Estimates FAQ

Modified on Wed, 10 Sep at 8:52 AM

General

  1. What are Estimates in Markate?
     Estimates let you create, customize, and send pricing proposals to your customers. They can include services, packages, options, markups, payment schedules, and more.

 

  1. Where can I access Estimates?
    Go to Sales > Estimates from your Markate account.

 

  1. How do I create a new estimate?
    Click on the green + New Estimate button on the top right of the screen.

 


Dashboard & Managing Estimates

  1. Can I view all my estimates in one place?
    Yes, the My Estimates tab lists all your estimates in categories such as Submitted, Accepted, Lost, Declined by customer, Invoiced, Draft, Inactive, and Archived.
    • Draft – Incomplete estimates that have not been submitted.
    • Submitted – Shared with the customer but no response yet.
    • Accepted – Customer has agreed to proceed.
    • Declined by Customer – Customer rejected the estimate.
    • Inactive – No response within the set validity period.
    • Lost – Marked as lost if expired or not converted.
    • Invoiced – Accepted estimate converted into an invoice.
    • Archived – Stored for record purposes but not active.

 

  1. Can I track how many estimates are in each category?
     Yes, the number in parentheses beside each status (e.g., Submitted (68), Accepted (48)) shows how many estimates fall into that category.

 

  1. What does “Mark as Submitted” do?
     This option records the estimate status as submitted, even if you haven’t sent it through the system.

 

  1. Can I convert an estimate into a work order?
    Yes, use the Convert to Work Order option to create a work order directly from the estimate.

 

  1. Can I export my estimates?
    Yes, click the Export button on the top right to download your estimates.

 


Sharing & Printing

  1. How do I download a PDF of an estimate?
    Select Estimate PDF from the Manage menu to generate a downloadable PDF version.

 

  1. Can I print an estimate directly?
    Yes, use the Print Estimate option to print a copy for your records or to share with customers.

 

  1. How can I resend an estimate to a customer?
    Use the Resend Estimate option in the More menu to send it again via email.

 

  1. Can I share an estimate link directly?
    Yes, click Share Estimate Link to copy and share a direct link with your customer.

 

  1. Where can I view the estimate history?
    The Log section displays all actions taken, such as when the estimate was created, submitted, or emailed.

 

  1. Can I search or filter estimates?
     Yes, you can quickly locate estimates by searching with the estimate number, customer name, or filtering by status and date range.

 

  1. Can I edit or delete an estimate?
    Yes, from the Manage Estimates section, you can:
    • Edit details before sending.
    • Clone or duplicate an estimate.
    • Convert an approved estimate into an invoice.
    • Resubmit to customers.
    • Delete estimates no longer needed.



Estimate Details

  1. What information can I include in an estimate?
    Each estimate allows you to include:
    • Customer information.
    • Job description and service details.
    • Itemized costs, taxes, and discounts.
    • Terms and conditions.
    • Attachments (files, images, diagrams).

 

  1. Can customers approve estimates online?
    Yes, customers receive the estimate by email and can directly:
    • Approve to proceed.
    • Decline if not interested.
    • Request changes for negotiation.

 

  1. Can I convert an approved estimate to an invoice?
     Yes, with a single click, an approved estimate can be converted into a professional invoice.

 

  1. Can I customize estimate templates?
     Yes, you can personalize layouts, add your logo, set terms, and include branding.

 

 

Estimate Types

  1. What types of estimates can I create?
    You can create three types of estimates:
    • Standard Estimate – A regular estimate with items.
    • Options Estimate – Customers can select all or only certain options.
    • Packages Estimate – Customers can select only one package.

 

  1. What is a Standard Estimate?
     A Standard Estimate is a basic estimate where you add items, prices, and details, and the customer sees a straightforward total.

 

  1. When should I use an Options Estimate instead of a Standard Estimate?
     Use an Options Estimate when you want to give customers flexibility to choose between multiple items/services.

 

  1. When is a Packages Estimate most useful?
     Best for bundled services or tiered packages (e.g., Basic, Standard, Premium), where customers must choose one.

 

 

Packages Estimates

  1. What is a Packages Estimate?
     A Packages Estimate lets you create predefined service bundles (e.g., Silver, Gold, Platinum) so customers can compare and choose.

 

  1. How do I create a Package?
    Go to Estimates > Packages > Add Package, enter details, and save.

 

  1. Can I set a Package Tax automatically?
     Yes. When you add a package with a defined Tax %, it applies automatically.

 

  1. Can I add a new Tax Rate?
    Yes. Go to Settings > Tax Rates > +New Rate.

 

  1. Will customers see package badges?
     Yes. Default badges (Best Price, Best Seller) appear, and you can replace them.

 

  1. Can customers select multiple packages in a Packages Estimate?
     No, customers can only select one package.

 

 

Options Estimates

  1. What is an Options Estimate?
     Options Estimates allow you to show multiple services so customers can select what they want.

 

  1. Can I make items mandatory in Options Estimates?
     Yes, mandatory items cannot be unselected.

 

  1. How do I control which items are selected by default?
    Go to Settings > Estimate Settings, and choose:
    • First option selected.
    • All options selected.
    • No options selected.

 

  1. What happens if no items are selected by default?
     The customer must pick at least one option to proceed.

 

 

Markup

  1. What is the Markup feature?
     Markup lets you increase the total estimate price by a % or fixed amount.
  2. How do I set a Markup?
    On an estimate, click Set Markup, enter a value in % or $, and save.
  3. Will customers see the Markup?
     No, it is merged into the item price and only shown in the total.
  4. Can I set Markup from the mobile app?
     No, Markup can only be set from the Desktop version, not from the mobile app. 

 

 

Payment Schedule

38. Can I set a payment schedule on an estimate?
 Yes, you can define staged payments.

 

39. How do I create a payment schedule?
On an estimate, click Manage Payment Schedule, then add payment lines.

 

40. Will the payment schedule appear on the estimate?
 Yes, customers will see it when the estimate is sent.

 

 

Display Settings

41. Can I hide Quantity and Price on Estimates?
Yes. Go to Estimates > Settings and check Show only Grand Total.

 

42. What will customers see if I hide quantity and price?
Customers will only see the Grand Total, not the breakdown.

 

 

Items

43. How can I add items to an Estimate?

  • Individually: Select from your menu.
  • In Bulk: Use Add Items in Bulk from your price list.

 

44. Can I reorder items on an estimate?
 Yes. Drag and drop items using the six-dot icon.

 

 

Attachments

45. Can I attach files to an estimate?
 Yes, files can be attached for extra details or visuals.

 

 

46. What types of files are supported?
 PDF, DOC, DOCX, PNG, JPG, and GIF.

 

47. What kind of files can I upload?
 Examples: workflows, service images, logos, contracts, blueprints.

 

48. How many files can I upload?
 No strict limit, but files must follow format/size rules.

 

 

Estimate Settings

49. Can I add my company logo to estimates?
Yes, upload a logo in Estimates Settings.

 

 

50. How are estimate numbers generated?
Automatically with:

  • Prefix (e.g., EST).
  • Sequential Number (e.g., 000230).

 

51. Can I customize the estimate numbering format?
 Yes, both prefix and next number can be adjusted.

 

52. What is the Estimate Default Expire Period?
Default is 4 weeks (can be changed in settings).

 

53. What happens when an estimate expires?
Expired estimates are automatically marked as Lost.

 

54. Can I stop expired estimates from being marked as lost automatically?
Yes, disable "Mark estimate as lost when pass expiry date".

 

 

 

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