Get Started with ScopeTally: AI Proposals

Short answer: Transform your proposal process with ScopeTally. This beginner-friendly guide walks you through setting up and using ScopeTally's AI to win more jobs, faster.

How to Get Started with ScopeTally: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Winning More Jobs

Are you a plumber, HVAC technician, electrician, landscaper, or another dedicated service professional spending your evenings buried in paperwork? Do you find yourself battling outdated Word templates, struggling to remember past quotes, and watching potential clients move on because your proposals just aren't hitting the mark?

You're not alone. This challenge, often called the 'Proposal Gap', costs countless local pros thousands in lost revenue and precious family time. But what if you could turn that around? What if you could generate professional, high-converting proposals in minutes, not hours, with the help of an AI sales assistant?

Enter ScopeTally. Designed specifically for home-service contractors and small service business owners, ScopeTally is your secret weapon to bid smarter, out-professionalize the competition, and finally reclaim your evenings. This isn't just about saving time; it's about building professional credibility and closing more deals.

Ready to transform your sales process? This beginner-friendly, step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started with ScopeTally and start winning more jobs.

What is ScopeTally and Why Do You Need It?

ScopeTally is an AI-first proposal generation platform engineered to solve the "Late-Night Admin Burnout" faced by tradespeople and service providers. Instead of wrestling with manual templates, ScopeTally takes your rough project notes and, within moments, crafts a comprehensive, professional proposal.

Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

  • AI-Powered Efficiency: Turn bullet points into polished, persuasive sales copy.
  • Professional Credibility: Deliver consistent, branded proposals that impress clients.
  • Faster Closures: Respond to leads in minutes, not days, keeping them engaged.
  • Increased Average Deal Size: Utilize features like Tiered Option Modeling to offer clients choices.
  • Eliminate Scope Creep: Clear, smart pricing tables detail every aspect of the job.

It’s time to move from administrative struggle to instant professional authority. Let's dive in!

Step 1: Setting Up Your ScopeTally Account

Getting started with ScopeTally is designed to be quick and intuitive. Your first step is to create an account and get familiar with the dashboard.

  1. Visit the ScopeTally Marketplace Page: Navigate to the ScopeTally page on our marketplace. Here, you'll find all the details about the app, its features, and pricing.
  2. Choose Your Plan: ScopeTally offers two main plans:
    • Starter: Ideal for individuals or very small businesses, offering up to 30 proposals/quotes monthly, basic templates, and core AI features for just $19/month.
    • Pro: Perfect for growing businesses needing more volume (up to 100 proposals/quotes monthly), advanced features like custom templates, Good-Better-Best pricing, and custom branding for $39/month.
    Consider your current proposal volume and desired features to select the best fit. You can always upgrade later!
  3. Sign Up and Onboard: Follow the prompts to create your account. This usually involves entering your email, setting a password, and providing some basic business information (company name, contact details). This initial setup helps ScopeTally personalize your experience and proposals.

Once you're in, take a moment to explore the dashboard. You’ll find sections for creating new proposals, viewing your history, and managing your account settings.

Step 2: Customizing Your Brand & Settings

Before you generate your first proposal, personalize ScopeTally with your brand's identity. This ensures every document you send looks professional and consistent.

  1. Access Settings: Look for a "Settings" or "Profile" icon, usually in the top right corner or a sidebar menu.
  2. Upload Your Logo: This is crucial for branding. Upload a high-resolution version of your company logo. ScopeTally will automatically embed this into all your proposals, giving them an instant professional lift.
  3. Input Business Information: Double-check that your company name, address, phone number, email, and website are correct. This information will appear on your proposals.
  4. Set Default Preferences (Optional but Recommended): Depending on your plan, you might be able to set default tax rates, terms and conditions, or preferred proposal layouts. This saves time on every future proposal.

Having your branding in place immediately elevates your presence and helps you stand out from competitors still using generic documents.

Step 3: Creating Your First AI-Powered Proposal

This is where the magic happens! Let's generate a proposal from scratch.

  1. Start a New Proposal: From your ScopeTally dashboard, click on the "Create New Proposal" or "Generate Quote" button.
  2. Enter Basic Project Details:
    • Client Name: Who are you sending this to?
    • Project Title: A clear, concise title (e.g., "HVAC System Replacement - Johnson Residence").
    • Project Location: The address where the work will be performed.
    • Due Date/Validity: When does the client need to respond by?
  3. Input Your Project Notes & Scope: This is the core input for ScopeTally's AI. Think about what you'd typically jot down on a notepad or tell a client verbally.
    • Bullet Points: List out what needs to be done. Example: "Remove old AC unit. Install new Trane 3-ton AC. Replace thermostat with smart thermostat. Test system. Clean up debris."
    • Key Details: Include specifics like brand names, model numbers, specific tasks, measurements, or materials.
    • Client Pain Points/Benefits: Briefly mention why this project is important (e.g., "old unit failing," "energy efficiency upgrade").

