InvoiceForge

Estimate Generator

Give a client a planning figure that is clearly not a fixed price.

Rough figures, kept private on your device

Overview

An estimate gives a client a rough sense of cost before the details are fixed. Unlike a quote, it is not a binding offer and is expected to move as the job becomes clearer. InvoiceForge produces the estimate locally with your line items and a total, then downloads a PDF you can share in early conversations. Used early, an estimate helps a client budget and helps you scope the work before anyone commits to a firm number. It is a planning tool rather than a promise, and treating it that way protects both you and the client once the real scope appears.

Template only — not tax or legal advice. Confirm local invoicing and tax rules before sending.

Tips for this document

Label the figure clearly as an estimate and say it may change. List what you assumed about the scope, because the number only means something against those assumptions. When the work is defined, follow up with a firm quote, and keep the estimate so the client can see how the price evolved.

FAQ

Is an estimate legally binding?

Generally no. An estimate is a planning figure, not a fixed offer, and it can be revised as the job is better understood. Put the word “estimate” on the document and note that the price may change, so neither side treats it as a closed deal.

Estimate versus quote?

An estimate is approximate and non-binding; a quote is a firmer price for a defined scope that a client can accept. Use an estimate early, and a quote once the work is clear enough to price with confidence.

Why show line items on an estimate?

Even a rough figure is easier to trust when the client sees how it is built. Line items also make it obvious which parts of the job drive the cost, so assumptions can be discussed and the estimate refined before it becomes a quote.

When should I send an estimate?

Send one when a client is scoping a project and comparing options, when the exact spec is not yet fixed, or when a formal quote would be premature. It sets expectations without committing you to a price you may need to revise.

When an estimate helps