If you're a tradie in Australia, your quote is often the first real impression a potential client gets of your business. A sloppy, incomplete or confusing quote can cost you the job — even if your work is top-notch. On the flip side, a clear, professional quote builds trust and makes the client feel confident saying yes.
In this guide, we'll walk through exactly what a professional tradie quote should include, common mistakes to avoid, and how to calculate GST correctly every time using our free GST Calculator.
What is a Tradie Quote?
A quote (also called a fixed-price quotation) is a legally binding document that sets out the total cost of a job before work begins. Unlike an estimate, which is a rough guess, a quote is a fixed price. Once the client accepts it, you're obligated to complete the work for that price — and the client is obligated to pay it.
In Australia, quotes for work over a certain value may need to include GST if you're registered for it. More on that below.
What Every Tradie Quote Must Include
A professional quote should cover these essential elements:
1. Your Business Details
Full business name, ABN (Australian Business Number), phone number, email, and physical address. If you have an ACN, include that too. This gives the client confidence you're a legitimate business.
2. The Client's Details
Full name, address, phone number and email. Double-check the spelling — mistakes on client details look unprofessional.
3. A Clear Description of Work
List exactly what you will and won't do. "Supply and install 20m² of Merbau decking including all materials, joists and screws" is better than "Decking job". The more specific you are, the less room there is for disputes later.
Include exclusions too. For example: "Does not include painting, staining or sealing" or "Does not include removal of existing structure".
4. Itemised Pricing
Break down costs into materials and labour. If there are multiple stages, list each one separately. This shows transparency and helps the client understand what they're paying for.
5. GST Clearly Shown
If you're registered for GST (which you should be if your annual turnover is $75,000 or more), you must show GST separately on your quote. This is a legal requirement under Australian tax law.
Use the ToolsHubPro GST Calculator to make sure the numbers are right every time.
💡 Pro Tip: Show GST Separately
Always show the subtotal (without GST), the GST amount, and the total (with GST) as three separate lines at the bottom of your quote. This is the professional standard and helps avoid confusion at tax time.
6. Payment Terms
State when payment is due — for example: "Payment due within 14 days of invoice date" or "50% deposit required before commencement, balance due on completion". Be clear about your preferred payment methods (bank transfer, card, cash).
7. Quote Validity Period
Material prices can change quickly. Include a validity period, such as "This quote is valid for 14 days from the date of issue." This protects you if prices go up before the client accepts.
8. Terms and Conditions
Include standard terms like variation policy (what happens if the scope changes), cancellation policy, and any warranties or guarantees you offer.
Common Mistakes Tradies Make on Quotes
- Forgetting to include GST — If you're GST-registered, your quote must show GST. If you forget, you have to eat the 10% or awkwardly ask for more money later.
- Being too vague — "Fence repair" could mean anything. Be specific to avoid scope creep and disputes.
- Not including an expiry date — Without one, clients could come back months later expecting the same price after materials have gone up.
- Messy formatting — A quote full of typos or inconsistent formatting makes you look amateur. Take five minutes to make it clean.
- Not following up — Most tradies send a quote and wait. A quick follow-up call or text a few days later can double your conversion rate.
Free Quote Template for Australian Tradies
Here's a simple template you can copy into Word, Google Docs, or your quoting software:
📄 Quick Quote Template
[Your Business Name]
ABN: [Your ABN]
Phone: [Your Number] | Email: [Your Email]
Quote #: [001]
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Valid Until: [DD/MM/YYYY + 14 days]
Client: [Name] · [Address]
Description of Work:
[Clear, specific description of what you'll do]
Itemised Pricing:
Materials — $[amount]
Labour — $[amount]
Subtotal — $[amount]
GST (10%) — $[amount]
Total — $[amount inc. GST]
Payment Terms: [14 days / 50% deposit etc.]
How to Calculate GST on a Quote
Getting GST right is critical. The formula is simple: your total price including GST is your price excluding GST multiplied by 1.1. Or use our free GST Calculator Australia — it handles both adding and removing GST instantly.
For example, if your labour is $2,000 and materials are $1,500, your subtotal is $3,500. Add 10% GST ($350) and your total is $3,850. Our calculator does this in one click.
🧮 Get your quote numbers right every time — with our free GST calculator.
Use GST Calculator →Final Tips
Sending a great quote is about more than just the price. It's about showing the client you're professional, reliable, and easy to deal with. A well-written quote sets the tone for the entire job and helps you avoid disputes down the track.
Keep a template saved, double-check your GST calculation, and always follow up within a week. Your quote-to-job conversion rate will thank you.
📥 Download Your Free Tradie Tax Cheat Sheet
Get the Free Cheat Sheet →⚡ Upgrade to Pro Reports for $2.99/mo — Get PDF summaries, charts and printable tax estimates.
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