Optimising Job Profitability Through Accurate Quoting
23 July 2026 · 6 min read · By Heaney Accounting
For many tradespeople, quoting is often done by 'gut feel' or what a competitor is charging. This is a dangerous game that often leads to working hard for very little profit.
The components of a solid quote
- Direct material costs with a markup
- Labour hours including travel time
- Consumables like drill bits and screws
- An allowance for non-billable administrative time
- Calculate your hourly cost base
- Add your required profit margin percentage
- Review previous project costs for accuracy
- Send the quote quickly with clear terms and conditions
Pro Tip: Always review your final invoice against your original quote. If you consistently underestimate, you need to adjust your markup for future jobs.
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