Quote vs estimate: what's the difference?
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Customers often use the words interchangeably, but they mean different things. Getting it right avoids arguments at the end of a job.
The short answer
- A quote is a fixed price for the work described. If the customer accepts it, that's the price.
- An estimate is an informed guess at the cost. The final price can be higher or lower.
What a quote is
A quote is an offer to do specific work for a specific price. Once the customer accepts it, you've agreed that price for that work. If the job takes longer than you expected, that's usually your cost, not theirs.
That's why the description matters: the price only covers the work you've described. The clearer the description, the easier it is to show what's in and what's out.
What an estimate is
An estimate is your best judgement of what the job will cost, based on what you know now. It tells the customer roughly what to expect, without committing you to a fixed figure.
An estimate isn't a blank cheque. If the final bill is far above it without a good reason, or without you telling the customer as you went, expect a dispute.
Label it clearly
Put "Quote" or "Estimate" at the top, and use the word consistently. Don't call something a quote and then say the price may change, or call it an estimate when you mean to stick to it. If in doubt, the customer will usually read it the way that suits them.
When the customer changes the job
A fixed price covers the work described. If the customer asks for more, or something different, the price can change. Agree the new work and the new price in writing before you do it: a short message or email is enough.
For example: "Adding two double sockets in the kitchen, as discussed: £180 extra. Please reply to confirm and we'll fit them while we're here."
When an estimate makes sense
Some jobs have genuine unknowns you can't see until you start: wiring behind walls, rot under floorboards, what's below ground on a dig. You can either estimate the whole job, or fix a price for the known work and estimate only the unknown part.
Bojit sends fixed-price quotes. For work with unknowns, a good approach is to quote the known work at a fixed price and agree anything extra in writing before you do it.
How to word an estimate
Say what you've assumed, what could change, and what happens if it does:
- The assumption: "This assumes the existing joists are sound."
- What could change: "If we find rot when the floor is up, the joists may need replacing."
- What happens next: "We'll stop, show you, and agree a price before doing any extra work."
Written like this, the customer knows the range they're facing and you've agreed how surprises will be handled.
What the law says when no price is fixed
Under section 51 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, if a contract for a service doesn't fix the price, or the way it's worked out, the customer must pay a reasonable price for the service, and no more.
In practice: if you didn't fix a price, what you can charge is what's reasonable for the work done. A clear written quote or a well-worded estimate is the simplest way to avoid that argument.
Sources
General guidance for UK tradespeople, not legal or tax advice.
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