Compare contractor quotes – without paper chaos

You are looking for a painter and collect three quotes. After two weeks you no longer know who promised what. Here is how to stay organised.

Checklist: compare quotes fairly

Request the same work: describe scope, area and material identically for every provider, otherwise prices are not comparable.
Arrange an inspection: reliable quotes follow a visit on site.
Clarify fixed price or estimate: ask whether the price is binding.
Record date and duration: the cheapest provider is useless if they have time only in six months.
Compare warranty and payment terms: deposit, instalments, deadlines.
Document your decision: note why you chose, and decline the other providers.

Create the project “Find a painter”. The stages Requested, Appointment, Quote and Accepted / Declined are already set up.
Add providers as contacts and keep the stage for each.
Define details, for example price, date and “inspection done”.
Log every call and email in the history and set “I’m waiting for a reply” when none comes.
See prices and dates side by side in the comparison view. The lowest amount is highlighted.