Estimates vs proposals

FirstSlate's builder produces two kinds of document from the same scope and pricing: an estimate, which your client can approve without signing anything, and a proposal, which carries your contract terms and requires an e-signature. Use whichever matches how firm the number is.

Where to find it

Open the builder for a project (Dashboard → Projects → [a project] → Build Proposal) and look for the Proposal / Estimate toggle near the top of the page, next to the client and project details. Switching is only available while the document is a draft; once it's sent, the type is locked for that document.

When to use an estimate

Send an estimate when you want to share pricing and scope before committing to a formal agreement, an early ballpark the client can react to, adjust, or approve. Estimates carry the same line items, add-ons, and pricing as a proposal, but no contract terms and no signature.

When to use a proposal

Send a proposal when the number is final and you want a binding agreement. Proposals include your contract terms and require the client to sign before the project moves forward.

How your client responds

The two documents ask for different actions:

• Estimate: your client reviews the scope, chooses which optional add-ons they want, and clicks Approve Estimate, typing their name to confirm. The public page is explicit that "No signature required at this stage." They can also click Request Changes with a note back to you instead of approving.
• Proposal: your client reviews the same scope, then goes through an Accept Proposal flow that ends in Sign & Accept, a typed-name signature (with an optional script style or drawn signature) plus any initials you've required on individual sections.

Both approval and signature are logged with a timestamp and the client's IP address, and you get notified either way.

Converting an approved estimate into a proposal

Once a client approves an estimate, the builder shows an Estimate Approved banner with a Convert to Proposal button. Converting switches the document type to proposal, drops it back to Draft, and carries over the scope, pricing, and any add-on choices the client already made, so you add contract terms and send it for signature without re-entering the numbers.

Plan availability

Both estimates and proposals, including e-signature on proposals, work on every plan, including Free. See plans and limits.

Common questions

Can I start with a proposal and switch to an estimate later?

Yes, as long as the document is still a draft. Once you send it, the type is fixed for that document; recall it to Draft first if you need to change it.

Does an approved estimate expire the same way?

Yes. An estimate's expiration date is enforced the same as a proposal's: once it passes, your client can no longer approve or request changes without you reopening it. See proposal expiration and stalled deals.

What happens to the add-ons the client picked on the estimate?

They carry into the converted proposal. Items they accepted stay included; items they declined arrive already marked so your client doesn't have to choose again.