Estimates made easy: Simplifying the process for contractors

By Grace Dela Cruz

We're excited to highlight Flume’s recently released feature, Estimates. This feature streamlines and enhances the efficiency of Estimate workflows for contractors, paving the way for improvements to project planning and client communication. Contractors can now quickly generate detailed estimates right from their Flume desktop or mobile app, saving valuable time and ensuring the highest level of professionalism and accuracy in their proposals.

How to create an Estimate 

See below for a full tutorial on how to use the Flume Estimates feature: 

Key benefits of our contractor Estimate feature include:

• Full visibility into all of your estimates created in Flume - see the status of each estimate and what stage it’s in.

• Organize your estimates under a project to keep track of everything in one place.

• An automated estimate approval process - you send the estimate, your client approves (or declines) it online, and you get an email notification of their decision.

• Quickly and easily convert your estimate to an invoice with one click - then, review it and send it out with a full or partial payment request.

• Add detailed line items to your estimates, such as labor and material costs, to provide accurate and transparent pricing details.

Read our step-by-step guide to creating your first estime in Flume, and feel free to reach out to our Customer Support team with any questions you may have.

Step-by-step guide on creating your first estimate in Flume:

1. Click “Create” on the side menu

2. Select "Estimate” 

3. Choose a recipient from your network (or create and save one on the fly)

4. Select your estimate expiration date

5. Add your line item(s), or optionally use a flat amount

6. Add a markup amount, tax, shipping and discount information as applicable (note: the markup amount is only visible to you, and is seamlessly integrated into the line item pricing and total)

7. Optionally add any supplemental notes you’d like to include with the estimate

8. Optionally add any terms and conditions you’d like to include with the estimate 

9. Optionally attach any supporting documents you want to provide with the estimate

10. If your estimate is associated with a project you have created in Flume, select that project under “Details”

11. Click “Save and continue” to review and double check your estimate information to make sure everything is correct

12. Click “Send estimate”