Making a quote in Word works fine, as long as you go about it sensibly.
How to set it up
- Make one template. Put your logo, details and footer in it, and save it as a template (.dotx) rather than as a normal document.
- Use a table for the lines. Columns for description, quantity, price and total keep it clear.
- Prepare standard texts. You do not retype payment terms, validity and conditions every time.
- Save as PDF before you send, so nobody changes anything by accident.
- Give every quote a unique number and keep a list.
Where it goes wrong
- Calculation errors. Word does not calculate along. Mistype a total and it is wrong on paper.
- Old details. You copy an old quote and a name or price stays behind.
- Versions. You adjust after talking and later do not know which version the customer has.
- No overview. Who has responded, and when do you follow up?
- Double work. For the invoice you start from scratch again.
When to switch
Once you make more than a few quotes a week, or more people make quotes, a tool that calculates, numbers and remembers what you sent pays off.
Already have a Word quote? Move the prices into your product list and let Dealnote do the rest. More in the guide.