Offering options and add-ons in a proposal
Rather than guessing which package your client wants, offer two or three and let them decide. A proposal can mix fixed items, optional extras and a pick-one choice, and the total updates as your client clicks.
The three kinds of line
In the Items section, the add menu offers three kinds of line:
| Kind | What your client can do | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Included item | Nothing. It's always in the proposal and the total | Your core coverage, travel you always charge |
| Add-on | Tick it, or choose a quantity | Extra hours, a second shooter, an album |
| Client choices | Pick exactly one option from a named group | Silver, Gold and Platinum packages |
Adding included items
- In Items, open the add menu and choose Included item.
- Pick a saved item or type a name, then set the Description, Quantity, Price and Tax.
- Choose Add item.
Offering add-ons
- Choose Add-on from the add menu.
- Fill in the item as usual.
- To let your client pick how many, turn on Allow client to choose quantity. The Quantity field becomes Minimum quantity, and you can set a Maximum quantity too.
- Choose Add add-on.
Your client sees each add-on with a tick box, or plus and minus buttons if they can choose a quantity. It starts at the minimum you set.
Offering client choices
- Choose Client choices from the add menu.
- Name the group something your client will understand, like "Packages" or "Coverage".
- Add at least two options with Add option.
You can have more than one group, for example one for coverage and one for album size, as long as each has its own name. A group with only one option, or two groups with the same name, stops the proposal from sending.
Once your client accepts, the options they didn't pick come off the document. What's left reads like a clean agreement rather than a menu with things circled.
How the total works
While anything is still optional, the total starts with From and shows the lowest possible figure, because there isn't a single number yet. If you collect payment with a schedule, it's set in percentages for the same reason. The amounts are worked out from your client's final choices when they accept.
What your client sees
Included lines appear under Items. Each choice group shows its name with "Pick one of these options", and Add-ons says "Pick any of these options". The total updates live as they choose. See What your client sees in a proposal.
Too many options make people hesitate. Two or three clear packages, plus a couple of add-ons for the extras clients often ask about, is much easier to say yes to.
Frequently asked questions
Can I offer packages and let the client pick one?
Yes. In the proposal's Items section, add a Client choices group, name it, and add at least two options. Your client must pick exactly one before accepting.
Can my client choose how many of something they want?
Yes. On a proposal add-on, turn on Allow client to choose quantity and set the minimum and, if you like, a maximum. Your client gets plus and minus buttons.
Why does my proposal total say "From"?
A proposal total starts with "From" while your client still has choices to make. It shows the lowest possible figure until they've picked, and becomes a fixed number once they accept.
Can my client change their choices after accepting?
No. Accepting a proposal locks your client's choices. If they want something different, duplicate the proposal, adjust it and send the new one.