Quote app vs Word: putting an end to copy and paste
Many tradespeople still create quotes in Word. Does it make sense? We compare both approaches honestly.
The Word model: how it works in practice
The typical process for someone using Word for quotes: open the template file, update the client name, delete the previous quote items, type the new items, calculate manually or with a calculator, check the totals, save as PDF, and send by email or share via WhatsApp.
Sound familiar? It is the process most tradespeople know. And it works, technically. The problem is how long it takes.
A simple quote in Word takes between 20 and 40 minutes. With 3 quotes a day, that is 1 to 2 hours spent on formatting and data entry alone. Over a month, that is days of productive time lost to administration.
The specific problems with Word for quotes
Requires a computer: creating a professional quote in Word from your phone on a job site is not practical. The mobile experience is too frustrating.
No tracking: you send the PDF and have no idea if the client opened it, read it, or is comparing it with other quotes. You are in the dark until they respond.
No payment integration: the client accepts by message, then you have to arrange payment. Card, bank transfer, cash. Every extra step delays getting paid.
Calculation errors: without automatic formulas (unless you have set up Word tables properly), it is easy to get a total wrong. An error in a quote damages your credibility.
Poor organisation: after months of working, you have dozens of Word files spread across folders. Finding the quote you sent to Mr. Davies in September requires digging.
What a dedicated quote app resolves
An app like Prummo was built specifically to solve the problems Word handles poorly.
Voice creation: describe the materials and services out loud, and the AI organises everything into line items with quantities and prices. 1 minute instead of 30 minutes.
Works on your phone: create the quote on site, in the van, anywhere. No need to open a laptop.
WhatsApp delivery: a professional link, not a PDF. The client taps and sees a polished page with all the quote details.
Direct payment: the client accepts and pays in the same step. Card, bank transfer, or Klarna installments.
Notifications: you know when the client opened the quote and when they accepted it.
Organised history: every quote in one list, with current status, value, and client name.
When Word can still make sense
There are situations where Word may still be the right choice.
Very specific formats: public tenders, large companies with mandatory templates, or projects requiring detailed technical documentation with embedded images and diagrams.
Infrequent quoting: if you create only 1 to 2 quotes per month, the time lost in Word may be acceptable.
Word-based workflow: if your entire workflow revolves around Word documents (proposals, reports, contracts), keeping everything in the same ecosystem can make sense.
For everything else, a dedicated quote app is clearly more efficient. Prummo has a free plan and works on any phone. The cost of trying it is zero.
Frequently asked questions
Can I create quotes as detailed as I can in Word?
Yes. Prummo lets you add as many line items as needed, with description, quantity, unit price, and total. You can include notes, payment terms, and validity. The difference is speed, not detail level.
What if a client asks for the quote as a PDF?
Prummo generates a PDF automatically. You can download or send the PDF to any client who prefers that format. You still have both the link and PDF options.
Are my quotes saved if I lose my phone?
Yes. Quotes are saved in the cloud, not on your device. If you switch phones, just log in and all your previous quotes are there.
Do I need to learn a new tool?
Prummo is designed to be intuitive. Most tradespeople create their first quote within 5 minutes without any training. Voice creation is particularly straightforward: just describe the job as you would to a client.