A quote (also called a quotation) is a formal offer that states the price and terms at which a seller will supply specific goods or services. It usually stays valid for a stated period, and it becomes a binding order the moment the buyer accepts it. Unlike an estimate, which is a rough figure that can shift, a quote is a firm commitment to the numbers written on it.
What a quote includes
A complete quote lists the exact items or services, quantities, unit prices, any discounts, taxes, shipping or handling, and the total. It also states the terms that matter to both sides: how long the price holds (the validity window), payment terms, lead time, and any conditions on the offer. Because those figures are fixed for the stated period, the buyer can compare it against other suppliers with confidence.
Why it matters in B2B
Business buyers rarely check out at list price. They order in volume, negotiate, and need internal approval before spending. A quote gives them a document they can circulate, sign off on, and turn into a purchase order. For the seller, it sets clear expectations and protects margin, since the price is only good until the expiry date.
How it works on Shopify
Native Shopify checkout is built for fixed-price retail, so quoting usually happens through a draft order. A merchant captures the request, prices it (custom line items, negotiated discounts, shipping), and issues it as a quote for approval. Once the buyer accepts, that draft converts into a real order they can pay through standard Shopify checkout. Tools like ShopQuotes formalize this into a Live Quote the buyer can review, accept, and pay in one place. See the full B2B quoting glossary for related terms like RFQ and draft order.