5 Tips for Creating Stand-Out Quotes to Win You More Business

Tired of being the second-best bid?

As a skilled tradesperson, your job quote represents hours of experience, careful planning, and material calculation. Yet, far too often, a job comes down to the slimmest margin or a homeowner choosing the cheapest option—not the best value.

A truly effective quote does more than list a price; it acts as a professional sales document that builds trust and justifies your rate. Here are five essential tips for mastering your pricing strategy for a small business and creating quotes that stand out from the competition to help you secure more business.

1. Speed wins: The ‘first quote’ advantage

In the digital marketplace, speed is often the greatest signal of professionalism and reliability. Homeowners are keen to get started, and the first few bids they receive set the benchmark. Getting your quotation in quickly is key to learning how to win construction bids.

Actionable tip: Aim to deliver a comprehensive quote within 24 hours of surveying the job. Using the Rated People trades app to manage your leads efficiently can significantly cut down on administrative delays. Being first in the inbox proves you are responsive and serious about the work.

2. Ditch the lump sum: Transparency builds trust

A single, opaque figure for a large project can raise suspicions. Homeowners value transparency and need to understand where their money is going, especially when learning how to write a quote for a job.

Actionable tip: Structure your quote clearly into segregated sections:
- Labour: Break down hours or days and the rate.
- Materials: Itemise key materials (or allow a provisional sum).
- Plant & Equipment: Detail any necessary hired machinery (e.g., scaffolding, skips).

This clarity allows the client to see the genuine cost of the project and reduces the perceived risk, making your price easier to justify compared to a competitor’s simple bottom line.

3. Sell your value, not just your time

The quote is your opportunity to remind the client why they should hire you. Your price includes your track record, qualifications, and peace of mind—make sure they see it. This is the secret to how to write a winning quote.

Actionable tip: Don’t rely solely on the homeowner checking your profile separately.
- Include social proof: Briefly reference your Rated People profile and mention a key statistic, such as “with over 50 five-star reviews on our profile.”
- Highlight qualifications: List relevant certifications (e.g., Gas Safe, NICEIC, TrustMark) directly within the quotation document to immediately alleviate client concerns about compliance and quality.

4. Scope clarity is king (especially exclusions)

The most common reason for disputes is differing expectations regarding the project scope. A stand-out bid meticulously defines the boundaries of the job.

Actionable tip: Dedicate a specific section to “what is included” and “what is excluded” (exclusions).
- Example inclusion: “Removal of old units and basic first-fix plumbing.”
- Example exclusion: “Disposal costs for waste generated (quote provided separately)” or “Any redecoration required following installation.” By being proactively clear about exclusions, you manage expectations, prevent scope creep, and demonstrate a meticulous professional approach that helps you get more construction work.

5. Master the professional follow-up

The quote isn’t the final step—it’s the start of the final negotiation. A professional follow-up can differentiate you from a tradesperson who just hits ‘send’ and waits.

Actionable tip: If you haven’t heard back within 48 hours, send a brief, non-pushy message via the Rated People Chat feature or email.
- Suggested script: “Just checking that you received the quotation safely. If you have any questions about the materials or the process, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m available next week to discuss any details.” This simple action shows you are engaged and accessible, often tipping the scales in your favour.

Ready to win more business?

By transforming your quote into a clear, professional, and value-driven document, you significantly increase your chance of securing the job at the right price. Use these tips

alongside your fantastic Rated People reviews to ensure your business stands out every time.