Sending an estimate
The Estimate Slips tab shows the slips you've created to estimate the time and cost requirements for a project, and that may have been used to generate the line items on an estimate you want to send to a client. Once you've decided to start working, you can easily convert the estimate slips into working slips, which retain all of the estimate slips' characteristics, including category.
Billings will reset the timer on timed and fixed slips, so that you can start tracking the actual time spent on these tasks. You can later compare the actual time and cost of a project to what you originally estimated.
To send an estimate
- In the Estimate Slips tab, select the slips you want to send.
- Choose Project > Send Estimate.
A new window opens.
- Enter the appropriate information. Keep the following in mind:
- Click the Estimate tab to specify the details, delivery options, and comments.
- Select a style from the style gallery.
- To see the estimate, click the Preview tab.
- To further customize the your estimate, click Options. Select the settings you wish to include in the estimate and click OK.
- If you have not specified your identity in the past, click Identity. This opens the Billings Preferences window where you can add a logo, name, and address information. This information will be included on all estimates, invoices, and statements you send in the future.
- When you are ready to send the estimate, click Create.
Once you click Create, if you have selected save or email or print, Billings will open the Finder or email or print window respectively.
You can also see your estimate as a PDF. For this, enable the Open PDF in Preview checkbox and click Create.
Note: When you send an estimate by email, the subject of your email shows information in the same format matching the filename format you have entered for estimates in the Preferences. If no format is chosen, then the subject of your email says Estimate.
See also
Setting up numbering for estimates, invoices, and statements