The Quote system in MasterLink Shop Writer provides a fast and professional method for preparing estimates for parts and labor.
Quotes are especially useful when:
•a client calls requesting pricing information
•a customer walks in seeking a rough estimate
•service recommendations are discussed before scheduling work
•commonly performed repairs are quoted repeatedly
•appointments are being scheduled in advance
The Quote system saves time, improves consistency, and allows your staff to respond quickly and professionally to pricing inquiries.
Why Use Quotes?
Many businesses repeatedly prepare estimates for the same types of repairs and services. Rather than re-entering the same parts and labor every time, the Quote system allows those items to be saved and reused.
Quotes can:
•speed up estimate preparation
•improve consistency between employees
•reduce typing errors
•simplify appointment scheduling
•streamline workorder creation
•improve professionalism during client discussions
Quotes are often attached directly to appointments so that when the client arrives, all of the estimate information can automatically transfer into a new workorder.
Starting The Quote System
Use the Quote button to open the Quote system.
Quotes may be created:
•directly from the main MLS toolbar
•from inside the Appointment Scheduler
•while discussing future repairs with a client
Creating Or Selecting A Quote
When the Quote system starts, you will first be asked:
Create New Quote?
Creating A New Quote
If you answer:
Yes
you will create a brand new quote.
Each quote:
•receives a unique ID number automatically
•should be given a meaningful description
•can later be searched and reused
Examples of good quote names:
•Front Brake Service
•60K Service Honda
•AC Compressor Replacement
•Timing Belt Estimate
•Fleet Oil Change Package
Using clear names makes locating existing quotes much easier later.
Looking Up Existing Quotes
If you answer:
No
the system will display the Quote List.
From this screen you may:
•review saved quotes
•update existing quotes
•delete outdated quotes
•select quotes for use
•maintain commonly used estimate packages
To use a quote:
•highlight the desired entry
•select the Accept button
Generic vs Specific Quotes
Quotes may be:
•completely generic
•partially customized
•fully client specific
Generic Quotes
Generic quotes are reusable templates for common services.
Examples:
•Standard Brake Service
•Tune Up Package
•Oil Change
•Transmission Service
These can be reused repeatedly for different clients.
Client Specific Quotes
Specific quotes may include:
•special repair recommendations
•unusual parts
•unique labor combinations
•notes regarding the client's concerns
These are commonly created:
•during phone inquiries
•after inspections
•while scheduling appointments
Appointment Integration
One of the most powerful features of the Quote system is its integration with the Appointment Scheduler.
When a quote is attached to an appointment:
•the client arrives
•the appointment is selected during workorder creation
•the estimate information transfers automatically
This includes:
•client information
•service unit information
•notes
•parts
•labor operations
This dramatically reduces duplicate data entry.
Quote Detail Sections
Each quote can contain three major categories of information:
•Parts
•Labor
•Notes
The quote itself stores references to the items rather than duplicating all source data.
When the quote is applied to a workorder:
•the current inventory data is retrieved
•current pricing is applied
•glossary labor descriptions are loaded
•full detail becomes available automatically
This helps maintain current pricing and descriptions even if costs change after the quote was originally created.
Adding Notes
You may type any desired comments into the Notes section.
Examples include:
•client concerns
•recommended future work
•estimated completion time
•warranty notes
•optional service suggestions
Always remember to:
Press Save
after making changes.
Adding Parts
Adding parts to a quote is simple.
You may:
•manually type a part number
•manually type a description
•lookup parts directly from inventory
Using Inventory Lookup
The lookup icon beside the Code field allows you to:
•browse inventory
•search stocking parts
•locate non-stocking parts
•automatically load descriptions and pricing
Once the part is selected:
•enter the quantity
•verify the charge
•press Accept
The part will then be added to the quote.
Adding Labor
Labor operations are added similarly to parts.
You may:
•manually enter a labor glossary code
•lookup labor operations from the glossary
The Quote system uses:
Labor Glossary entries only
Blank lines are not supported in Quotes.
When the quote is later applied to a workorder:
•the full labor description
•pricing
•operation details
are automatically retrieved from the glossary.
Saving Your Work
After making changes:
•always select the Save button
•verify your entries before exiting
If changes are not saved:
•newly added parts
•labor items
•notes
will not be retained.
Exiting The Quote System
Selecting Exit:
•closes the Quote system
•returns you to the program that originally opened it
This may be:
•the Appointment Scheduler
•the Workorder system
•the main MLS toolbar
Practical Uses For Quotes
The Quote system is extremely flexible and may be used for:
•phone estimates
•fleet pricing
•frequently repeated repairs
•seasonal service packages
•appointment preparation
•diagnostic recommendations
•pre-built labor packages
•upsell opportunities
•inspection followups
Many shops create quote libraries for their most common services.
Best Practices
•Use meaningful quote names
•Review quotes periodically for pricing accuracy
•Keep generic quotes reusable whenever possible
•Attach quotes to appointments for faster workorder entry
•Save estimates for future reference
•Use notes to document important client discussions
•Keep labor glossary entries updated
•Avoid duplicate quote names that may create confusion
Important Notes
•Quotes are estimates only
•Final workorder pricing may vary
•Current inventory pricing is used when applied
•Labor pricing updates automatically from the glossary
•Quotes save references rather than duplicating all source detail
•The system is designed to minimize duplicate typing and improve efficiency
The Quote system is one of the most effective time-saving features within MasterLink Shop Writer and helps create a professional, organized experience for both staff and clients.