Overview
Chariot minimizes the clicks needed to build quotes and convert leads. Two features make this possible:
Estimate Formats — control how estimates appear to customers
Estimate Templates — save a complete estimate configuration for quick reuse, including a Format
Together, these let you maintain consistent, professional estimates while saving time on every quote.
Estimate Formats
Think of Formats as the framework of your estimates. A Format determines:
Introduction text
Terms and conditions
Valuation explainer (if enabled)
Default deposit settings (flat rate, percentage, or card on file)
Display options for location details, sales owner info, charges, and inventory
Why use multiple Formats?
Different job types often require different presentations. A local hourly move might need different terms and deposit rules than a long-distance flat-rate job. Commercial jobs might require different legal language than residential. Formats let you tailor the customer-facing experience for each scenario without rebuilding estimates from scratch.
You can create as many Formats as you need—local vs. long distance, residential vs. commercial, hourly vs. flat rate—and switch between them easily.
Estimate Templates
Templates save a complete estimate configuration so you can load it with a couple clicks. A Template includes:
An Estimate Format
An estimate type (binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed)
A set of charges and settings related to those charges (such as whether they're broken out by day)
Valuation options
A deposit amount
Why use Templates?
Most moving companies quote similar job configurations repeatedly. Rather than manually adding the same charges and settings every time, you can save a Template and load it instantly. This speeds up your sales process and ensures consistency across your team.
You can have multiple Templates for different scenarios—a "Local 2-Mover" Template, a "Long Distance Flat Rate" Template, a "Commercial Hourly" Template—each with its own Format, charges, valuation, and deposit settings dialed in.
In short:
Formats define how an estimate looks and behaves
Templates package a Format together with all estimate settings and charges for quick reuse
Edit or Create Formats
Go to Settings → Estimate Formats
You'll see a list of your Formats; the one marked "default" loads automatically on new leads
Click the pencil icon to edit a Format
From the editor, you can customize:
Format name
Default category (binding or non-binding)
Custom title (e.g., "Quote" or "Moving Estimate")
Introduction, terms, and valuation text (with formatting options for headers, lists, links, etc.)
Display settings and deposit strategy
To create a new Format, click New Format and configure from scratch.
Archiving Formats
If you no longer need a Format, click Archive. It will no longer appear as an option for users.
Formats and Templates: Important Note
Estimate Templates don't update automatically when you change Format settings. To apply an updated Format, create and save a new Estimate Template.
For assistance with adding or editing estimate formats, don't hesitate to use the red chat bubble to contact Chariot Support.