    The more detail you provide, the better ScopeTally's AI can craft a comprehensive and persuasive scope of work. Don't worry about perfect grammar or full sentences, the AI will handle that!

  4. Generate with AI: Click the "Generate Proposal" or "AI Draft" button. ScopeTally's AI sales assistant will then take your raw input and transform it into a structured, professional proposal draft. This usually takes just a few seconds!

Step 4: Refining Your Proposal & Adding Pricing

Once the AI generates the initial draft, you’ll have a beautifully structured document. Now, it's time to review, edit, and add your precise pricing.

  1. Review the AI-Generated Text: Read through the "Scope of Work," "Project Overview," and any other sections the AI has created.
    • Check for Accuracy: Ensure all tasks and descriptions match what you discussed with the client.
    • Refine Language: While the AI is excellent, you might want to tweak a few phrases to match your personal tone or specific company jargon.
    • Add Any Missing Details: Did you forget to mention something in your initial notes? Add it here.
  2. Utilize Smart Pricing Tables: This is a powerful feature to ensure transparency and protect your margins.
    • Add Line Items: Break down costs for labor, materials, equipment, permits, etc.
    • Quantities & Rates: Input the number of hours/units and their respective rates.
    • Automatic Calculations: ScopeTally will automatically calculate totals, sub-totals, and taxes for you.
    • Optional Descriptions: Add a brief description for each line item to explain its purpose.

    Example Pricing Table Structure:

    Item Description Quantity Unit Price Total
    AC Unit (Trane XV20i) 1 $4,500.00 $4,500.00
    Installation Labor (hrs) 8 $95.00 $760.00
    Smart Thermostat (Ecobee) 1 $249.00 $249.00
    Permit Fees 1 $150.00 $150.00
    Subtotal $5,659.00
    Sales Tax (7%) $396.13
    Grand Total $6,055.13
  3. Implement Tiered Option Modeling (Pro Plan): If you’re on the Pro plan, consider offering Good-Better-Best options. This can significantly increase your average deal size.
    • Create different sections or tables for each option (e.g., "Standard Service," "Premium Package," "Elite Solution").
    • Highlight the value proposition and benefits of each tier.
    • Clients often choose the 'Better' option when presented with clear choices.
  4. Add Terms & Conditions: Crucial for protecting your business. Use ScopeTally's built-in section to include your standard terms of service, payment schedules, warranty information, and other legal disclaimers.

Step 5: Preview, Share & Win!

Your proposal is complete and ready to impress!

  1. Preview Your Proposal: Always use the "Preview" function to see exactly what your client will see. Check for:
    • Branding consistency (logo, colors).
    • Layout and readability.
    • Accuracy of all text and pricing.
    • Any formatting issues.

    This final check ensures your professional image is perfect.

  2. Instant Share & Export: ScopeTally offers flexible ways to deliver your proposal:
    • Shareable Web Link: Generate a unique link that you can email or text to your client. This is fantastic for mobile viewing and offers a dynamic, interactive experience.
    • Professional PDF Export: Download your proposal as a polished PDF. This is great for printing or attaching to emails.

    No matter how you share it, your client will receive a stunning, professional document that loads beautifully on any device.

  3. Track & Follow Up: While not a core feature of ScopeTally itself, remember to follow up. With ScopeTally's speed, you're getting proposals out faster, which means you can follow up sooner while the lead is still hot. Consistency and promptness are key to converting leads into paying customers.

Why ScopeTally is Your Competitive Edge

In a market where competition is fierce, standing out is vital. ScopeTally offers a clear differentiation:

  • AI-Native: Unlike generic document managers, ScopeTally’s AI is purpose-built for the trades, translating your rough notes into persuasive project narratives.
  • Speed & Simplicity: Go from site visit to sent proposal in minutes, not hours, freeing up your valuable time.
  • Professional Polish: Small businesses can now present with the same authority as larger firms, without the overhead.
  • Conversion Focused: Clear, structured proposals with optional tiers are designed to help clients say "Yes."

Stop letting the 'Proposal Gap' hold you back. Start using ScopeTally today and experience the transformation in your business.

Ready to Win More Jobs?

The time you save by automating your proposal process with ScopeTally isn't just about administrative relief; it's about growing your business, improving your client relationships, and reclaiming your personal time. Imagine spending less time hunched over your laptop and more time with family, or on the next big project.

Don't just work harder; bid smarter. Give yourself the advantage of an AI sales assistant that works 24/7. Your clients will be impressed, and your bottom line will thank you.

Get started with ScopeTally today and transform your proposal process!

Disclaimer: ScopeTally was built using MakerAI. Want to build your own software? Get started with MakerAI.