> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.shortcutco.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.shortcutco.com/readme/leads-prospects-customers.md).

# Leads, Prospects, Customers

Shortcut tracks everyone in **one Customers workspace**, with views for each stage so you always know what to do next. [Open Customers →](https://shortcutco.com/customers)

## The three stages

* **Lead** — someone expressed interest, but you haven't sent an estimate yet.
* **Prospect** — you sent a proposal (estimate); you're waiting on acceptance.
* **Customer** — the proposal was accepted (or you approved it for them), so they can have jobs scheduled and completed.

## The views at the top of Customers

* **All** — everyone.
* **Needs estimate** — new leads to quote.
* **Estimate pending** — prospects waiting to accept (follow up from here).
* **Needs scheduling** — accepted work with nothing on the calendar yet.
* **Scheduled** — active, scheduled customers.

Work the list left to right: quote the "Needs estimate" people, chase "Estimate pending", schedule "Needs scheduling".

<figure><img src="/files/AwTO7MirLFNlVwHjYPCp" alt="Leads list showing the pipeline of incoming inquiries"><figcaption><p>The Leads list — your pipeline starts here. Each lead shows their requested services, property size, and address. Click "Estimate" to create a proposal.</p></figcaption></figure>

## The default flow (recommended)

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Add a lead

Add the person as a lead in Shortcut.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Create and send a proposal

Generate and send the proposal to the lead.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Prospect

After sending the proposal, the person appears in **Prospects** while you wait for acceptance.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Customer

Once the proposal is accepted, the person moves to **Customers**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Schedule work

Schedule the jobs/work for the customer.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Complete job → invoice → payment

Mark the job complete → an invoice is created and sent → customer pays.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Common questions

<details>

<summary>“Where did my lead go after I sent the proposal?”</summary>

They move from the **Needs estimate** view to **Estimate pending** — same person, next stage.

</details>

<details>

<summary>“When do I get an invoice?”</summary>

Invoices are created when a job is marked complete.

</details>

{% hint style="info" %}
Still stuck? Email <hello@shortcutco.com> with the person’s name and a screenshot of what you’re seeing.
{% endhint %}