Estimates

Document repair estimates

An estimate is a simple paper or email document showing the proposed work and expected cost.

Quick start

  1. Choose Estimate in the Document Type dropdown when creating the record.
  2. Add the services, parts, discounts, and tax that belong in the quote, then save.
  3. Use Print Estimate or Email Estimate from the work-order actions.
  4. Edit the work and resend or reprint whenever the scope or price changes.

What the buttons mean

  • Document Type: changes the record between a Work Order and an Estimate.
  • Print Estimate: prints the customer-facing estimate with line items and totals.
  • Email Estimate: opens the same estimate as an editable email draft.
  • Estimates never lock the work order and never require customer approval to continue.

Estimate first, invoice second

An estimate is not an invoice. When the customer says to proceed, change Document Type to Work Order on the same record, continue the repair, and use Finalize Invoice only when the final bill is ready. The estimate remains part of the record as the original quote.

Customer communication

The email includes the customer greeting, instrument, estimate total, tax, and a full services-and-parts breakdown. You can edit the wording before sending.

Parts and inventory

If an estimate depends on a part, use inventory or purchase order notes to show whether the part is in stock, needs to be ordered, or is customer supplied.

Simple by design

An estimate is informational. It does not lock charges, block repairs, or create an approval workflow. Update the work order whenever needed and print or email the current numbers.