Short answer Paste the prompt below into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot with your own details and you get a clear plumbing quote email that explains the work, what's not included and what could change the price, from your own notes. Works on free plans. Time saved: about 15 to 20 minutes per quote, plus fewer follow-up calls (estimate).
Why it helps
Plumbing quotes generate questions. Why does a hot water cylinder swap cost that much? Does it include the valves? What if the old pipes are rusted through? Every question is a phone call you take on the tools or at night.
AI is good at turning your shorthand into a quote a homeowner can follow: what you'll do, what's included, what isn't, and what might change the price. Your prices and your judgement stay yours.
The prompt
Copy it, swap the bits in [square brackets], and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot.
I'm a plumber in [town], New Zealand. Turn my notes into a clear quote email for a homeowner. NZ English, friendly, plain words. Include: - A one-line summary of the job. - What's included, as bullet points, in plain words a homeowner understands. - What's not included. - What could change the price, and that I'll check with them before doing extra work. - Price exactly as I've written it, and whether it includes GST. - How long the quote is valid, and how to accept. Rules: don't change or add any numbers. Don't promise timeframes, warranties or compliance outcomes I haven't given you. Under 220 words. My notes: [paste your job notes, price, timing, exclusions and validity]
Then keep chatting
Explain why this part of the job costs what it does, in two sentences.
Write a short text message version.
Add a line about what happens if I find more damage once the old cylinder is out.
Step by step
- Write your job notes the way you normally do: what's wrong, the fix, parts, hours, price and exclusions.
- Leave out the customer's full name, address and phone number. You'll add those in your own quoting app.
- Fill in the prompt and read the draft. Check every part, price and exclusion.
- Send it from your usual quoting app or email, with your terms of trade attached.
Worked example
Example details are made up. Your results will vary, so always read and check before you use them.
Watch out for
- Accuracy: AI writes the words, not the price. Check every part, quantity, price and the GST line before you send it.
- Don't let it promise compliance. Restricted plumbing work must be done by someone authorised by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (pgdb.co.nz), and some jobs need a building consent. Check building.govt.nz or your council.
- Privacy: leave the customer's surname, address and phone number out of the prompt.
- Consumer law: the Consumer Guarantees Act applies to work for homeowners, whatever your quote says. See consumerprotection.govt.nz.
Go further
Add a standard note about fixed quotes and estimates using the quote or estimate explained use case. Then get your terms of trade into plain English so every quote goes out with the same rules.
