Website quote: 10 items to check before signing

The website quote is the document that separates a successful project from a final invoice that doubles. Read it word by word before signing. This checklist covers the 10 items that must appear, regardless of the agency or freelancer.

Why the quote matters as much as the site itself

A vague quote always produces the same scenario: at delivery, the client asks "but isn't that included?", the provider bills extra, and the relationship deteriorates. Basic rule: anything not written is not included. If you don't see a feature in the quote, assume it will be billed.

The 10 items to check in a website quote

1. Exact page count, listed one by one. "Showcase site" means nothing — is it 3 or 7 pages?
2. Content: who writes the text? Who provides photos? How many revisions are included?
3. Design: adapted template or custom design? How many mockups? How many revisions?
4. Precise features: form, booking, cart, member area, multilingual. Each addition = separate quote.
5. Hosting and domain: included or your responsibility? For how long?
6. SEO: basic optimization (titles, metas) included, or just installation? The difference is huge.
7. Delivery timeline with a clear date, and late penalty if applicable.
8. Payment: deposit, balance, accepted methods, GST/QST invoices or not.
9. Site ownership: who owns the code, design, content after delivery?
10. Post-launch support: how many days/hours included for post-launch adjustments?

Red flags

• Verbal or text quote. Refuse. Always in writing.
• No delivery date. Sign that they take your project as filler.
• 100% upfront payment request. Standard: 30 to 50% deposit.
• No clear ownership. Without clause, you risk being unable to migrate elsewhere.
• Vague mentions like "SEO included" without precise list.

Best practices on the client side

1. Request 2 or 3 comparable quotes to calibrate the market.
2. Ask the direct question: "What is NOT included?" More revealing than the inclusion list.
3. Have the quote validated by someone knowledgeable if you're new.
4. Ask for a payment schedule tied to deliverables, not dates.
5. Keep all written exchanges during the project.

How to read the "SEO included" line

This line is the most deceptive. Three possible levels:

• Basic technical SEO (always included normally): unique titles, meta descriptions, clean HTML structure, sitemap. Equivalent of putting up traffic lights. Essential but doesn't generate traffic alone.
• On-page SEO: keyword research, text optimization, schema.org. Count $300 to $1,200 extra.
• Complete SEO strategy: audit, backlinks, monthly content, ranking tracking. Separate retainer, $500 to $3,000/month.

When the quote says "SEO included" without specifying, it's almost always the first level. Correct if it's clear, problematic if sold as the complete strategy.

Related

To understand global brackets, read the pillar guide: how much does a website cost in Quebec. To compare agency vs freelance, see agency vs freelance.

Frequently asked questions

Is a website quote negotiable?

Yes, but not just any way. Negotiating scope (reducing page count, providing content) works. Negotiating price without removing anything from scope rarely works and ends in mutual frustration.

How long is a quote valid?

Generally 30 days in Quebec. Beyond that, conditions and rates may be revised. Ask for the expiry date on the document.

What if a provider refuses to put something in writing?

Look elsewhere. Without writing, you have no recourse in case of disagreement. Any verbal promise is null if it's not in the quote or a dated email.

Should the quote include taxes?

Yes. In Quebec, indicate GST (5%) and QST (9.975%) separately from subtotal, or a clearly marked "taxes included" amount.

Comparing several quotes? Request ours — detailed proposal within 24 hours, free and no commitment.