Quote vs. invoice
A quote describes your service BEFORE order acceptance. It binds you legally under German § 145 BGB once the customer accepts it within the deadline, the contract is then formed automatically. An invoice is issued AFTER service delivery and must contain all mandatory fields under § 14 UStG. The quote does not replace an invoice and does not trigger VAT liability.
Binding period under § 145 BGB
Anyone making an offer is bound by it, unless they explicitly write 'subject to change', 'non-binding', or 'while stocks last'. Standard is 14-30 days. Without a deadline, a 'reasonable period' applies (§ 147 BGB). Tip for tradespeople and service providers: always include a concrete deadline AND the word 'non-binding' so prices can be renegotiated.
Required quote information
Unlike invoices, there's no central law like § 14 UStG. But: full provider name, address, contact details are required (imprint obligation under § 5 TMG if online). Recommended: tax ID or VAT ID, commercial register entry for corporations, clear service description, prices (net + VAT or gross for B2C), validity date, delivery time, payment terms. Our generator structures all of this automatically.
Price display: gross or net?
B2C (consumers) requires final prices under the Price Indication Ordinance (PAngV), gross including VAT. B2B is fine with net + 'plus statutory VAT' note. Small businesses under § 19 UStG show no VAT and add the mandatory note. For EU B2B foreign customers with valid VAT ID, reverse charge applies later (in the invoice), can already be mentioned in the quote.
Small business § 19 UStG
Anyone working as a small business (previous year revenue under €25,000, current year under €100,000, thresholds since 2025) does not show VAT in the quote. Instead, the mandatory note appears: 'Pursuant to § 19 UStG, no VAT is charged.' Important: the subsequent invoice must consistently be without VAT. Switch the mode above to 'Small business', the note appears automatically.
Acceptance & contract formation
If the customer accepts your quote within the deadline (in writing, orally, by implied conduct), the contract is formed automatically, no separate order confirmation needed. For binding quotes: prices and conditions apply. For non-binding quotes you can still reject acceptance or send a new order confirmation. For craftsman quotes, § 632 BGB applies: in case of doubt, a cost estimate is 'non-binding'.
Cost estimate vs. fixed price
A 'cost estimate' under § 649 BGB is a non-binding estimate, significant overruns must be notified to the customer, who may then terminate. A 'fixed price' or 'binding quote' binds both parties. For larger construction work or unclear scope, the cost estimate is more practical. In the generator: leave 'Binding' unchecked for a cost estimate.
Assigning quote numbers correctly
The quote number doesn't need to be sequential (only invoices require that), but a unique structure is practical. Typical: 'Q-2026-001', '2026/Q2/NNN', 'QUO-NNN'. Our generator suggests 'A-YYYY-NNN'. Keep the number as a reference in the subsequent order confirmation and invoice, this simplifies bookkeeping.