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Does QuickBooks Have a Proposal Template?
Dec 5, 2024
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QuickBooks, a widely used accounting software, is renowned for its robust features catering to businesses of all sizes. While it excels in invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting, many users wonder whether QuickBooks provides a proposal template to create and manage business proposals efficiently.
The short answer is yes—but with some nuances. QuickBooks offers options to create proposals, but the availability and functionality depend on the version of QuickBooks you are using. This article delves into how you can use QuickBooks to create proposals, the alternatives available, and the best practices to streamline this process.
Understanding Proposals in QuickBooks
A business proposal outlines services or products a company offers to potential clients. It typically includes details like cost estimates, timelines, and terms. QuickBooks incorporates tools to generate such documents, often referred to as estimates in the platform. These can be tailored to function as proposals. However, QuickBooks doesn't provide a dedicated "proposal template" per se, but you can customize estimates to meet your needs.
How to Create a Proposal in QuickBooks
To create a proposal-like document in QuickBooks, you can use the Estimate feature. This feature allows you to outline the services or products you intend to provide, along with associated costs, timelines, and terms. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Enable the Estimate Feature
Before creating proposals, ensure that the Estimate feature is activated:
QuickBooks Online:
Go to the Gear Icon > Account and Settings > Sales.
Scroll to the Sales Form Content section.
Toggle the Estimates option to "On."
Click Save.
QuickBooks Desktop:
Navigate to Edit > Preferences.
Click Jobs & Estimates in the left menu.
Select Yes under "Do You Create Estimates?"
Apply the changes.
2. Access the Estimate Template
QuickBooks allows you to customize templates:
In QuickBooks Online, click on the Gear Icon, then go to Custom Form Styles.
In QuickBooks Desktop, go to Lists > Templates and select Estimate.
3. Customize the Template
To make the estimate look like a proposal:
Add a logo, company name, and contact details.
Use a descriptive header like “Proposal” instead of “Estimate.”
Include specific terms, conditions, and payment details.
Add personalized messages or client-specific details in the Notes or Memo field.
4. Create and Send the Proposal
Go to the Sales section in QuickBooks Online or the Customers menu in QuickBooks Desktop.
Click Create Estimate