Blog→What to Include in a Trade Quote: Australian Checklist
What to Include in a Trade Quote: Australian Checklist
Everything that should appear on a professional Australian trade quote — from ABN and GST to line items, exclusions and payment terms.
PUBLISHED BY INSTA QUOTES
There's no single legal template for a trade quote in Australia, but there are things clients expect to see — and things that protect you if a dispute arises. Here's the full checklist.
Business details
- Business name (as registered with ASIC)
- ABN — required if you're GST-registered and the job is over $82.50 inc. GST
- Licence number — required for licensed trades (electrical, plumbing, building) in most states
- Contact phone and email
- Business address (can be a PO box)
Quote reference and dates
- Unique quote number — makes follow-ups and record-keeping straightforward
- Date the quote was issued
- Quote expiry date — typically 14–30 days; materials prices change
Client and job details
- Client name and contact details
- Job site address (not just the billing address)
- Brief description of the scope of work
Itemised line items
This is the most important part. Break the quote into individual line items rather than a single lump sum. A good structure:
- Each item: description, quantity, unit rate, line total
- Materials and labour as separate categories where practical
- Any equipment hire or subcontractor costs shown separately
Itemised quotes win more work and create less disputation. Clients who can see what they're paying for are more comfortable accepting.
GST
If you're GST-registered (mandatory once turnover exceeds $75,000/year):
- Show the subtotal excluding GST
- Show GST as a separate line (10% of the subtotal)
- Show the total including GST
Never bury GST in the price without disclosing it — this can create problems with the ATO and with clients who are also GST-registered and need to claim it back.
Payment terms
- Deposit amount and when it's due (typically 10–30% on acceptance)
- Progress payment schedule for larger jobs
- Balance due on completion or within X days of invoice
- Accepted payment methods
Exclusions and assumptions
This is what most tradies leave out — and regret. Clearly state what's NOT included:
- "Does not include disposal of existing materials"
- "Does not include making good after work is complete"
- "Assumes existing structures are structurally sound"
- "Subject to site inspection — price may vary if conditions differ from description"
Exclusions aren't about protecting yourself from fair work — they're about preventing misunderstandings when a client assumed something was included that wasn't discussed.
Acceptance method
Tell the client how to accept: email reply, signature, or an online acceptance link. Make it easy — every friction point between "client wants the job done" and "job is booked" is a risk of losing the work.