Quoting software, also referred to as “proposal software” and “estimating software,” is used by businesses to automate the creation of quotes and sales proposals. These kinds of sales applications allow for the speedy calculation and creation of branded and coherent sales quotes and business proposals, as well as often contracts, invoices and orders. By automating the quote creation process, these business applications aim to reduce the room for error and improve efficiency and speed, while responding to a prospect’s request for proposal (RFP) more quickly.
Business proposal software will allow you to easily generate both a PDF proposal and a web-based proposal. Through the automated sending, tracking and archiving of quotes, you can save time and money by using reusable proposal templates that you only have to customize to reflect clients’ needs.
No more sending a proposal out and waiting, never knowing even if your prospect has opened it. With proposal-tracking capabilities, you know exactly when your client opens your proposal, and even often how long they spent looking at each section. This allows you to anticipate objections and perfectly time follow-up conversations.
With the electronic signature functionality or integration that comes with most any quoting software, you take away barriers many clients have to signing, getting your YES faster.
With some online quoting software you can even receive a secure online payment, produce reports and analytics, and include 3-D drawings and images that are proof of your good work. You could even include a video client testimonial as social proof of a similar successful project.
Quotes can easily be shared among team members for review and evaluation, using user permissions and scorecards to ease sales management and to foster competition. Additionally, most cloud-based proposal software will be integrated with other more complex accounting and CRM software, further assuring you never make an embarrassing mistake like leaving behind another client’s contact info or discounted price.
