Creating a design quote template is easy with Collato

It’s no secret that many designers struggle with appropriately quoting their projects. So when it comes to creating an entire document around pricing, it’s natural to feel intimidated. That’s where Collato’s free design quote template comes in handy.

What is a design quote template?

A design quote is an estimation of your services. It outlines your project intentions and conveys approximately how much the design will cost. The document creates transparency between you and your client from the get-go, so there’s no room for misunderstandings or pricing negotiations later down the road.

Who uses a design quote template?

Sometimes creatives in larger agencies don’t have to draft a design quote because that responsibility usually falls on the organization. But in-house designers from smaller companies and freelancers will likely get the most use out of design quote templates.

What are the benefits of a design quote template?

First and foremost, a design quote template saves you time. Using a template provides a foundation for the quote, which you can customize to fit your specific needs. Skip filling out general information and jump right into tailoring the document to your project.

A design quote template also helps your customer acquisition process. Pricing is a major factor in a prospect’s decision to work with you, and a design quote clearly articulates this information right from the start.

What should you include in a design quote template?

The content within a design quote template is equally as critical as the quote itself. You want to ensure that both parties understand the terms and conditions of the potential project. Here are the core elements:

• Owner’s name
• Owner’s contact information
• Date
• Client name
• Point of contact
• Project or design description
• Price of services, unit prices, and extended prices
• Payment conditions
• Signing space

Of course, you’ll customize the design quote template to your specific project. Here are some optional elements a quote could include.

• Validity of the document
• Numbering
• Packing and shipping, if applicable
• Delivery conditions
• Timeframes
• Discounts
• Design hours needed

Tips for writing a design quote template

Know your worth - A seasoned designer knows the importance of being fairly compensated. Undercutting competitors to gain clients won’t help you in the long run. Price your services based on your high-quality work and design expertise.

Don’t leave room for negotiation - When a quote is vague, clients may try to haggle to lower fees for your services. The best way to prevent such circumstances is to create a strong and clear design quote that meets your client's budget expectations. Breaking down fees into an itemized list is one way to structure a design quote transparently.

Make the payment structure clear - Designers can charge hourly rates or per-project costs. Decide which system has the biggest impact on your particular project. Whatever you choose, make it explicit in the design quote document how compensation will be calculated, received, and the consequences for late payments.

Why use Collato’s design quote template?

This design quote template is equipped with the necessary information to win prospects and jump straight into design work. Spend less time worrying about basic requirements and enjoy the process of customizing the template to fit your specific needs with checklists, text boxes, graphs, tables, and more.