How long is a quote valid in South Africa?

Updated 25 October 2026

If you run a trade business in South Africa, you have probably asked yourself how long a quote should stay valid. The short answer: there is no single period that applies to every quote. The validity period is whatever you state on the quote, and 14 days is the most common choice. What matters is that you write it down.

The short answer

A quote is an offer. You are saying “I will do this job for this price.” The customer accepts by approving it, and a deal is made. The validity period tells the customer how long that offer stays open.

Because there is no one-size-fits-all legal period, the date you put on the quote is what counts. If you say nothing, you invite arguments later, for example a customer who comes back three months on and expects the old price.

What validity periods are common?

Period	Best for	Why
7 days	Jobs heavy on materials (copper, cable, roofing sheets, geysers)	Supplier prices can move quickly, so a short window protects your margin.
14 days	Most trade jobs: the standard choice	Long enough for a customer to decide, short enough to stay realistic.
30 days	Larger projects, labour-heavy work, customers who need approvals	Gives time for a spouse, landlord, body corporate or insurer to sign off.

How to word it on your quote

Keep it simple and put it where the customer will see it, next to the total. For example:

“This quote is valid for 14 days from the date above.”
“Prices valid until 15 November 2026. Material prices may change after this date.”
“Valid for 7 days because of volatile copper prices.”

When to shorten the validity period

Materials are a large share of the price and supplier prices change often.
You are quoting during a busy season and may not have capacity later.
The job depends on stock that can run out, such as a specific geyser, tiles or a solar inverter.

When to extend it

The customer needs approval from someone else, such as a landlord, body corporate or insurer.
The job is mostly labour, so your price is stable.
You want to give an important customer extra time. You can always extend a quote in writing.

What if the customer comes back after it has expired?

You are free to re-quote. Send an updated quote with the current prices and a fresh validity period, and explain briefly what changed (for example “steel prices went up 8%”). Most customers accept this when it is explained clearly and quickly.

If you want to honour the old price as a goodwill gesture, say so in writing. That keeps it a decision you made, not an obligation.

Protect yourself: get a deposit on approval

A deposit turns an approved quote into a commitment. It also covers the cost of materials you have to buy upfront. Many tradespeople ask for 30 to 50% on approval for jobs with significant materials. With Zakr, a customer can approve the quote, sign it and pay the deposit online in one step.

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Common questions

›Is there a legal minimum validity period for a quote in South Africa?

There is no single minimum that applies to every quote. The period you state on the quote is what the customer and you rely on. It is general information, not legal advice. If a dispute is likely, speak to an attorney or the relevant consumer body.

›Can I change the price after the customer accepts the quote?

Generally, no. Once the customer has accepted your quote within its validity period, you have agreed the price. Changes should be agreed in writing, for example when the scope of the job changes. This is why a clear scope on the quote matters.

›Should a quote include VAT?

If you are VAT registered, show VAT (15%) as a separate line and include your VAT number. If you are not, do not add VAT. Our VAT calculator and guide to tax invoices explain more.

›How do I send a quote with a validity date quickly?

Zakr adds a “valid until” date to every quote (14 days by default) and sends it to your customer on WhatsApp in about 60 seconds. It is free to start.

Free tools and related guides

General information, not tax or legal advice. Check current rules with SARS or your accountant.