate is only a rough guide to how much a job might cost. A quotation is a formal offer to carry out the work for a set price.
So, it’s essential you get all the details right in a quote. And Checkatrade members can now easily generate quotes and invoices with our handy new tool.
Our quoting and invoicing tool - saves time on your admin
With tradespeople estimated to spend around 2.5 hours every week on quoting and invoicing customers, our tool is designed to help streamline your job processes. It's easy to use, and generates both quotes and invoices at the touch of a button. > “Our members often tell us that quoting is a pain
Quotation software is available for specific trades. Construction estimation software covers a broader area to make effective business processes more effective.
The same goes for electrical estimating software, where trade-specific information can be included in quotations. A contractor estimating program is also likely to include quotation software.
Once you’ve chosen the best quotation software for your business you won’t look back. What’s more, your customers will appreciate it.
Can you get free quotation software?
Yes and no. Lots of quotation software providers offer free trials (see below). Some offer free elements, like a standardised template.
But unless you're a Checkatrade member you’ll probably need to subscribe to a quotation software provider to get the full benefits.
Our members now get access to a dedicated quoting and invoicing tool. It has been built to help reduce the estimated 2.5 hours a week spent by tradespeople on generating quotes. Simple to use, it puts new customers, reviews and business management tools all in one handy app. Exclusively available for Checkatrade members.
Grow your business with a dedicated app
Checkatrade members can easily quote/invoice
Benefits of quotation software
Scribbling a price down on a notepad and handing it to a potential customer may seem easy and practical. But does it really help you run your business in the best way? And does it always ensure you are maximising your profits?
Using quotation software helps small business to:
1. Save time
Spend less time on paperwork and more time seeing customers, winning work and doing more jobs.
2. Look professional
An automated quote looks like you mean business. As well as clearly laying out all the key details, it can include your logo and contact details.
3. Offer better customer service
Customers and potential customers will feel they are dealing with a professional tradesperson. They will be more confident in the financial arrangement and your ability to deliver work as agreed with them.
4. Convert more leads into sales
Having an efficient online way of generating and following up on quotes is more likely to win business.
5. Generate and monitor quotes in real time
The great thing about quotation software is you can send a quote immediately and easily track its progress. You’ll know as soon as a customer has responded and you can quickly follow up on any questions they may have about the quote.
6. Send quotes easily
There’s no need to post anything or drive around to a customer to hand it over in person. Quotation software does it all for you, giving you the choice to send via email or text message.
7. Be more accurate
By generating your quotes in a software program you will be more accurate in the information you give. You'll be less likely to make fewer errors that could prove costly.
8. Use e-signatures
Quotation software usually includes a function for e-signatures. These are digital ‘signatures’ that customers can make to approve a quote.
Again, this can save you time. It also provides confirmation a job can go ahead.
9. Create standardised and consistent quotes
The quotation system uses standardised templates. That means every quote you send will be similar in its layout and your business details. As well as looking good, it will save you a lot of time.
10. Link quotes to jobs and invoicing
Quotation software is usually offered as part of a broader package of online business management products. They all link with each other.
This means you should be able to turn quotes automatically into invoices. You can use data from quotations to run your business better.
Grow your business with a dedicated app
Checkatrade members can easily quote/invoice
11. Share information
Everyone in your business with access to the quotation software can instantly access information whenever they need it.
12. Improve your profit margin
Having a digital process for generating quotes will help you improve your profit margin. You can include all relevant costs when you price a job. This could include the mark up of materials.
You’re also less likely to overlook any business expenses that should be charged to customers
13. Compare quotes
By being more consistent with job quotations you’ll be able to compare work more easily. This should help you analyse the actual time, labour and materials involved.
That way, you can identify profitable jobs and any which make a loss. You can then think about adjusting your costs.
14. Include payment terms
Winning work with a quote is only the start of a profitable job. Making sure you get paid is just as important.
Quotation software allows you to include your payment terms and bank account details. It can go a long way to cutting down on frustrating late payments.
15. Analyse your jobs
As we’ve said, quotation software captures lots of business and financial information digitally. This is usually available to view in online ‘dashboards’.
Checking all the data can help you run your business more profitably. For example, you’ll be able to see how long it took to get a quote approved and to complete a job.
You’ll also be able to see which jobs didn’t go ahead and which ones are outstanding.
Grow your business with a dedicated app
Checkatrade members can easily quote/invoice
Quotation software products
Here’s a selection of quotation software aimed at small business. Their monthly cost depends on the types of features you include in the package.
Checkatrade
Our members can now benefit from a dedicated quoting and invoicing tool within our trade app. As well as seeing leads come through, we have business management tools and Offers and Discounts available all in one place.
Cost: Free to members.
Dedicated trade app that people can use to generate quotes and invoiced, save on business essentials, and see leads all in one place
QuickBooks
QuickBooks has over seven million customers. It includes versions for sole traders and limited companies.
Cost: From £2.50 (for self-employed tradespeople) to £17.50 per month
Checkatrade members can save 75% for the first 12 months*
Offers a limited discount for six months if you sign up before 9 October 2023
Tradify
Features include customisable templates, price lists and automated follow-ups.
Cost: A single plan at £21 per month
Offers a free 14-day trial
Instabooks
Features include reusing information from previous quotes and invoices and mobile quoting templates.
Cost: £14 to £34 per month
Offers a free trial
Xero
Features include creating invoices from quotes and instant customer approval.
Cost: £15 to £55 per month
Offers a free 30-day trial
What is construction estimating software?
The building and construction sector often involves more complicated types of work. The ability to customise job estimates can be important. This can include costs for multiple contractors and subcontractors. There are also likely to be a range of materials required for jobs.
Construction estimating software is usually one part of a larger construction site management package. Some of the main construction estimation software providers include:
FAQs
What is quotation software?
It’s a computerised method for tradespeople to generate customer quotes.
What are the benefits of small business quoting software?
You can save time and money by using quotation software, as well as improving accuracy, speed and customer satisfaction.
Can you get free quotation software?
Some quotation software providers offer free templates but these might not link to any other financial activities, like invoicing. Most software includes a free trial.
What is construction estimation software?
These are usually construction site management packages that include job estimation capabilities. They are specific to often complex construction projects.
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