The Complete Guide to Quoting Jobs as a Tradie in 2026

Why quoting matters more than you think

Every tradesperson knows the sinking feeling: you quote a job, win it, then realise halfway through that you underpriced it. Materials cost more than expected, the scope creeps, and your margins evaporate. According to the Master Builders Association, inaccurate quoting is the number one reason trade businesses fail in their first three years.

The good news? Modern quoting tools have made it dramatically easier to get quotes right the first time.

The anatomy of a winning quote

A professional quote isn't just a number on a page. It's a document that builds trust, sets expectations, and protects both you and your client. Here's what every trade quote should include:

1. Clear scope of work

Spell out exactly what's included — and what's not. For an electrician quoting a switchboard upgrade, this might look like:

• Remove existing switchboard
• Supply and install new 24-pole switchboard
• Install new safety switch (RCD) protection
• Test and tag all circuits
• Excludes: any remediation of existing wiring faults discovered during work

2. Itemised line items

Break your quote into individual line items with quantities and unit prices. This transparency builds client confidence and makes it easier to adjust scope without re-quoting the entire job.

3. GST and tax handling

In Australia, if your business turns over more than $75,000 per year, you must charge GST. Your quotes should clearly show the GST component — 10% on top of your net price.

4. Payment terms

State when payment is due: on completion, 7 days, 14 days, or staged payments for larger jobs. Clear terms prevent awkward conversations later.

Common quoting mistakes tradies make

Forgetting overhead costs — Your quote needs to cover more than materials and labour. Fuel, insurance, tool wear, admin time, and vehicle costs all eat into your margin.

Not accounting for waste — Materials rarely work out to exact quantities. A good rule of thumb: add 10-15% for waste on materials like cable, pipe, and timber.

Quoting from memory — Guessing quantities instead of measuring leads to underquoting. Visual takeoff tools let you measure directly from plans and drawings, eliminating guesswork.

No follow-up system — The average trade quote has a 30% conversion rate. Following up within 48 hours can lift that to 50%+.

How 33 Trade makes quoting faster

33 Trade's free quoting module lets you create professional, itemised quotes with automatic GST calculation, client-ready PDF generation, and a full catalogue of your items and pricing. Combined with visual takeoffs for measuring from plans, you can quote a job in minutes instead of hours.

Your quotes live in a pipeline alongside leads, clients, and projects — so you always know where every opportunity stands.