Estimates

Estimates provide a quick method of quoting prices for products and services without the need to create a contact or vehicle record. All features of the work order are available during estimating. The estimate can be saved for future reference and can also be reassigned to an existing contact and/or vehicle. Estimates are particularly useful for shops that provide phone quotes often - like tire shops. Estimates can also be saved as templates to further automate the process.

Note: The methods for adding material items, services, problems, and inspections are the same for estimates as they are for a work order. As a result, this section only deals with the specifics of the estimate. To learn more about work orders, refer The Work Order Editor.

Processing Estimates

To start an estimate, click on the Estimate shortcut.
Retrieve an existing customer or vehicle or use the generic Estimate customer listed by default.
The Work Order Editor dialog appears. Add any materials, services, problems, or inspections to the estimate as required. Click Next.
From the File menu, choose to:
- Save Estimate - Allows you to provide a text title for the estimate and save it to the estimate folder of Work in Progress. Usually, the customer name is used.
- Print - Allows you to print a copy of the estimate.
- Print Preview - Shows a preview of the estimate as it would print.
- Save as PDF - Allows you to save the estimate in the PDF format in a windows folder of your choosing.
- Email - Allows you to email a copy of the estimate to any specified recipient.
- Convert to Template - Allows you to save the estimate as a template to be used as a basis for future estimates, counter sales, or new work.

Create Estimate Tour

Load the Work in Progress manager.
Click on the Find tool.
Type in the estimate number or description given to the estimate.
Check the Estimate box.
Click Find Now.
Double-click on the appropriate estimate in the list provided to load the estimate.

Alternatively, you may expand the Last 25 Estimates node of the Work in Progress Manager.

Recall Estimate Tour

When an estimated job returns to be performed, this tool provides an easy method of transposing the estimate you worked so hard to prepare onto the contact's work order.

Recall the existing estimate.
Click on the Tools menu.
Click Reassign To....
1. For an existing contact...
  Find the contact and/or vehicle, right click on it and choose Work Order For This Vehicle. If you are reassigning the estimate to a contact, you will choose Counter Sale For This Contact.
2. For a new contact...
  Click the Add button to create a new contact and vehicle card using the contact wizard.
Confirm the reassignment to allow the work order to be saved to Work in Progress.

Reassign Estimate Tour

When an estimated job returns to be performed, this tool provides an easy method of transposing the estimate you worked so hard to prepare onto the contact's work order.

Recall the existing estimate.
Click on the File menu.
Click Convert To Work Order.
1. For an existing contact...
  If the estimate was written up linked to the contact and / or vehicle then nothing is extra is required. If not, then Find the contact and/or vehicle, right click on it and choose Work Order For This Vehicle. If you are reassigning the estimate to a contact, you will choose Counter Sale For This Contact.
2. For a new contact...
  Click the Add button to create a new contact and vehicle card using the contact wizard.
Confirm the action to allow the work order to be saved to Work in Progress.

Convert Estimate Tour