How to Create an Estimate

Creating an estimate is a great way to outline the cost of a job before any work begins. It helps set clear expectations with your client and gives them the opportunity to review and approve pricing ahead of time.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to create an estimate using Lunio.

What is an estimate?

An estimate is a document that shows a client the expected cost of products or services before the work starts.

Estimates are useful for:

• Getting approval before beginning a project
• Avoiding misunderstandings about pricing
• Providing a professional experience for your clients

Once approved, an estimate can typically be converted into an invoice.

How to create an estimate in Lunio

Creating an estimate in Lunio is quick and simple.

1. Go to the Estimates section in your dashboard
2. Click Create Estimate
3. Select or add a client
4. Add your items or services
5. Set quantities, rates, and totals
6. Add any notes or terms (optional)
7. Save your estimate

Once created, your estimate is ready to be reviewed or sent to your client.

Adding items to your estimate

When building your estimate, you can include:

• Products or services
• Descriptions for each item
• Quantity and pricing
• Taxes (GST/HST, PST, or QST if applicable)

Make sure your descriptions are clear so your client understands exactly what they are approving.

Sending your estimate to a client

After creating your estimate, you can send it to your client for review.

Lunio allows you to:

• Share a public estimate link
• Send the estimate directly by email
• Let clients view and respond easily

This makes the approval process smooth and professional.

Tracking estimate status

Lunio helps you track what’s happening with your estimates by updating their status.

Common statuses include:

• Draft – Not yet sent
• Sent – Delivered to the client
• Approved – Accepted by the client
• Declined – Rejected by the client

This makes it easy to follow up and stay organized.

What happens after approval?

Once your estimate is approved, you can move to the next step: converting it into an invoice.

In most cases, you’ll want to convert the estimate into an invoice so you can request payment once the job is complete.

Tips for better estimates

To create more effective estimates:

• Be clear and detailed with your item descriptions
• Include taxes where applicable
• Add terms or notes if needed
• Send estimates promptly to avoid delays

A well-structured estimate builds trust and increases the chances of approval.

Final thoughts

Creating estimates in Lunio helps you present pricing clearly and professionally before starting any work. By using estimates, you can avoid confusion, improve client communication, and streamline your workflow.