An estimate becomes a quote only after the Account Manager and the Account Executive examine the estimate and decision is made regarding the amount of mark-up to put on it. A marked-up estimate is a quote. Specifications -Any estimate can only be as accurate as the information received by the estimator from both the Account Manager and the production sources the estimate is based upon. Production Information is supplied to the estimator in the form of historical information accumulated through shop floor reporting and the experience of production supervision. There are no unimportant areas of the Specification Form.
Every line filled out helps to insure the accuracy and timeliness of the estimate.
At the same time, too much information can get in the way. Please limit quantities to those necessary, as each quantity requires a separate estimate. It makes a big difference whether or not there is existing art. You must be sure. In order for this type of guide to be possible, these companies must have a limited number of products or services to offer and a great deal of history on which to base their quotes.