> 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/proposals/how-to-create-and-send-a-proposal.md).

# How to create and send a proposal

This shows how to build a proposal, offer options, and send it by email and/or SMS. [Open Leads →](https://shortcutco.com/leads)

## When to use this

* A lead wants a quote
* You want customer approval before scheduling work

## Before you start

* You have at least one service created ([Catalog → Services](https://shortcutco.com/catalog/services))
* The lead has an email and/or phone number

## Create the proposal

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open the lead

Open the lead record where you want to create the proposal. [Open Leads →](https://shortcutco.com/leads)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Add a custom message (optional)

Add any message you want the customer to see with the proposal.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Select Base Services

In **Base Services**, select the services you want to include.

<figure><img src="/files/6w3r22X6WXT8dxCxXxHT" alt="Proposal builder with Base Services search visible"><figcaption><p>Use Base Services to add quoted work directly from the lead estimate screen.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Optional: Choose from template

Click **Choose from template** if you want to load a predefined set of services/pricing. [Manage Templates →](https://shortcutco.com/catalog/templates)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Confirm price details

Confirm the price details for each service (rate + hours / sq ft / flat amount).

<figure><img src="/files/nE9Z8w9wo0XaUnjgGTyM" alt="Proposal builder showing multiple service prices"><figcaption><p>Review rates, quantities, and totals before sending the proposal.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Edit, add alternatives, or delete a service line

On the right of each service line, click the **three dots**:

* **Edit**: set one-off vs recurring and adjust the numbers
* **Add alternative**: offer a second option (Gold vs Silver, pine vs aspen, etc.)
* **Delete**: remove the service

<figure><img src="/files/CtL7hKGZmxnEqAGmiokq" alt="Service line actions menu with Add alternative"><figcaption><p>Open the service line menu to edit, add alternatives, or remove a service.</p></figcaption></figure>

## Optional line items

You can mark service lines as **optional** — clients can choose to include or exclude them when reviewing the proposal, and the total updates dynamically.

## Send / approve / draft

At the end you can:

* **Send to customer**
* **Approve for the customer** (if they verbally approve)
* **Save as draft**
* **Cancel**

## Choose delivery method

You can send via:

* Email
* SMS
* Or both

<figure><img src="/files/3PIvN6BSwK8Bq5IsCG3K" alt="Send proposal dialog with delivery options"><figcaption><p>Choose email, SMS, or both before sending the proposal.</p></figcaption></figure>

## Live preview

Before sending, you can preview exactly what the customer will see at the proposal's public link (`/p/[token]?preview=1`).

<figure><img src="/files/kB3KnHm9rXbQTOuhQNdh" alt="Public proposal preview with customer approval actions"><figcaption><p>Preview the customer-facing proposal before it is sent.</p></figcaption></figure>

## Proposal expiration

Proposals **expire after 30 days** if not accepted — they're marked **Expired** automatically. (Voiding is the separate, manual way to kill a proposal early.)

## Expected result

After you send the proposal, the person appears in [Prospects](https://shortcutco.com/prospects) until accepted.

## Common issues

<details>

<summary>Totals look wrong</summary>

Adjust hours / sq ft quantity on the line item.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Customer didn't receive it</summary>

Confirm email / phone, then re-send using both email + SMS.

</details>

{% hint style="info" %}
Still stuck? Email <hello@shortcutco.com> with the lead name and a screenshot of the proposal screen.
{% endhint %}