How to quote a job in New Zealand: a tradie's guide
Everything a NZ sole trader needs to know about writing a professional quote — what to include, GST rules, and how to get it signed fast.
Getting a quote right can be the difference between winning a job and losing it. Here's what every NZ tradie needs to know.
What should a quote include?
A good quote covers:
- Your business details — name, phone, email, GST number if registered
- Client details — name and address
- A clear description of the work — be specific, not vague
- Labour costs — hours and your hourly rate
- Materials — itemised where possible
- GST — clearly shown if you're GST registered
- Total amount
- How long the quote is valid for — 30 days is standard
Do I need to include GST?
If your annual turnover is over $60,000 NZD you must register for GST with IRD and add 15% GST to your quotes and invoices.
If you're under $60,000 you don't need to register — but you can choose to. JobTap handles both cases automatically.
Should I quote fixed price or charge by the hour?
Fixed price works well for jobs where the scope is clear — a bathroom reno, a fence, a paint job. Clients prefer knowing the total upfront.
Hourly rate works better for maintenance, troubleshooting, or jobs where the scope is unclear. Just make sure your client knows your rate before you start.
How to get your quote signed fast
The old way — printing, scanning, emailing — takes days. The faster way is sending your client a link they can open on their phone and sign in 30 seconds.
With JobTap, your client gets an email link, opens it on their phone, and signs with their finger. You get notified the moment they sign.
What happens if the job changes scope?
Variations happen. Always get a written variation approved before doing extra work. A quick quote update sent to the client and signed is your protection if there's a payment dispute later.
JobTap makes quoting simple for NZ tradies. Start your free 30-day trial — no credit card needed.