# How to create and send an estimate

> Create an estimate in five steps: Add estimate, add the items, set taxes and discount, check the preview, and Send to client. The PDF is attached for you. (Sales)

- Page: https://dashboard.nizu.io/knowledge_base/view/504-how-to-create-and-send-an-estimate
- Part of: [Knowledge base](https://dashboard.nizu.io/knowledge_base/llms.txt) on NIZU — https://dashboard.nizu.io/llms.txt
- Updated: 2026-10-25T11:50:03Z

## How to create and send an estimate

An estimate takes a couple of minutes: create it, add the lines, check it, and send it. The client gets an e-mail with the PDF attached and a link to accept it online.

### 1. Create the estimate

1. Go to **Estimates** and click **Add estimate**. You can also start from the **Estimates** tab of a client or a lead: the client is then filled in for you.
2. Fill in the **Estimate date** and **Valid until** (both required; Valid until cannot be before the estimate date).
3. Choose the **Client**. The list holds your clients and your leads.
4. Optional: **TAX** (the client's default tax is suggested), **Second TAX**, a **Note**, and your custom fields. If your workspace has more than one company, choose the **Company** that issues it.
5. Click **Save**. The estimate opens, as a **Draft**.

### 2. Add the items

1. Click **Add item**.
2. In **Item**, start typing: pick an item from your list and its description, unit type and rate are filled in. Or choose **+ Create new item** to type a new one; it is also saved to your item list for next time.
3. Enter the **Quantity** and the **Rate** (both required) and, if useful, a **Unit type** such as hours or pc.
4. Click **Save**. Repeat for every line. Drag the handle on the left of a line to change the order.

### 3. Taxes and discount

Taxes apply to the whole estimate, not per line. To give a discount, click the pencil on the **Discount** line of the totals:

- **Before Tax**: the discount lowers the amount the taxes are calculated on.
- **After Tax**: the discount comes off the total including tax.
- Choose **Percentage (%)** or **Fixed Amount**.

The totals show Sub Total, Discount, Total After Discount, each tax, and the Total.

### 4. Check it

In the actions card, click **Preview** to see exactly what the client will see, or **View PDF** / **Download PDF**. **Print** prints it.

### 5. Send it

1. Click **Send to client** (or **Send to lead**) at the top of the estimate.
2. Choose the contact in **To** (the primary contact is marked). Add **CC** or **BCC** if needed.
3. The subject and message come from your e-mail template, in the contact's language, with the links to the estimate. Change them if you like. The estimate PDF is attached.
4. Click **Send**. The estimate becomes **Sent** and **Last email sent** shows the date.

Prefer another channel? The share menu at the top gives you **Copy public link** and buttons for WhatsApp, Telegram, LinkedIn and Facebook. If you share a link yourself, use **Mark as Sent** in the **Estimate info** menu so the status is right.

### Change or copy an estimate

- **Edit** it from the list (the "..." menu) or the Estimate info menu. If **Enable lock state** is on in the settings, an accepted estimate can no longer be changed.
- **Clone Estimate** makes a new draft with the same items and discount: handy for a second option or a repeat client.
- Add **Tasks**, private **Reminders** and, when switched on, **Comments** from the estimate page.

Next: [How your client accepts or rejects an estimate](https://dashboard.nizu.io/knowledge_base/view/505).