A primary quote is the main commercial quotation designated as the current proposal for a sales opportunity or buying decision. Other quote versions or alternatives may exist, but the primary quote drives the expected commercial record.
Why designate one quote as primary?
The designation gives forecasting, approvals and downstream systems one authoritative proposal. It prevents several alternatives from being counted as if they will all become orders.
What should the primary quote contain?
- Customer and opportunity reference
- Products, quantities and configuration
- Prices, discounts and currency
- Terms, validity and assumptions
- Delivery or implementation scope
- Required approvals and version
Can the primary quote change?
Yes. A seller may promote another version after customer feedback or internal approval. The system should retain prior versions and record when and why the primary designation changed.
Primary quote vs. accepted quote
Primary means the selected working proposal. Accepted means the customer has agreed through the required process. A primary quote should not be treated as a binding order without acceptance.
How should it connect downstream?
When approved and accepted, the quote should transfer controlled data to the contract, order and invoice. Manual re-entry can reintroduce prices or terms that were not approved.
