Nine Checks for Reviewing a Machine-Shop Quote Spreadsheet Before Sending

A quote spreadsheet can be simple yet dependable, with the main risks being hidden assumptions, mixed units, or prices that cannot be explained later. The article recommends a nine-point review, including separating setup and tooling costs from per-part costs, labeling time units, and clarifying whether a rate is break-even, fully burdened, or a sell rate that already includes profit. It explains how to calculate expected starts when scrap is expected, and why margin and markup must be applied with distinct formulas and labeled clearly. It also advises listing each process cost separately, comparing results against minimum charges, and recording quote details so the spreadsheet serves as an audit record. The author, who works on ShopQuote Flow, notes that their free template is a starting point rather than a replacement for a shop's own costing policy.