What's the difference between a quote and an invoice?

A quote proposes work at a price before you start — the client can accept or decline. An invoice is issued after the work is done and demands payment. Both carry similar details but serve different purposes.

Do small businesses show VAT on a quote?

No. Under the German-speaking small-business rule you show no VAT and add a corresponding note. This is not tax advice — check the current rules for your situation.

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Write a quote — without stress, with a template

Q: What goes into a quote?

Your details and the client's, a quote number and date, a clear description of the work with unit and total prices, a note on VAT (or the small-business exemption), the validity period and your payment or delivery terms. A quote is not yet a contract — that only forms when the client accepts.

A good quote often decides whether you win the job. Yet a clear structure is all you need — no frills. Here's the essentials in plain language: what to include, the right tone and a free generator that gives you ready-to-copy text. No prior knowledge needed.

⚠️ Important: This is not legal or tax advice, just general information. Required details and rules (e.g. on VAT) differ by country and change. When in doubt, check the official source or a professional.

What every quote needs

The basics

Your details and the client's, a quote number, the date and how long the quote is valid. Sounds basic, but it instantly looks professional.

A clear description of the work

What exactly you deliver — and what you don't. The more concrete, the less dispute later. Itemised lines with prices beat one big lump sum.

Price & VAT

Net, VAT and total — or, as a small business, the note that no VAT is shown. So the client knows exactly what they pay.

Validity & terms

Open-ended or until a date? Plus payment and any delivery terms. A quote is not yet a contract — that forms only on acceptance.

Quote generator

Fill in the fields — the text appears below, ready to copy. Runs locally in your browser, nothing is sent. Not advice.

Your name / company

Client

Quote number

Date

Valid until

Work / description

Net amount

VAT rate %

Payment terms

Small business — show no VAT Your quote

copied ✓

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Common questions

What goes into a quote?

Your and the client's details, quote number + date, a clear description with prices, a VAT note (or small-business note), validity period and payment terms. A quote is not yet a contract.

Quote vs invoice — what's the difference?

The quote proposes work at a price before you start. The invoice is issued after the work and demands payment.

Do small businesses show VAT?

No — under the small-business rule you show no VAT and add a note. Not tax advice; check the current rules.

aban news is a Swiss sole proprietorship and gives no legal, tax or financial advice. All content is general information and does not replace individual advice. Rules differ by country and change — check the current status or consult a licensed professional.