Feature
Estimates and quotations from your phone
The job starts before the invoice does. Price it properly, in writing, on the spot — then turn the accepted estimate into an invoice without retyping a line.
Short answer
Can I make a free estimate or quotation on Android?
Yes. Invoice Spark creates unlimited estimates and quotations on the free plan — offline, with no account needed. They use the same clients, tax settings and templates as your invoices. Only invoices have a monthly allowance; estimates do not.
When the client accepts, the line items carry over into an invoice so the billed amount matches what you quoted.
Estimate, quotation or proforma — which one?
The words get used loosely, and the difference matters when a client argues about the final figure.
| Document | What it says | Is the price binding? |
|---|---|---|
| Estimate | Roughly what this job should cost, based on what I can see now | No — it can move if scope or materials change |
| Quotation | This exact scope for this exact price, valid until a stated date | Yes, for the scope described |
| Proforma invoice | A bill issued before delivery, often to secure a deposit | Yes, but it is not a tax invoice |
| Invoice | The work is done or the goods are delivered; this is due | Yes — it is the demand for payment |
There is a longer explanation with examples in invoice vs estimate vs quotation.
What to put on an estimate so it gets accepted
- A dated validity period.“Valid for 30 days” protects you when material prices move and quietly creates urgency.
- Itemised lines, not one lump sum.Clients accept what they can understand. A single “Rewire — 120,000” invites haggling; five lines with labour and materials separated invites questions you can answer.
- What is excluded.The disputes come from what wasn't said. Name the things not in the price — making good, disposal, parking, out-of-hours work.
- Tax shown, not hidden. If you charge VAT or GST, show it on the estimate. A surprise on the invoice is where trust goes.
- Payment terms and a deposit if you take one. Set the expectation before the work, not after it.
The flow in the app
- Pick the client from your saved list, or add them once and they are there forever.
- Add line items with quantity, rate and any per-item discount. Tax is applied from your settings.
- Choose a template, export the PDF and send it by WhatsApp or email — or show it on your screen and send it later if you have no signal.
- When it is accepted, create the invoice from the same line items and track it on the payment dashboard.
The whole sequence works with the network off; see offline invoicing for what that covers exactly.
Last updated:
FAQ
Estimate and quotation questions
- Can I create estimates and quotations, not just invoices?
- Yes. Invoice Spark creates estimates, quotations, invoices and receipts using the same client list, the same tax settings and the same four templates. Estimates and quotations are unlimited on the free plan — only invoices carry a monthly allowance.
- What is the difference between an estimate and a quotation?
- An estimate is your best approximation of what a job will cost and can move if the scope or materials change. A quotation is a firm price you are committing to for a defined scope. Use an estimate when there are unknowns and a quotation when the job is fully specified.
- Can I turn an accepted estimate into an invoice?
- Yes. Once the client accepts, you carry the line items across into an invoice rather than retyping them, so the amount billed matches the amount quoted and nothing gets dropped.
- Do estimates work offline?
- Yes. Estimates and quotations are created, edited and exported to PDF entirely on your device, with no internet connection needed. You can price a job standing in the client's kitchen or on a site with no signal and hand over the PDF straight away.
- Should an estimate include tax?
- If you are registered for VAT, GST or sales tax, show the tax on the estimate rather than adding it at invoice time — a client who agreed to a number and then received a larger bill will dispute it. Invoice Spark applies your tax settings to estimates the same way it does to invoices.
Quote it now. Bill it later.
Price a job on the spot, send a professional PDF, and convert it to an invoice when it lands.
Free plan · No ads · No account needed · Works offline