Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast (Products, stories, and tips for the MSP and IT Professional)
Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast (Products, stories, and ti…
The IT Business Podcast is a show for MSPs (Managed Service Providers) and IT Professionals providing business network support and managed services. Each episode delivers products, stories, and tips that help the MSP and IT Pro run the business better, smarter, and faster, covering everything from pricing and packaging to operations, tools, and service delivery. You’ll hear candid conversations with working MSP owners, system admins, vendors, and industry leaders who share what’s actually working in the field, including hard lessons, success stories, and the occasional “what not to do.” Topics regularly include managed services best practices, cybersecurity and compliance, Microsoft 365 and cloud, automation and documentation, vendor selection and stack building, plus the day-to-day realities of running a modern IT business. Hosted by longtime IT business owner and podcaster Marvin “Uncle Marv” Bee, the show blends real talk, practical advice, and a lighthearted tone so the MSP and IT Pro behind the network can learn, laugh, and get better every week.
July 14, 2022

411 Estimate vs Job Quote vs Statement of Work

411 Estimate vs Job Quote vs Statement of Work
Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast (Products, stories, and tips for the MSP and IT Professional)
411 Estimate vs Job Quote vs Statement of Work

Which term do you use? Does it matter?

In some cases, it means a great deal how you word your proposal to a client. Calling your proposal an estimate, job quote or statement of work (SOW) can mean different things to the client, and to the law.

  • As estimate is a "guestimate" or an approximation. Estimates are flexible and in most cases, negotiable.
  • A quote provides your client with an exact price for the job or project. Quotes are exact, and in some cases, more legally binding than an estimate.
  • A Statement of Work seeks to define liabilities, responsibilities and work agreements between two parties. It allows you to manage expectations and add a layer of detail about what the project will and will not cover.

Freshbooks - Quote vs Estimate

Your Traderbase - Estimate vs Quote

Bradley Gross does a much better job of explaining these than I do. Check out two of his podcasts on this topic.

Technology Bradcast 41 - Quotes: How Long? How Detailed? How Terrifying!

Technology Bradcast 21 - Quote vs Proposal vs SOW: A Primer

Law Office of Bradley Gross – Business Technology Law

=== Other links for items mentioned in this show

Techcon Unplugged: Use discount code ITBP75OFF and save $75 off the ticket price.

Bradley Gross Profile Photo

Bradley Gross is the founding partner of the Law Office of Bradley Gross, P.A., a law firm that specializes in transactions involving technology service providers, VARs, technology solution resellers, cloud solution providers, IT professionals and technology companies worldwide. Bradley is one of the leading international legal authorities in the area of managed service provider transactions and has been named on fourteen occasions to the national list of ‘Super Lawyers’ in the area of IT & Technology Law. Having counseled thousands of MSPs across the country, Brad has "seen it all and done it all" when it comes to managed service transactions. Brad also runs the Technology Bradcast podcast, covering security, licensing and contract issues for MSPs.

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