How to build a quote
A quote turns a verbal agreement into a formal, priced offer. It is where deals stall when pricing is error-prone or approvals are slow. A clean quoting process (CPQ) means accurate prices, controlled discounts, and a fast path from yes to signed.
Short answer
Build a quote by selecting the right products and quantities, applying correct pricing and any approved discounts, showing terms and totals clearly, and routing it for approval if it needs one. Keep line items transparent, tie the quote to the deal, and make it easy to turn into an order so the deal does not stall on paperwork.
Step by step
Select products and quantities
Choose the correct line items and quantities for what the buyer agreed to. Configuration errors here create rework and erode trust.
Apply pricing and approved discounts
Use current list prices and only discounts within policy. Route anything beyond the threshold for approval automatically.
- Correct products, quantities, and terms
- List price with approved discounts only
- Auto-route out-of-policy discounts for approval
Show terms and totals clearly
Present line items, subtotals, term length, and the total transparently, including recurring versus one-time charges so ACV and TCV are obvious.
Route for approval if needed
Send quotes needing sign-off through an approval flow so deals do not stall waiting on a manager, and margins stay protected.
Make it easy to accept and order
Provide a clear path to acceptance and turn the accepted quote directly into an order or contract, avoiding re-keying that introduces errors.
Common mistakes
Manual quotes with pricing errors that surface in procurement and delay or kill the deal.
Uncontrolled discounting because approvals are informal, which quietly erodes margin across the whole book.
How Ardovo helps
Ardovo's quotes and CPQ pull from a single price book, enforce discount approvals automatically, and turn an accepted quote into an order without re-keying. Because quotes, deals, and billing share one source, ACV, TCV, and revenue always tie out.
Frequently asked questions
What is CPQ?
CPQ stands for configure, price, quote: the process and tooling that lets reps select the right products, apply correct pricing and discounts, and generate an accurate quote quickly. Good CPQ prevents pricing errors, controls discounting, and speeds the path from agreement to signed order.
How do I control discounting in quotes?
Set discount thresholds tied to approval flows so reps can offer within policy freely but anything beyond routes for sign-off automatically. Uncontrolled, informal discounting is a major margin leak. Automated approvals protect margin without slowing reps on standard deals.
How do I keep quotes from stalling deals?
Eliminate manual pricing errors with a single price book, automate approvals so quotes do not wait on a manager, and let an accepted quote flow straight into an order. Most quote-stage delays come from errors, slow approvals, and re-keying between systems.