WEBSITE PLANNING

Document the Assumptions Behind an Online Estimator

Make an estimator understandable with a formula, explicit exclusions and a worked example that separates an estimate from a confirmed quote.

Write the formula in ordinary language

An estimator should explain what its inputs change. Start with the quantity being estimated, the unit for each input and the source of each rate. Identify assumptions that the customer cannot enter, such as a minimum quantity or a fixed preparation step. Put the person responsible for approving those assumptions on the worksheet. The purpose is to review a calculation, not to invent prices for a real business.

A transparent fictional calculation

Suppose a demonstration estimator uses a base allowance of $40 plus $5 per unit. For 12 units, its displayed estimate is $100: $40 + (12 × $5). These invented rates are only a worked arithmetic example. They are not North Front Digital prices, a customer offer or a recommended pricing model. A reviewer should be able to reproduce the number without guessing which inputs were used.

Define the boundaries

The assumption sheet should list formula version, effective date, accepted input range, rounding rule, currency, included items, excluded items and the next step. Decide what happens with zero, a negative value, a decimal quantity and an unusually large request. If a condition needs manual review, state that instead of manufacturing a precise result. Keep optional charges visibly separate so the number does not imply coverage that was never calculated.

Review examples before building screens

Prepare normal, minimum, maximum and unsupported cases with the expected outcome for each. Include a change example: if the approved rate changes, which future estimates use the new version and what happens to saved requests? The general requirement that advertising claims be truthful and supported is explained in the FTC small-business advertising guide. Bring the approved worksheet to a scoped estimator discussion.