When one operates a business involving the offering of goods and/or services, it is common practice to give a quote before taking on a job. The best way to ensure that a quote will be legally binding is to do all of the following:
Quotes for particular jobs can be tailored to suit the particular circumstances. It is useful to be as specific as possible in the quote about your understanding of the goods or services that the customer requires. This will ensure that you can revise the quote if the customer has different requirements.
It is preferable that you give the potential customer your written terms of trade together with the written quote for the goods or services. This will ensure that the customer is fully aware of the basis on which you will supply the goods or services.
Quotes are also commonly included in a "supply agreement", which is an agreement made between a supplier and a customer. As a minimum, a supply agreements sets out what goods or services are to be provided, when, and at what cost. Supply agreements are therefore similar to terms of trade.