Skip to main content

How to Create & Send an Estimate

Learn how to create estimates in QuoteIQ — using the AI Estimator, AI Autopilot, or the full manual estimate builder with discounts, e-signatures, and Before/After AI images.

Updated over 2 weeks ago

Sending professional estimates inside QuoteIQ is fast, accurate, and fully customizable. You can create estimates manually using the step-by-step builder below, or use AI-powered tools to generate estimates even faster.

Prefer to watch?


AI-Powered Ways to Create Estimates

In addition to the manual estimate builder (covered in the walkthrough below), QuoteIQ includes AI-powered tools that can speed up your quoting process dramatically. All AI features are available on every plan and use IQ Credits.

AI Estimator

Upload a photo of the property or job site and QuoteIQ's AI will analyze the surface type, condition, and scope — then generate a market-accurate estimate with local pricing. What normally takes 20–30 minutes of measuring and calculating can be done in under 2 minutes. You can review and adjust the AI-generated estimate before sending it to the customer.

AI Autopilot

Use natural language to create estimates instantly. Just type or speak a command like "Create a house washing estimate for $450 for John Smith" and AI Autopilot builds the estimate for you — selecting the customer, adding the services, and setting the price. You review it, make any adjustments, and send. AI Autopilot has 35 integrated tools and can handle the entire estimate creation process from a single command.

Before & After AI Image Generator

Want to show the customer what their property will look like after your service? Upload a photo and QuoteIQ's AI generates a realistic "after" preview image — using their actual property, not stock photos. You can attach the Before & After image directly to your estimate to help close the deal.

All three AI tools work together. Use AI Estimator to generate pricing, attach a Before & After preview image, then send — all in under 5 minutes. Or use AI Autopilot to do the whole thing with a voice command.


Manual Estimate Builder — Step-by-Step

The walkthrough below covers how to create an estimate manually using the full estimate builder. This gives you complete control over every detail.

Two Types of Estimates:

Quick Estimates

Don't require customer info, are faster to send, and offer a simplified preview screen. They are best for speed and flexibility.

Standard Estimates

A full estimate that includes customer details, optional estimate types (standard, options, or package), and is best used for sending professional quotes with more detail and follow-up options.

This article covers how to create a Standard Estimate. If you're looking to create a Quick Estimate instead, click here to learn more.

Both allow you to send pricing to customers, but they're designed for different situations and workflows.


Step 1: Open the Estimates Tab

From the home screen, click the Estimates tab in the top navigation bar.

QuoteIQ dashboard highlighting the Estimates tab


Step 2: Create a New Estimate

Click the + Create Estimate button located in the top right corner.

Create Estimate button

Then choose the Estimate Type:

This article covers how to create a Standard Estimate. If you're looking to create a Quick Estimate instead, click here to learn more.


Step 3: Select a Customer and Estimate Type

  • Use the Search Bar or List to find and select the customer you want to send an estimate to.

Customer selection interface

  • Choose the Estimate Type:

Standard Estimate

  • A straightforward estimate with a single total price for the service(s) selected.

Standard Estimate preview
  • (Preview of Standard Estimate above)


Options Estimate

  • Provides customers with multiple service options to choose from within a single estimate. Ideal for offering different service levels or upselling opportunities.

Options Estimate preview
  • (Preview of Options Estimate above)


Package Estimate

  • Allows you to create and present bundled service packages with preselected services and set pricing. Perfect for marketing seasonal packages, bundled discounts, or all-inclusive service offerings.

    Package Estimate preview
  • (Preview of Package Estimate above)


Each Type changes how the estimate is built and presented to the customer.

Then, click Next to proceed.


Step 4: Add Services and Calculate Pricing

  • Choose the service(s) from your Service List

  • Use the calculator to adjust pricing based on

    • Square footage

    • Linear footage

    • Quantity

    • Or other pricing types you've set under your Service Default Pricing

  • If preferred, enter a flat rate manually instead of using automatic calculations

Service pricing calculator

Need to add a new service? Click + Add Custom Service

Need to measure a property's exact size? Use MapMeasure Pro


Step 5: Apply Discounts, Deposits, Taxes and Terms

Once your services are added and the estimate total is calculated, you'll move to the Edit screen.

Here, you can customize the financial details of the estimate:

  • Apply Discounts: Enter a discount amount (flat rate or percentage) to offer savings on the estimate total

  • Set Deposits: Specify the deposit amount required to secure the job.

  • Add Taxes: If applicable, apply tax percentage based on your local requirements.

  • Require a Signature: Toggle ON if you want the customer to digitally sign the estimate before approval. (E-Signatures available on Beginner and above.)

Estimate customization screen


Step 6: Add Terms & Conditions, Client Message, Photo, and Footer

  • Enter Terms and Conditions — Add your payment terms, service conditions or any legal disclaimers before approval.

  • Client Message: Add a personal note or important information the customer should see when reviewing the estimate. (Example: "Thank you for considering us! Let us know if you have any questions.")

  • Photo: Upload a photo related to the job site or service. You can also attach a Before & After AI-generated preview image here to show the customer what their property will look like after your service.

  • Footer Title and Description: Use the footer section to add final reminders, disclaimers, or any additional business information.

Click Proceed to open the full Estimate Preview.


Step 7: Preview Your Estimate

Before sending your estimate, you can review how it will appear to your customer.

You'll see exactly how the services, pricing, terms, and customization display.


