In the world of custom manufacturing, the "estimate" is the most dangerous document you produce. If you underquote a complex embroidery job or fail to document the specific OD green fabric requirement, you are paying for the customer's product out of your own pocket. Precision in the proposal phase is the only way to protect your margins.
The Philosophy of Spec-Based Sales
The "Alpha K-9 Designs Estimate" is built for the artisan or small manufacturer who deals in bespoke goods. It moves your sales process from "ballpark figures" to "calculated contracts." By standardizing the capture of the Item type and the specific Design Info, the system ensures that every quote is based on the reality of production costs, not just a guess. It acknowledges that a Hat and a Sweatshirt have vastly different material and labor requirements.
The Blueprint: Design-to-Quote Workflow
The structure of this library is designed to bridge the gap between the creative brief and the financial transaction.
- Visual Confirmation: With dual fields for Design Image and Design Image 2, you can attach the customer's logo file or your own mock-up directly to the estimate. This eliminates the "I thought it would look different" conversation after production is complete.
- Variant Control: Dedicated fields for Color and Size ensure that the inventory requirements are clear. Whether it's a "Navy" shirt or a "Black" tactical decal, the specifics are locked in.
- Automated Math: The Total calculation field (
#{qty}*#{unit price}) protects you from simple arithmetic errors during a busy consultation. It provides an instant, professional line-item cost that builds customer confidence.
Usage Scenarios: The Trade Show Quote
You are at a K-9 trade show, and a unit commander wants to order fifty custom shirts for their team. Instead of scribbling on a business card, you open Memento. You select T-shirts, enter the Qty, snap a photo of their patch for the Design Image, and instantly generate a Total price. You email the estimate before they even walk away from your booth. This speed and professionalism sets you apart from every other vendor who promises to "email a quote next week."
Power Feature: Integrated Contact Database
By using Memento’s Contact field for the Name, the estimate is directly linked to your phone's address book. This allows for seamless follow-up. When the materials arrive, you don't have to hunt for the customer's number; you simply tap the estimate to call them, confirming the order is moving to production. It turns a static price list into a dynamic customer relationship tool.