How to Create an Estimate Online
A step-by-step guide to building a professional estimate, getting it approved online, and turning it into a project without re-entering a thing.
How to create an estimate online
- Step 1
Choose the client and project timeline
Select the client for this job and set a start and end date for the project. This keeps your estimate scoped to a clear timeline the client can review before agreeing to the work.
- Step 2
Add services, products and project details
List every service or product with quantity and price, plus an optional project description so the client understands exactly what the estimate covers.
- Save common line items for faster future estimates
- Step 3
Configure pricing
Set a tax rate and any discount, fixed or percentage. Totals recalculate live as you edit line items, so the estimate always reflects the final price before you send it.
- Step 4
Review the estimate
Preview the full estimate exactly as your client will see it — line items, totals, tax and notes — before sending, and make any last edits.
- Step 5
Send for online approval
Email the estimate with built-in Approve and Decline buttons. Clients can approve directly from the email in one tap — no printing, signing or calling back required.
- Approval status updates in real time as clients respond
- Step 6
Auto-convert to a project
Once a client approves, the estimate automatically converts into a project — ready to track, deliver, and invoice — with nothing to manually re-enter.
Common questions
What's the difference between an estimate and an invoice?
An estimate outlines expected costs before work starts and needs client approval; an invoice is the final bill sent after the work is done, requesting payment. MyInvoice treats them as separate documents so you can quote first, then bill once approved.
How do clients approve an estimate?
Clients receive the estimate by email with Approve and Decline buttons built in — one tap approves it online, no signature, print or phone call needed.
Does an approved estimate automatically become an invoice?
Approved estimates automatically convert into a project in MyInvoice, which you can then invoice directly — so there's no manual re-entry of the same job details.
Can I use the AI estimate generator instead of building one manually?
Yes. The AI estimate generator builds a detailed estimate from a short description of the job, ready to review and send for online approval.
Is estimate creation included in the free trial?
Yes, every MyInvoice plan includes a 14-day free trial that covers estimates, invoices, and the AI generator, with no charge until the trial ends.
Send your first estimate today
Start free for 14 days, quote your next job in minutes, and let clients approve it online with one tap. Cancel anytime before the trial ends.
Start free for 14 days