Selections Overview
Selections let you present product and finish choices to your client, collect their approval, and keep a record of every decision on the job. This article walks through creating a selection set, sending it for approval (or approving it internally), communicating with your client, and generating a Selections Report.
Before you start
Selections are only available on jobs. The Selections tab sits under Project Management, which appears once an estimate has been converted to a job. The estimate can stay unlocked after conversion.
Plan ahead in your estimate (optional). If you set up cost items or allowances in your estimate and specifications, you can use them to build selection sets later. You can also create selection sets from scratch.
Step 1: Open Selections
Open the Job.
Go to Project Management > Selections.
Click the green + Selection Set button in the center of the page or in the top right.
Step 2: Choose how to create the set
Option | Use when |
New Selection Set | You haven't set aside items in your estimate or specifications. |
New from Specification/Estimate item | You've already set up cost items or allowances in your estimate and specs. |
š”Tip: You can create multiple selection sets at one time! Using the 'New from Specification/Estimate item' option. Saving you time on admin work so you can get back to what's important.
Step 3: Set the selection type
Type | What the client does | Example |
Selection Approval | Approves a choice already agreed outside of Jack. | A finish discussed on site. |
Single Choice | Picks one option from several. | Three tile types from a supplier visit. |
Multiple Choice | Picks more than one option. | Basins and taps across four rooms. |
Step 4: Set a location
Locations break the property into areas such as Kitchen, Bedrooms or Bathrooms, so selections are easier to organize.
Click + New Location to add one on the spot, or
Manage all locations in Settings > Data Setup > Locations, where you can create, edit, or archive them.
Then select the estimate item (if generating from your estimate) and click Create Selection.
Step 5: Review the selection details
Expand the selection set to see its details.
Rename it (for example, "Kitchen Cabinetry")
Change the cost code or location
Link an allowance: If you've included an allowance for this selection in your estimate, link it here. When an option has a cost different from the allowance, Jack automatically creates a change order for the difference, which appears under the job's Financials > Change Orders. If the cost is already fully accounted for in your estimate, you can skip this and no change order will be created.
Step 6: Add options
Click Add Option to open the option editor.
Edit the name (Jack fills one in by default)
Write a description with formatting, tables, and images
Pull in data from your estimate and specifications
Add images so your client can see what each option looks like
Add attachments such as product brochures
Click Save & Close, then repeat for each option.
š” Tip: Images and attachments make your selections look professional and reflect your brand to your client.
Step 7: Release or approve
Once the set is ready, choose one:
Save & Release sends it to your client for approval in their Client Portal.
Save & Approve approves it internally, for when your client has already agreed outside of Jack.
ā¹ļø Note: For Single Choice sets, you must mark which option the client chose before approving internally, or Jack will show an error.
š” Tip: Click the Comments bubble on a Saved selection set to start a conversation with your client. Your comments appear in their Client Portal and they can reply. You'll be notified when they do, keeping all selection discussions in one place.