Your quote is often the first professional document a potential customer sees from your engineering business. A generic, poorly formatted quote template sends a message: "We haven't invested in our systems." A professional, branded quote template says: "We're organised, we're serious, and we deliver quality."
For UK engineering businesses using Simpro, the Form Builder offers powerful customisation options that most users never fully utilise. This guide walks you through creating quote templates that win more work and reflect the professionalism of your operation.
SectionWhy Your Quote Template Matters More Than You Think
Research consistently shows that presentation influences buying decisions. When a facilities manager receives three quotes for a mezzanine floor installation, they're not just comparing prices—they're assessing which contractor looks most capable of delivering a professional job.
Consider what your current quote template communicates:
| Element | Poor Template | Professional Template |
|---|---|---|
| Header | Basic company name in Arial | Logo, tagline, accreditations displayed |
| Pricing Layout | Dense text, hard to scan | Clear sections, subtotals visible |
| Terms | Generic or missing | Specific payment terms, warranty info |
| Call to Action | None | Clear acceptance process, contact details |
The difference between winning and losing a £50,000 contract often comes down to perceived professionalism—and your quote template is a significant part of that perception.
SectionUnderstanding Simpro's Form Builder
Simpro's Form Builder is where all document customisation happens. You'll find it under System > Setup > Form Setup > Quote. Before diving into customisation, it's worth understanding the three main components:
Template Structure controls the overall layout—header positioning, section ordering, and page breaks. Most engineering businesses benefit from a clear hierarchy: company details at the top, scope of work in the middle, and pricing with terms at the bottom.
Fields and Variables are the dynamic elements that pull data from your quotes automatically. These include customer details, line items, totals, and custom fields you've created.
Styling Options determine fonts, colours, spacing, and alignment. This is where many businesses fall short—they accept the defaults rather than matching their brand guidelines.
SectionStep-by-Step: Creating a Professional Quote Template
Step 1: Plan Your Layout Before You Build
Before touching the Form Builder, sketch out what you want your quote to achieve. For engineering businesses, I recommend this structure:
- •Cover page (optional but powerful for large projects)
- •Executive summary section for complex quotes
- •Detailed scope of work with clear descriptions
- •Pricing breakdown that's easy to scan
- •Terms and conditions including payment terms
- •Signature block for formal acceptance
Step 2: Access and Duplicate the Default Template
Never edit the default template directly. Instead, create a duplicate that you can modify without risk.
Step 3: Customise Your Header
Your header should include your company logo, company name and tagline, key accreditations, and contact details.
Step 4: Structure Your Pricing Section
Engineering quotes often involve multiple cost centres or phases. Use Simpro's loop functions to display these clearly.
Step 5: Add Professional Terms and Conditions
Your terms section should cover validity period, payment terms, warranty information, exclusions, and acceptance process.
SectionCommon Mistakes to Avoid
Overcrowding the page. White space isn't wasted space—it makes documents easier to read.
Inconsistent branding. If your website uses specific colours and fonts, your quotes should match.
Missing or vague terms. Ambiguous terms lead to disputes.
SectionNeed Help Implementing This?
If you're finding that your Simpro setup isn't delivering the professional image your engineering business deserves, that's exactly the kind of challenge I help business owners solve.
SectionGet Started Today
Want professional quote templates right now? Browse our ready-to-use Simpro templates designed specifically for UK engineering businesses—download and start using them today.
Need help implementing a complete quoting system? Book a free discovery call to discuss how we can systematise your entire sales process from enquiry to signed contract.