Why it helps
Landscaping jobs can be done a dozen ways, and one big number on a quote often gets a "we'll think about it". Giving three options (a tidy basic job, the one most people pick, and the full works) lets the customer choose a budget they're comfortable with.
Writing three options takes longer than one, which is where AI earns its keep. Give it your site notes and your three prices, and it sets them out side by side in plain English, with what's included and what's not.
The prompt
Copy it, swap the bits in [square brackets], and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot.
I'm a landscaper in [town], New Zealand. Turn my site notes into a quote email with three options: Good, Better and Best. - For each option, list what's included in plain English, then show my price exactly as I've written it. - Add one line under each option saying who it suits. - Add a short "Not included" list that applies to all options. - Say whether prices include GST and how long the quote is valid. - Keep it friendly, short and in NZ English. - Don't invent prices, plants, materials, measurements or timeframes I haven't given you. Site notes: [paste your notes] Good: [what's in it and price] Better: [what's in it and price] Best: [what's in it and price]
Then keep chatting
Make a shorter version I can text.
Add a sentence explaining why Better is the one most people pick.
Turn the three options into a simple table.
Step by step
- Jot your site notes: the area, ground and access, what the customer wants, and anything tricky.
- Work out three honest options and price each one yourself.
- Paste everything into the prompt and read the draft. Check every price, quantity and the GST wording.
- Add the customer's name and send it from your usual email or quoting app.
Worked example
Example details are made up. Your results will vary, so always read and check before you use them.
Watch out for
- Accuracy: AI writes the words, you set the prices. Check every number, quantity and the GST line before sending. Commerce Commission guidance at comcom.govt.nz says quotes to consumers should include GST.
- Consents: retaining walls holding back more than 1.5 metres of ground, or carrying extra load like a driveway, usually need a building consent. Check building.govt.nz before quoting that kind of work.
- Privacy: leave out the customer's full address and phone number. You don't need them in the prompt.
Go further
Once you've got a layout you like, save it as a template so next time you only paste in new notes and prices. Add the note from the quote or estimate use case so customers know whether each price is fixed.
