The client wants a product and its installation price, or already owns the material and needs installation alone. Separating materials and labour can help if each line describes a complete service and the total does not count the same work twice.
Not every proposal needs this format. A standard service may be clearer as an overall price with precise inclusions. Separation helps when it enables a choice, change or comparison the client actually needs.
When separation helps
If materials can change without changing the whole service, separate lines clarify the choice. A shop may offer two device models with the same initial service. An installer can distinguish product and installation, while explaining that another model may need different accessories or time.
For client-supplied products, state what needs checking. “Material supplied by client” does not resolve compatibility, delivery or completeness. Check what is necessary to use it before pricing labour alone.
A product-and-installation example
The following invented amounts illustrate structure before applicable taxes:
- Two agreed-model devices: 2 × €250 = €500.
- Specified connection accessories: 1 kit × €60 = €60.
- Installation and configuration: 6 planned hours × €40 = €240.
- Transport for this delivery: 1 × €45 = €45.
The subtotal is €845. Explain whether labour includes mounting, configuration and testing. For a defined lump-sum service, show €240 without making internal estimated hours automatically payable according to actual time.
If removing the second device, do not merely subtract €250. Check whether the kit changes, hours fall to four and transport stays the same. Separate lines help ask these questions; they do not make every item independent.
Avoid counting installation twice
Check product and work descriptions. If an item says “supply and installation”, adding hours for that installation duplicates the service. To separate them, rewrite the first item as supply only and rebuild prices consistently.
For external reference items, read whether material, labour and accessories are included. Do not infer this from a code or abbreviated name. Internally, also check travel and equipment already allocated to hourly rates.
Selling prices differ from business costs
“Labour €40/hour” is the client's offered price, not automatically the worker's pay. It must account for business cost, non-billable time, relevant expenses and planned profit.
A material's commercial price can also cover ordering, availability, selection and other work. Clients can see supply details without your entire accounts. Transparency primarily concerns what the offer includes.
When grouping is clearer
For standard maintenance or a small defined job, a complete service may be easier to understand. Write “maintenance including listed checks and component replacements” and clarify extras. Do not use one line to conceal uncertainty.
For consulting, materials versus hours may be less useful than analysis, deliverables and meetings. Choose lines around the recipient's decisions rather than one template for every profession.
Check before sharing
Ask whether the client can understand what changes if a product or service is removed. Check dependencies and make exclusions visible. Important terms must not remain only in verbal conversations.
When the proposal changes, identify a new version and retain the sent one. Separate items aid revision but do not replace checking the new total and terms.
Who purchases material changes the process
For client-supplied products, ask when they will arrive and what components accompany them. Do not quote installation before knowing whether necessary accessories are missing. An unsuccessful visit creates extra work even when the product itself is right.
When managing supply, check whether your price covers selection, ordering, delivery inspection and handling. Every internal minute need not be disclosed, but costs must be considered. Separation works best when it also clarifies who performs these activities, avoiding each party assuming the other will do them.
In PreventivOk, enter separate product and service lines and check quantities and prices in the PDF. Create your next quote with PreventivOk.