Should I charge for quoting?

For small jobs (under €2,000), no, it's expected to be free. For larger projects requiring site surveys, design work, or detailed specifications, a nominal fee (€50-€150) is reasonable and filters out time-wasters. You can always offset it against the final price if they proceed.

How long should a quote be valid?

30 days is standard in Ireland. For jobs with volatile material costs (timber, copper), 14 days is safer. Always state the validity period clearly. QuoteFlow adds this to every quote automatically.

What's the difference between a quote and an estimate?

A quote is a fixed price, you're committing to that number (subject to variations). An estimate is an approximation. In Ireland, if you call it a 'quote' or 'quotation', it's generally expected to be a firm price. Be clear about which you're providing.

How to Quote a Job in Ireland: Guide for Tradespeople

How to Quote a Job in Ireland, the complete guide for tradespeople. Quoting is the skill that separates tradespeople who are always busy from those who are always chasing work. This guide covers: why your quote matters more than you think, what every quote should include (business details, registration number, itemised pricing, VAT breakdown, payment terms, validity period), how to price your work (cost-plus, market rate, and value-based approaches), itemised vs lump sum quotes, how to send your quote (a WhatsApp PDF wins over a text every time), and common quoting mistakes Irish tradespeople make.

Get started free: 5 quotes, no credit card