The short answer
Write the quote the way Consumer Affairs Victoria tells homeowners to check one: clear scope, what is and is not included, payment terms and your details. A clear quote beats a cheap one, because the cheapest quote is often the one that leaves things out.
Quote to the checklist your customer is reading
Consumer Affairs Victoria tells homeowners to compare at least three written quotes and warns that the cheapest may leave items out. If your quote is the clearest of the three, you stand out without dropping your price.
What to put on every quote
A quote that earns trust usually has:
- your business name, address, phone and, where it applies, your licence or registration number
- your public liability insurance, with the certificate available on request
- the scope in plain words: rooms or areas, prep, materials, brands and finish
- what is not included, written down, so there are no surprises
- a realistic time estimate and a start date
- payment terms: a deposit within the legal limit and staged payments for larger work
- how changes will be handled, in writing and signed before the extra work starts
- an expiry date for the price
Make it easy to say yes
Send the quote while the customer still remembers you. Keep it to one or two pages. Say how to accept: reply yes, or sign and return. Every step you remove is a quote that does not go quiet.
When someone asks you to drop your price
Do not just cut the number. Offer a smaller scope instead, or explain what the lower quote is leaving out. If the work is the same and the price is lower, you are the one losing margin.
Common questions
Should I list what is not included?
Yes. A clear list of exclusions prevents disputes and shows you have thought about the job.
How much deposit can I ask for?
For building work in Victoria, Consumer Affairs Victoria says the deposit cannot be more than 10 per cent under $20,000 or 5 per cent at $20,000 or more. Check your state's rules.
How long should a quote be valid?
Put an expiry date on it. Material and labour costs move, and an expiry date gives you a reason to follow up.
Sources
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: getting quotes, checked 11 November 2026
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: deposits and payments for building work, checked 11 November 2026