Win the job before you start it
A quote is the moment a conversation turns into a deal. The faster and more professional your quote looks, the more likely the client says yes. A scribbled figure in a text message invites haggling; a clean, itemised quote with clear terms invites a signature.
LancerBill’s quote generator produces professional quotes and estimates in minutes. It runs entirely in your browser, so your client details and pricing never leave your device, and there is no signup, no email capture and no paywall between you and the PDF. It is built for tradespeople, freelancers, agencies, consultants and anyone who prices work before doing it.
Every quote carries an expiry date — because prices do not last forever — and follows the natural workflow this site is built around: quote, then invoice, then receipt.
Your data never leaves your browser. The PDF is generated on your device - no account or signup needed.
How to use it
- Enter your business details and your prospective client’s details.
- Let the tool assign the next sequential quote number (e.g. QTE-2026-001) or set your own.
- Add line items describing the work: labour, materials, travel, per-hour or per-day items. Be specific — itemised quotes get fewer disputes than lump-sum ones.
- Apply discounts and tax (country presets available for VAT, GST and sales-tax regions, or enter a custom rate).
- Set the quote validity period — 14 or 30 days is standard — and add your terms (deposit required, payment milestones, what’s excluded).
- Review the live totals and download the PDF to send to your prospect.
What it calculates and how the totals work
| Line | Formula |
|---|---|
| Line total | Quantity × unit price − line discount |
| Subtotal | Sum of all line totals |
| Discount (quote-level) | Percentage or flat amount off the subtotal |
| Tax | Rate × (subtotal − discount) |
| Quoted total | Subtotal − discount + tax + extras |
Assumptions:
- The tool uses the same arithmetic engine as the invoice generator, so converting an accepted quote to an invoice keeps every figure identical. That consistency is what your client expects.
- Country presets apply standard tax rates only. If your quote crosses a tax-registration threshold (for example you become VAT-registered mid-year), update the rate before sending.
- Quotes are estimates, not tax documents. They do not need to meet invoicing regulations in most jurisdictions, but they should state clearly whether tax is included.
Worked example: landscaping quote
Daniel runs a two-person landscaping business near Leeds. A homeowner asks for a garden redesign. He quotes:
- QTE-2026-023, dated 4 October 2026, valid for 14 days
- Line 1: “Garden design and planting plan”, 1 × £450.00
- Line 2: “Labour — 4 days at £280/day”, 4 × £280.00 = £1,120.00
- Line 3: “Plants and materials (at cost + 10%)”, 1 × £660.00
- Subtotal: £2,230.00. A 5% new-customer discount: −£111.50 → £2,118.50
- UK VAT 20% (Daniel is VAT-registered): +£423.70
- Quoted total: £2,542.20, valid until 18 October 2026, with a 25% deposit term noted.
The PDF lists each line, the discount, the VAT and the expiry date. When the client accepts, Daniel converts it to an invoice with one action instead of retyping everything.
Important considerations and limitations
- A quote can become binding. In many jurisdictions, an accepted quote forms a contract. If your costs might move (materials, labour), say so in the terms — “prices valid for 14 days” — or issue an estimate (approximate) rather than a fixed quote. When in doubt, get advice from a solicitor.
- Exclude what is not included. Most quote disputes come from assumptions about scope. Use the notes field to list exclusions explicitly.
- Validity dates protect you. Material prices and your availability change. Always date your quotes and set an expiry.
- Quotes are not invoices. Do not use a quote as a tax document or claim tax on it. Once work is agreed and done, generate an invoice instead.
- Browser-local storage: your client list and quote history stay in your browser. Export your data if you switch devices.
Frequently asked questions
Is the quote generator really free?
Yes — no account, no email gate, no limits on the number of quotes. Like every tool on this site, it runs in your browser and costs you nothing.
What’s the difference between a quote and an estimate?
A quote is usually a fixed, binding price for defined work. An estimate is an educated approximation that may change. This tool can produce either — use the title field to label it correctly, because the label sets your client’s expectations.
Can my prospect convert the quote into an invoice?
When a client accepts, you can convert the quote directly into an invoice with the same line items and totals. That is the workflow this site is designed around: quote → invoice → receipt.
Can I add VAT or GST to a quote?
Yes. Country presets apply the standard rate, and you can override it manually. Mark clearly whether your prices are tax-inclusive or tax-exclusive — confusion here causes more disputes than almost anything else.
How long should a quote be valid?
Common practice is 14 to 30 days. Set it in the tool and the expiry date prints on the PDF. After expiry you are free to re-price, which protects you from rising costs.
Does the quote include my terms and conditions?
There is a notes/terms field on every quote. Use it for deposit requirements, payment milestones, exclusions and validity. Keep it short — a page of fine print scares people; five clear lines reassure them.
Is my pricing data uploaded anywhere?
No. Everything is processed locally in your browser. Neither LancerBill nor any third party receives your quote contents.
Related tools
External references
- GOV.UK — Invoicing and taking payment from customers
- IRS — Recordkeeping for small businesses
- EU law (archived UK implementation) — Directive 2011/7/EU on combating late payment
- UK Government — Late commercial payments: charging interest
This tool provides estimates and document-generation for guidance only and is not professional financial, tax, or legal advice.