Choose the right kind of price list
A general rate card helps people compare starting prices. A customer estimate adds the quantities, materials and conditions of a particular job. Invocket's price-list editor is designed for the latter and requires a customer name. Before adding figures, identify the project and the scope being priced. The same service can produce different totals when the site, quantities or preparation requirements change.
Make the document easy to identify
Include a number, date, customer name and your business or contractor contact details. Add a project title that distinguishes this job from other work for the same customer. A site address is useful for on-location services. These details make it easier to discuss a specific version when an estimate changes. A logo may help recognition, but it should not replace a readable business name and contact.
Give each line a meaningful unit
Each item needs a description, quantity, unit, unit price and line total. Write Paint walls, two coats rather than General services. If surface preparation is charged separately, give it its own line. State whether materials are priced per litre, pack or complete set. Avoid multiplying by coats again when the rate already includes them. A reader should be able to follow each amount from its description.
Example line items for a plumber
For a tap replacement, list removal of the old tap and installation of the new one separately if you charge for them separately. If you offer one combined service, describe what it covers and avoid charging again for the same steps. Add the tap, hoses and fixings under materials with their quantities. If the customer supplies them, record that in the terms and leave their cost out of your total.
Example line items for a painter
Separate preparation, priming and painting for the room. Use the measured wall area and explain how openings are treated. State the number of coats in the painting description. List paint and primer separately in litres or tins to match the unit price. The example below demonstrates arithmetic only; it does not determine material coverage or the quantity required for your site.
Example line items for a roofer
Separate stripping, membrane, battens and covering in the roof estimate. Give ridges, flashings and gutters their own lines and appropriate units. Calculate material purchases from your own measurements and cutting allowance. Explain whether delivery, scaffolding and waste removal are included, and which hidden defects would need a separately agreed revision.
Explain the total and its boundaries
Show labour and materials separately, then any discount, tax treatment and final total. Add the schedule, price-validity date and exclusions where needed. For example, clarify whether waste removal or hidden repairs are outside the estimate. Important conditions should appear in the document itself: a customer may forward the PDF without your accompanying message. Confirm tax requirements separately for the work you actually perform.
Use the structure in Invocket
Create a price list in Invocket and enter the customer, contractor and project details. Add items manually or select them from your catalogue. Choose an accent colour and optional logo, signature or stamp. The example below demonstrates document structure only; it does not recommend market rates. Replace every figure with your own quantities and prices before sharing.
Check the customer-facing version
Review the customer's name, units, currency and total. Open the PDF on a phone and check long descriptions, terms and page breaks. If the scope changes, edit the saved price list, export a new PDF and explain the revision. A previously downloaded file remains a separate copy. Keep the version discussed with the customer distinguishable from a later estimate.
Example: a customer price list for work and materials
Cost estimatePL-2026-001
| Labour | Qty | Price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paint walls | 40 m² | 12.00 | 480.00 |
| Materials | Qty | Price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paint, 10 litres | 2 pcs | 35.00 | 70.00 |
Illustrative figures before discount and VAT; not market rates.
Create a price list online. Built for tradespeople.
Estimate plumbing, painting, roofing and other repair jobs from your phone. Add quantities, materials and your own rates, then prepare a PDF for your customer.
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