Glossary
What is a sales quote?
A sales quote is a document in which a seller states the specific price and terms it will honor for a defined set of products or services, usually until a stated expiration date.
By the forquotez team. Last updated October 13, 2026.
How a sales quote works
A quote turns a pricing conversation into a concrete offer. The buyer can accept it, ask for changes or let it lapse.
A typical sales quote includes:
- Seller and buyer details
- Line items with quantities, unit prices and any discounts
- Recurring and one-time totals
- Billing cycle and contract term
- An expiration date
- Terms, and often a place to sign
Once the buyer signs, the quote usually becomes the commercial basis of the agreement.
A hypothetical example
This is a hypothetical example. Acme Example Software sends a quote to a fictional buyer, Sample Street Logistics, for 20 user licenses at $50 per user per month and a $2,000 one-time setup fee. The quote shows $1,000 per month, a 12-month term and an expiration date 14 days out. The buyer knows exactly what it is agreeing to and by when.
Common mistakes
- No expiration date. An open-ended price can be accepted long after your costs have changed.
- A single lump sum. Without line items, the buyer can only negotiate the total.
- Sending it cold. A quote emailed without a walkthrough leaves the buyer to interpret it alone. Many teams now present the quote live and build it with the buyer.
You can start from a sales quote template or build your own in the quote builder.
Frequently asked questions
Is a sales quote the same as an invoice?
No. A quote is an offer made before the sale. An invoice is a request for payment issued after the buyer has agreed to buy.
How long should a sales quote stay valid?
It depends on your sales cycle and how often your costs change. Many B2B sellers pick a window between two weeks and 30 days and print the date on the quote.
Build your first quote and present it on your next call.
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