Quote

A quote (or quotation) is a formal price offer a seller sends to a buyer before any work is agreed, stating the proposed price, scope, and terms; once the buyer accepts, the quote typically converts into a purchase order or directly into an invoice when work completes.

Applies in: Global

A quote is the seller's opening commercial position. It says "here is what we would charge, for what scope, on these terms," usually with a validity period (commonly 30 days) and the ability for the buyer to accept, decline, or push back. Quotes can be informal (a single-line email) or formal (a structured document with line items, totals, and accept/decline buttons), depending on the relationship and the size of the deal.

Acceptance is the moment a quote turns into a commitment. Once the buyer accepts, the quote becomes the agreed price and scope, and the supplier can start work. The buyer's acceptance typically takes one of three forms: a signed quote returned to the supplier, a purchase order referencing the quote, or a deposit payment that implicitly accepts the quote. From that point the supplier is on the hook to deliver, and the buyer is on the hook to pay.

Quotes are distinct from estimates (more provisional, often given verbally for small jobs) and from proforma invoices (which are invoice-shaped and typically used to request a deposit or for customs purposes, not to open a price negotiation). The right format depends on what you are using it for: a quote for new B2B work, a proforma for a deposit or customs declaration, an estimate for casual B2C jobs.

Common questions about Quote

What is the difference between a quote and an estimate?

A quote is a firm price offer the seller will honour if accepted within the validity period. An estimate is a provisional price range, usually given verbally or in casual writing, that the seller may revise once they understand the scope better. Quotes carry more commercial weight; estimates are exploratory.

Is a quote the same as a proforma invoice?

Close, but not identical. A quote is presented as a price offer. A proforma invoice is presented as an invoice in shape, typically used to request a deposit or to declare goods for customs before the real invoice exists. Both are non-binding until acted on, but the framing and the typical use case differ.

Is a quote legally binding?

Generally not until the buyer accepts and the offer is open (within the validity period). Once the buyer accepts, the quote forms a contract for that work at that price under those terms, and both sides are bound. Suppliers usually state a validity period ("valid for 30 days") to limit exposure to price changes between quoting and acceptance.

Use JupiterInvoice for Quote

Quote on a JupiterInvoice invoice is a field, a label, and an audit trail your buyer can act on without an email back-and-forth.

Send a quote. Customer accepts. You're ready to invoice.

Quote your customer with a shareable link they can accept or decline. Expires when you say. Becomes an invoice with one click. No separate q...

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Free freelance project quote builder. Itemize hours and rate, add contingency and tax, and turn it into a sendable invoice in one click.

Related terms

Proforma invoice Purchase order Invoice

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