Free tool · no sign-up
Estimate maker
Give the customer a clear cost estimate for parts and labour, with GST, before you start work. Free, no sign-up, and nothing leaves your browser.
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How it works
- 1Click and type on the pageYour details, the party, items and terms go straight onto the A4 document.
- 2GST works itself outCGST + SGST or IGST from the two states, totals, round-off and the amount in words.
- 3Download, print or WhatsAppSave a one-page A4 PDF, print it, or send a summary on WhatsApp.
Runs in your browser. Nothing you type or upload is sent to Cashflow OS.
Estimate or quotation?
An estimate is your best guess of the cost; it can change once the work is opened up. A quotation is a firm price for a period. Repair shops, contractors, interior work, printers and service centres usually send estimates, because the final job is not fully known at the start. Say so on the document: "This is an estimate. The final bill may differ; we will ask before going over it by more than 10%." See estimate vs quotation.
How to make one
- Your business details and logo; the customer's name, address and state.
- Estimate number and date, with a valid-till date.
- List parts and services separately. Use HSN for parts and SAC for labour or service charges.
- Put the GST rate on each line; parts and labour can have different rates.
- Write what is not included and how changes will be handled.
- Print, save as PDF, or send the summary on WhatsApp for approval.
Example: a repair estimate
| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| Compressor (1 × ₹9,800) | ₹9,800 |
| Gas refill (1 × ₹1,450) | ₹1,450 |
| Labour (SAC, 1 × ₹1,250) | ₹1,250 |
| Taxable value | ₹12,500 |
| CGST 9% + SGST 9% | ₹2,250 |
| Estimated total | ₹14,750 |
The rates here are an example only; use the rate that applies to each part and service.
Getting approval in writing
Most disputes in repair and contract work start with "you never told me it would cost this much". Send the estimate before work starts and ask the customer to reply "approved". Keep that reply with the job card. If the cost rises, send a revised estimate rather than explaining it on the final bill. Read job card and service invoice.
After the work is done
Bill the actual parts and labour with the invoice generator, quoting the estimate number. The estimate format page has a sample and a blank template. For service businesses on TallyPrime, Cashflow OS has service jobs: add items or service charges to a job, then close and invoice it.
Questions people ask
Is an estimate binding?
Less than a quotation. It is an approximate cost; write how much it may vary and get approval before exceeding it.
Do I charge GST on an estimate?
No tax is payable on an estimate. Show the GST so the customer knows the full expected cost.
Should parts and labour be on separate lines?
Yes. They often carry different codes and rates, and the customer can see what they are paying for.
How long should an estimate be valid?
Long enough for the customer to decide, often 7 to 30 days, shorter if part prices move often.
Can I send the estimate on WhatsApp for approval?
Yes. Save it as a PDF and attach it, or share the text summary with the estimated total, and ask the customer to reply with their approval before you start.
General information for Indian businesses, not tax or legal advice. GST rates and rules change by notification — check cbic-gst.gov.in or ask your CA before you rely on a figure.