Step 8: View the Estimate as a PDF (Optional)

If you prefer to view the estimate as a PDF:

  • Click the PDF button at the bottom of the Estimate Preview Screen.

This will generate a PDF version of the estimate, which you can download or print if needed.


Step 9: Send Your Estimate

When you're ready to send the estimate to your customer:

  • Click the Share button

  • Choose your preferred sending method

    • Send Link (copyable link to send through any platform)

    • Send Text (direct text message to the customer)

    • Send Email (automatically emails the estimate)

Estimate share options

Step 10: Save and Exit

After sending your estimate:

  • Click Save & Exit to save the estimate and return to your Dashboard

Your estimate will now appear under the Estimate tab where you can monitor its status (Sent, Viewed, Approved, or Declined)

Estimate Dashboard


Editing an Estimate

You can edit any estimate in QuoteIQ, whether it's been sent, declined, or is still open.

To edit an estimate:

  1. Go to the Estimates tab.

  2. Find the estimate you'd like to edit.

  3. Click the three-dot icon (⋮) to the right of the estimate.

  4. Select Edit Estimate.

  5. Make any necessary changes, then Save or Send again if you'd like to notify the customer

This will open the original estimate in editing mode, where you can change services, pricing, notes, or any other detail.

Need to update a declined estimate?

If an estimate was previously declined, editing it will automatically mark it as Open again. This allows you to resend it to the customer without needing to start from scratch.

Can I edit an estimate after it's been accepted?

You can edit Accepted estimates. However, we recommend confirming changes with your customer if you're modifying pricing or services after acceptance.

Will the customer be notified when I edit an estimate?

Edits made to an estimate are not automatically resent to the customer. If you want them to review the updated version, you'll need to Send it again after making your changes.


Additional Estimate Features

Visual Estimates via MapMeasure Pro

Screenshot satellite property measurements from MapMeasure Pro and attach them directly to your estimates or invoices as visual proof of scope and dimensions. Show your customer exactly what area you're quoting — with satellite imagery and your measurements overlaid — right inside the estimate. Especially useful for exterior services like pressure washing, roofing, painting, and lawn care.

Custom Document Label

Rename your estimates company-wide — choose between "Estimate," "Proposal," or "Quote." The label updates everywhere: PDFs, customer-facing pages, and headers. Go to your settings to change the label.

Hide Line Item Prices

Hide prices on individual line items, or hide all prices at once on an estimate. Useful for proposals where you only want to show the total without itemized pricing — common for commercial bids or package deals.

Convert Estimate to Subscription

Convert an accepted estimate directly into a recurring subscription, pre-filled with the customer, services, and pricing from the original estimate. No need to rebuild the subscription from scratch — one tap and it's set up for automatic recurring billing.

Collapsible Form Sections

The estimate creation form uses collapsible sections for Terms, Client Message, Photos, Documents, and Footer — reducing clutter and making the form easier to navigate. Expand only the sections you need for each estimate.

Separate Images and PDFs in Attachments

Attachments on estimate pages split into "Attachments" (images) and "Documents" (PDFs) sections, making it easier for customers to find and review the files you've included.

Selectable Text on Estimate Pages

Customers can select and copy text directly from estimate web pages — making it easy to reference addresses, service descriptions, or pricing in other communications.


FAQs

What is the AI Estimator?

The AI Estimator lets you upload a photo of a property or job site, and QuoteIQ's AI analyzes the surface type, condition, and scope to generate a market-accurate estimate with local pricing. Available on all plans, uses IQ Credits.

Can I create an estimate using AI Autopilot?

Yes. AI Autopilot lets you create estimates using natural language. Just type or speak a command like "Create a house washing estimate for $450 for John Smith" and it builds the estimate automatically. You can review and edit before sending.

Can I attach a Before & After AI image to my estimate?

Yes. Use the Before & After AI Image Generator to create a realistic preview of what the property will look like after your service. You can attach the generated image directly to your estimate in the Photo section (Step 6).

What are E-Signatures?

E-Signatures let your customer digitally sign the estimate before approving it. This adds a layer of professionalism and protects both you and the customer. Toggle it on in Step 5. Available on Beginner plans and above.

Can I convert an estimate into an invoice?

Yes. Once a customer approves an estimate, you can convert it directly into an invoice with one tap. All services, pricing, and customer info carry over automatically — no need to re-enter anything.

What's the difference between Standard, Options, and Package estimates?

Standard is a straightforward single-price estimate. Options (Good/Better/Best) gives the customer multiple service levels to choose from within one estimate. Package lets you bundle multiple services at a set price — great for seasonal packages or all-inclusive deals.

Can I attach MapMeasure Pro screenshots to my estimate?

Yes. Screenshot your satellite property measurements from MapMeasure Pro and attach them directly to the estimate as visual proof of the area you're quoting. Your customer sees exactly what you measured — with satellite imagery and measurement overlays — right on the estimate they receive.

Can I rename "Estimate" to "Proposal" or "Quote"?

Yes. The Custom Document Label feature (in Settings) lets you rename estimates company-wide to "Estimate," "Proposal," or "Quote." The label updates on PDFs, customer-facing pages, and headers throughout QuoteIQ.

Can I hide prices on individual line items?

Yes. Hide Line Item Prices lets you hide prices on specific line items or hide all prices at once — useful for proposals where you only want to show a total. Toggle this on or off per estimate.

Did this answer your question?