Lead-to-cash/Stage 2 of 7

Price & Quote

Pricing models, rate cards, proposals, and quotes.

What happens at this stage

The price and quote stage turns a qualified opportunity into a number the client can accept. It covers the pricing model (fixed fee, time and materials, subscription, usage), the rate card, discounts, and the proposal or quote document itself.

A quote is also the first billing document. Whatever it leaves vague, such as payment terms, milestones, expenses, or what counts as out of scope, turns into a dispute at invoice time.

Where it usually breaks

  • Quotes are rebuilt by hand in documents, so prices drift from the rate card.
  • Payment terms and billing milestones are missing from the quote.
  • Discounts are given without approval rules, and nobody sees the margin impact.

Metrics to watch

  • Quote turnaround time
  • Quote-to-close rate
  • Average discount given
  • Share of quotes with payment terms stated

Guides for this stage