---
title: "Getting Started with Estimates"
description: "Learn how to send professional quotes to prospects and kick off the sales journey in ClearCRM."
url: https://help.clearcrm.com/en/articles/11501854-getting-started-with-estimates
collection: "Estimates"
updated: 2026-10-28
language: en
---

# Getting Started with Estimates

Learn how to send professional quotes to prospects and kick off the sales journey in ClearCRM.

Every sales conversation has to start somewhere—and usually, it starts with a question:  
​**"How much will this cost?"**

In ClearCRM, that journey begins with **Estimate Request Forms** and **Estimates**.

## Step 1: Capture Interest with Estimate Request Forms

Estimate Request Forms are forms you can embed on your website, send in emails, or include on landing pages. They help you:

-   Collect early price or project inquiries
    
-   Get visibility into what your prospects are looking for
    
-   Start pre-qualifying leads before sending quotes
    

Each submission creates a new entry in your system, ready for review by your sales team.

## Step 2: Send a Formal Estimate

Once you're ready to provide a detailed quote, head over to the main menu, expand Sales, then expand **Estimates**, then click on Estimate Lists.

Click **Create New Estimate** to begin.

Here’s what to fill out:

-   **Customer** (auto-populates billing/shipping addresses)
    
-   **Optional Project Link** (if tied to a project)
    
-   **Estimate Number, Issue Date, and Expiry Date**
    
-   **Currency, Assigned Sales Agent, Internal Notes**
    

Then scroll down to:

-   **Add Line Items** (products, services, hours, etc.)
    
-   **Apply Taxes, Discounts, and Adjustments** (auto-calculated)
    
-   **Leave a Client Note or Terms & Conditions** (optional)
    

Once you're done, click **Save**.

## Estimate Statuses

Estimates move through various statuses:

-   **Draft** – still being prepared
    
-   **Sent** – delivered to the client
    
-   **Accepted** – ready to convert into a Proposal or Contract
    

These statuses help your team track where each opportunity stands and what needs follow-up.

## Deleting Estimates with Restrictions

If some estimates do not display a **Delete** option, or remain after bulk delete actions, the reason is a setting in ClearCRM.

To enable full deletion of estimates:

1.  Go to **Setup > Settings**.
    
2.  Under the **Finance** category, click **Estimates**.
    
3.  Locate the setting **Delete estimate allowed only on last estimate** and switch it to **No**.
    
4.  Save your changes.
    

This will allow you to delete all estimates as needed.

## What’s Next?

Once an estimate is accepted, you can instantly convert it into a Proposal—your next step toward closing the deal.