Dubsado Package Proposals vs Quote Like Proposals
Dubsado proposals are flexible and can be customized for many different client needs. You can create package proposals that let clients choose from multiple options, or quote like proposals that display a custom quote built specifically for one client.
In this blog post, you will learn:
How each type of proposal works
Step-by-step instructions to set them up in Dubsado
The pros and cons of both approaches
Package Proposals
A package proposal lets you include as many packages as you want. You can set up the proposal with main offers and add-ons so clients can choose exactly what they need.
When building your proposal, you can decide whether clients can select only one package or choose multiple. You can also allow them to pick quantities for certain items, such as the number of hours or products.
Anything selected by the client will be added to their invoice automatically.
How to Create a Package in Dubsado
To create a package proposal, the first step is to create your packages. In Dubsado:
Go to Templates → Packages
Click ‘Add Package’ or duplicate an existing package
Edit the Package title - click the name at the top to edit
Add the item name, description (toggle bullet points on if you want them), quantity (must be more than zero), price, tax if needed, and category
Repeat for each item you want in the package
Tip: If your package has just one line item, the package title and item name can be the same.
How to Add a Package to a Proposal
Once your package is ready, go to the proposal:
Open your proposal in Templates → Forms → Proposals
Add a Package element to the form
Select your package from the dropdown menu
Use smart fields to display package information
How a package proposal looks like in Dubsado
Common Package Smart Fields:
{{package.name}}– Package name from the template{{package.items | invoiceTotal : false | currency}}– Total price with tax{{package.items | invoiceTotal : true | currency}}– Total price without tax{{package.items | invoiceTaxTotal | currency}}– Tax total{{package.items | packageItems}}– Item names and amounts in an invoice style{{package.items | packageItemNamesDesc}}– Item names and descriptions. The description will appear in bullet point form if toggled on in the package settings.{{package.items | packageItemNames}}– Item names only
You can also add:
Quantity boxes so clients can choose an amount. You can set a minimum / maximum amount in the package settings
Large or small checkboxes to select a package
Buttons for easy selection
Important: Always give clients a way to select their package via a button, quantity box or checkbox, or they will not be able to continue.
Smart fields used in a proposal to display the package information
Quote Like Proposals
A quote like proposal shows a custom quote for one specific client. You add items to an invoice first, then display it inside the proposal using invoice smart fields.
This works well when you want to present exactly what you discussed with the client, without giving them multiple package options.
Important: If you go back and forth with the client editing the invoice/quote before the client submits the proposal, the changes will display in the proposal immediately. Dubsado does not save older versions of the form, so you will not have a paper trail of the changes in Dubsado. If you need a record, download the proposal as a PDF before making changes.
How to Create a Quote Like Proposal in Dubsado
To create a quote like proposal, in Dubsado:
Go to Templates → Forms → Proposals and create a new proposal or open an existing one
Add a Text Box to the form (not a package element)
Inside the text box, add your custom quote details with invoice smart fields:
Custom Quote for {{client.firstName}}
Date of Quote: {{curDate | mediumDate}}
This proposal is valid for 30 days from the date of quote
{{job.invoice | packageItems:true}}
Subtotal: {{job.invoice | subtotal}}
Tax Total: {{job.invoice | invoiceTaxTotalFormatted}}
TOTAL: {{job.invoice | total}}
How a quote like proposal looks like in Dubsado
The proposal pulls information from the projects primary invoice
Common Invoice Smart Fields:
{{job.invoice | total}}– Invoice total with tax and discounts{{job.invoice | subtotal}}– Total before taxes and discounts{{job.invoice | invoiceTaxTotalFormatted}}– Tax total{{job.invoice | packageItems:true}}– Item names and amounts in invoice format{{job.invoice | invoiceItemNamesDesc}}– Item names and descriptions. The description will appear in bullet point form if toggled on.{{job.invoice.items | packageItemNames}}– Item names only
Smart fields used in a proposal to display the invoice information
Package Proposal vs Quote Like Proposal: Pros and Cons
Package Proposal Pros:
Gives clients flexibility to choose what they want
Lets you include add-ons to increase total sales
Requires fewer edits before sending, which saves time
Package Proposal Cons:
Some business owners think it is less custom, but I challenge this way of thinking
Quote Like Proposal Pros:
Shows exactly what you discussed with the client
Quote Like Proposal Cons:
Fewer opportunities to upsell with add-ons
Can take more time to prepare
Limited automation options if you go back and forth with edits
My Recommendation
I encourage clients to use package proposals whenever possible, even for highly custom or white-glove services. They save time, create opportunities for upselling, and work well with Dubsado’s automation features.
Tutorial: How to Create Quote Like Proposals in Dubsado
Below is a tutorial to take you through how to create quote like proposals in Dubsado and how to customize packages in your proposals in Dubsado.
TLDR
Package Proposals: Best for giving clients multiple options, including add-ons, while keeping setup fast and automations running smoothly. Ideal if you want flexibility and potential for higher sales.
Quote Like Proposals: Best for sending a single, custom offer based on your exact conversation with the client. Works well for highly tailored services but takes longer to prepare and can limit automation.
Bottom Line: If possible, build services into packages. They save time, encourage upselling, and fit perfectly into Dubsado’s automation tools.
Ready for a Dubsado Setup?
If you are ready to streamline your client process, automate more of your business, and save hours every week, book a free 20-minute discovery call.
During our call, we will discuss your goals, how Dubsado can work for your business, and the steps I will take to set up your account so you can focus on your clients instead of admin work.
Book your call today and start working smarter with Dubsado.