What a shop estimate should contain

A clear estimate can be read without calling the shop to ask what is included. This guide lists what to separate: work, parts, what is left out, and how the customer accepts. Use it when the document comes from the job, not as generic text pasted in the margin.

Name the job

Customer name and phone.
Plate and one line about the vehicle.
The reason being estimated, in one sentence.
The date of the estimate.
The location issuing it.
If it comes from an open order, that link should be obvious.

Lines a customer can read

Work described by the job, not only as loose hours.
Each part named well enough to recognize.
Quantities, not «several».
A price on each line and a total.
Tax shown, not hidden in the rounding.
What is not included: extra diagnosis, an alternative part, another fault noticed in passing.

Before you send it

The total matches the lines.
It does not promise a part the shelf does not have, unless it says the part will be ordered.
A validity period is written if the part price can move.
The person who sends it can explain it in a minute on the phone.
There is no different price already given in a chat.
The estimate status shows whether you are still waiting for an answer.

When the customer replies

Acceptance is recorded, not left in a voice note.
If they ask for a change, update the estimate before you continue.
The later invoice carries what was accepted.
A new fault found in the bay is not added silently.
If they do not accept, the order does not continue as if they had.
When you are paid, the invoice status moves to paid, or the term is written down.

If you want to see this on the board, request a demo. GarageBolt