Quote from a client message
Clients send a short message and some phone photos. Turning this into a clear scope and a first quote takes a lot of time after work.
Steps
- 1
Make a one-page rate card one time. Put in: board price per sheet, edging per metre, hardware prices, labour rate per hour, install rate, margin %, and what you normally include and exclude. Keep it in a Google Doc or Word file.
- 2
Remove private details (surname, address, phone number) from the client message before you paste it.
- 3
Upload the photos. Paste the client message with this prompt:
Prompt to copy
You are an estimator for a cabinet-making workshop in Sydney. From the client brief and photos below, write a JOINERY SCOPE ONLY - no prices. List: 1) each area (kitchen, pantry, laundry, robes), 2) cabinets you can identify with rough widths if visible, 3) materials/finishes mentioned, 4) hardware mentioned, 5) things NOT clear that I must ask the client (as a numbered question list), 6) standard exclusions (plumbing, electrical, stone, demolition, painting) to confirm. Mark anything you are guessing with [GUESS]. Brief: <paste>
- 4
Ask the client the open questions (or ask them at the site measure).
- 5
Price it yourself with your rate card. Or paste your own lines and use this prompt:
Prompt to copy
Using ONLY the quantities and rates I give you below (do not invent any number), build a quote table with columns Item, Qty, Unit, Rate, Line total, then subtotal, GST 10% and total. Then write a short friendly cover note in Australian English with inclusions, exclusions, validity 30 days and a 50% deposit term. Data: <paste your lines>
- 6
Check every number with your rate card before you send it. Save the prompt so everyone in the shop quotes the same way.
Price details
A$0 on free plans; A$30/mo if you want ChatGPT Plus (or A$32.99/mo Google AI Pro).
Who is this for? / Time saved
Small shops and owners who quote kitchens, robes and laundries for homeowners.
*Our guess (not measured): 30-60 minutes per enquiry for writing the scope, inclusions and exclusions. It does NOT save pricing time. You still price with your own rates.
Sources
Prices checked 20 Oct 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.
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