Blog
Practical tips on quoting, invoicing, and running a contracting business.
How Much Deposit Should a Contractor Collect?
A deposit isn't a fee you charge. It's part of the job you collect up front so you aren't financing materials and calendar space out of pocket. Here's how much to collect, when to skip it, and the state rules that can cap you.
How to Start a Gutter Cleaning Business: A Step-by-Step Guide
Gutter cleaning is a lean service business with a twice-a-year customer: low startup costs, a sharp fall rush, and jobs you can quote from house size and tree cover. Here's how to get set up, price jobs for profit, and fill a route from day one.
How to Start a Lawn Care Business: A Step-by-Step Guide
Lawn care is a route business: low startup costs, weekly customers, and jobs you can quote from lot size alone. Here's how to get set up, price mowing for profit, and lock in a schedule from day one.
Why Your Quotes Go Cold (and How to Follow Up Without Being Pushy)
You sent a good quote and heard nothing back. Here's why quotes go quiet, a simple follow-up schedule with scripts you can copy, and the one message that gets the most replies.
How to Price a Job So You Actually Make a Profit
Being busy isn't the same as being profitable. Here's a simple, repeatable way to price every job: add up your real costs, build your profit in, and add markup when the market allows.
How to Start a Pressure Washing Business: A Step-by-Step Guide
Pressure washing is one of the cheapest service businesses to start: low equipment costs, high demand, and you can quote most jobs from square footage alone. Here's how to get set up, price jobs for profit, and win work from day one.
Get Paid the Moment the Job's Done: Online Invoice Payments with Square
Connect your own Square account to QuoteMe and every invoice gets a secure Pay online button — invoices that mark themselves paid, no chasing checks, and zero payment fees from QuoteMe.
Do Contractors Really Need a Website? An Honest Answer
Most contractors feel guilty about not having a website. Here's the honest truth about whether you actually need one, what really wins jobs, and the simpler page that does the job for free.
How to Start a Junk Removal Business: A Step-by-Step Guide
Junk removal is one of the easiest service businesses to start: low startup costs, steady demand, and you can quote most jobs from a photo. Here's how to get going, price jobs right, and win work from day one.
What to Do When a Customer Won't Pay: Mechanic's Liens and Why Documentation Matters
When a customer refuses to pay, you have more options than you think. Here's how the collections process works, how a mechanic's lien fits in, and why a signed quote strengthens your claim.
What to Do When a Job Is Bigger Than You Quoted
Quoting from a photo or description means scope surprises happen. Here's how to handle a job that turns out bigger than quoted, protect yourself with a change order, and still get paid.
How to Set Up Your Contracting Business the Right Way From Day One
The habits you build early in your contracting business are hard to change later. Here's how to get your quoting, invoicing, and customer process right before it becomes a problem.
Your Customer Base Is an Asset: Why Contractors Should Track Every Customer
A contracting business without documented customers isn't really a sellable asset. Here's why your customer list is worth more than you think, and how to build it.
Why QuoteMe Has No Monthly Fee
Most contractor software charges a subscription whether you use it or not. QuoteMe only charges 1% when a quote gets signed. Here's the thinking behind that.
Are Digital Signatures on Contractor Quotes Legally Binding?
Contractors often wonder if a customer tapping 'sign' on their phone is as good as ink on paper. Here's what the law says and what actually holds up.
Quote vs. Estimate vs. Proposal: What's the Difference for Contractors?
Contractors use quote, estimate, and proposal interchangeably, but they mean different things to customers. Here's when to use each one.
5 Tips for Writing Contractor Quotes That Get Signed
Learn how to create clear, professional quotes that build trust and close more jobs.