A little under
Good news — you came in lower.
Hi Jordan — final invoice is $180 (estimate was $210). Materials came in under what I quoted. Invoice is attached.
Final bill vs the estimate — including when the job ran long
The number changed. Say why in one or two lines, then send the new total. Don’t hide it. Say the delta before they open the invoice and wonder if it’s a mistake.
Put in the real estimate, final, and what drove the change.
When to use this
- The final bill differs from the estimate you sent.
- Explain why in plain words before they see a surprise charge.
- Not Extra work (ask before doing more) — this is after the number changed.
- Offer to talk if they want detail.
- Also on this page: when the job ran longer than the estimate.
A little over
Use when you found more work and already told them.
Hi Alex — final is $320. Estimate was $275; the extra was the damaged trim we talked about on-site. Invoice attached — happy to walk through the line items.
Same number
Close the loop when nothing moved.
Quick note: final invoice matches the $240 estimate. No surprises. It’s attached whenever you’re ready.
Under estimate
Good news bill.
Hi Jordan — final came in under the estimate: $240 instead of $280. Invoice is on the way.
Scope grew mid-job with approval
You already asked; now the number.
As we talked about on site, the extra repair brings the total to $410 vs the $350 estimate. I’ll send the updated invoice today.
When the job ran longer than the estimate
The clock went past what you priced on the same job. Say so before the invoice lands, and give them the choice if you’re willing to cap it.
Bill it or eat it
Don’t surprise them on the invoice.
Hi Alex — today’s work ran two hours past what I quoted. I can bill the extra at $45/hour, or I can eat it this time. Your call.
Hours, then dollars
Estimate vs actual. One number for the overage.
The estimate was four hours. I was there six. Extra is $90 unless you want me to write it off.
Separate line, or cap it
They can see the overtime. They can also say no.
I stayed later than we priced. I’ll put the overtime as a separate line so you can see it. Tell me if you’d rather I cap it at the original number.
Still finishing
Need more time today.
Hi Alex — we’re past the estimate and still have about 45 minutes left. OK to keep going at the hourly rate, or stop and finish another day?
Done, bill updated
Already finished.
Finished — it ran about an hour over because of the stuck valve. Updated total is higher than the estimate; saying so before the invoice hits.
How to send it
Copy one message, swap in the real name and time, and send from your own phone or email. Keep it to a few sentences. If they need a different topic, use a Related link below instead of mixing two subjects in one text.