QuoteSmith vs Google Docs
Stop Wasting Time on Manual Quotes

The Problem with Google Docs Quotes

Many tradespeople start out writing quotes in Google Docs because it is free and familiar. You type up a job description, add some prices, and email it as a PDF. It works — technically. But there are serious problems with this approach that cost you money in the long run.

First, every quote starts from scratch or from a poorly maintained template. You spend 30-60 minutes per quote fiddling with formatting, writing descriptions, and making sure the numbers add up. That is unpaid time you could spend on billable work.

Second, the result looks like a typed document — because that is exactly what it is. When your potential client receives your Google Doc alongside a competitor's professionally branded proposal with a detailed scope of work, project timeline, and terms and conditions, they will instinctively trust the more professional document. First impressions matter enormously when someone is about to spend thousands of pounds.

How QuoteSmith is Different

QuoteSmith is not a word processor. It is a purpose-built proposal generator that uses AI to create professional documents automatically. You enter your job details and line items, and QuoteSmith's AI writes a complete proposal for you — including a detailed scope of work that uses correct trade terminology, a realistic project timeline, payment terms, and comprehensive terms and conditions.

The output is a polished, branded PDF with your company logo, contact details, and professional layout. Every proposal is consistent, complete, and designed to win work. What takes you an hour in Google Docs takes five minutes with QuoteSmith.

The Hidden Cost of "Free"

Google Docs is free to use, but the real cost is your time. If you spend an average of 45 minutes writing each quote and you send 10 quotes per month, that is 7.5 hours of unpaid work every month. At a modest day rate of £250, that time is worth over £230 per month — nearly six times the cost of QuoteSmith.

Then consider the quotes you lose because your document looked less professional than a competitor's. If upgrading your proposals helps you win just one additional job per month, the return on a £39 subscription is enormous.

What You Get with QuoteSmith

AI-written scope of work: No more staring at a blank page trying to describe what the job involves. The AI writes it for you using professional trade terminology.

Automatic terms and conditions: Every proposal includes comprehensive T&Cs that reference UK building regulations — something most Google Doc quotes completely lack.

Professional branding: Your logo, company name, and contact details are presented in a clean, professional layout automatically. No more fighting with headers and margins.

Consistent quality: Every proposal follows the same professional format. No more variation in quality depending on how much time you had that day.

Best For

Keep using Google Docs if: You send fewer than one or two quotes per month and presentation does not matter for the type of work you do.

Switch to QuoteSmith if: You want to win more work by looking professional, save hours of time each month, and stop worrying about formatting and content. Your first proposal is free with no credit card required — see the difference for yourself.