> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.swellsystem.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Proposals Overview

# Proposals Overview

Create professional proposals, send them to clients, and track their status. Convert proposals to invoices when approved.

## What are Proposals?

Proposals are professional documents you send to clients outlining:
- **Services Offered**: What you'll provide
- **Pricing**: Cost breakdown
- **Timeline**: Project timeline
- **Terms**: Terms and conditions
- **Next Steps**: What happens after approval

## Key Features

### Proposal Builder

- **Drag & Drop**: Easy visual builder
- **Templates**: Start from templates
- **Sections**: Add/remove sections
- **Customization**: Full design control
- **Branding**: Your logo and colors

### Proposal Management

- **Create**: Build new proposals
- **Edit**: Modify proposals
- **Send**: Email to clients
- **Track**: Monitor views and status
- **Convert**: Turn into invoice when approved

### Client Experience

- **Public Link**: Shareable proposal URL
- **Professional Design**: Beautiful, branded proposals
- **E-Signature**: Digital signature support
- **Payment**: Accept payment with proposal (if enabled)

## Creating a Proposal

### Quick Create

1. Go to **Proposals**
2. Click **"New Proposal"** or **"Create Proposal"**
3. Use builder to create proposal
4. Save and send

### Proposal Sections

**Common Sections:**
- **Cover Page**: Introduction
- **Overview**: Project summary
- **Services**: What's included
- **Pricing**: Cost breakdown
- **Timeline**: Project schedule
- **Terms**: Terms and conditions
- **Next Steps**: Approval process

### Adding Content

**Text:**
- Rich text editor
- Formatting options
- Headings and lists
- Links

**Images:**
- Upload images
- Add logos
- Include graphics
- Product photos

**Pricing Tables:**
- Itemized pricing
- Quantities and rates
- Totals and taxes
- Payment terms

## Sending Proposals

### Email Proposal

1. **Complete Proposal**: Finish design
2. **Click "Send"**: Send button
3. **Enter Email**: Client email address
4. **Add Message**: Optional cover message
5. **Send**: Email with proposal link sent

### Public Link

Share proposal directly:
1. **Open Proposal**: View proposal
2. **Copy Link**: Get public URL
3. **Share**: Send link via email, message, etc.
4. **Client Views**: Client opens link to view

## Proposal Status

### Draft

Not sent yet:
- Still being created
- Can edit freely
- Not visible to client

### Sent

Proposal sent to client:
- Email delivered
- Link active
- Client can view
- Awaiting response

### Viewed

Client has opened:
- Proposal opened
- View tracked
- Time viewed recorded
- Engagement tracked

### Accepted

Client approved:
- Proposal accepted
- Can convert to invoice
- Project can begin
- Status updated

### Declined

Client rejected:
- Proposal declined
- Can revise and resend
- Learn from feedback
- Status updated

## Converting to Invoice

When proposal accepted:

1. **Open Proposal**: Go to accepted proposal
2. **Click "Convert to Invoice"**: Convert button
3. **Review**: Check invoice details
4. **Adjust**: Modify if needed
5. **Create Invoice**: Invoice created
6. **Send Invoice**: Send to client

**What Converts:**
- Line items and pricing
- Client information
- Terms and conditions
- Payment details

## Proposal Templates

### Using Templates

Save time with templates:

1. **Browse Templates**: Go to Templates
2. **Select Template**: Choose template
3. **Customize**: Modify for your needs
4. **Save as New**: Create new proposal
5. **Use**: Send to client

### Creating Templates

Save your own templates:

1. **Create Proposal**: Build proposal
2. **Click "Save as Template"**: Template button
3. **Name Template**: Give it a name
4. **Save**: Template saved
5. **Reuse**: Use for future proposals

## Best Practices

1. **Use Templates**: Save time with templates
2. **Be Clear**: Clear descriptions and pricing
3. **Include Timeline**: Set expectations
4. **Professional Design**: Use branding
5. **Follow Up**: Track and follow up
6. **Convert Promptly**: Convert to invoice when accepted
7. **Learn from Declines**: Improve based on feedback

## Integration with Other Modules

Proposals link to:
- **CRM**: Link to contacts/companies
- **Finance**: Convert to invoices
- **Projects**: Create projects from proposals
- **Email**: Send via email

## Troubleshooting

**Proposal not sending?**
- Check SMTP settings
- Verify client email
- Test email connection
- Check proposal is complete

**Client can't view?**
- Verify link is correct
- Check proposal is sent
- Ensure link hasn't expired
- Try regenerating link

**Can't convert to invoice?**
- Verify proposal is accepted
- Check invoice module is active
- Ensure client information complete
- Try refreshing page

For more help, see [Common Issues](../troubleshooting/common-issues.md).

## Next Steps

- [Contracts](https://help.swellsystem.com/en/article/contracts-1l4r5u1/) - Generate contracts
- [Templates](https://help.swellsystem.com/en/article/templates-dh9ckr/) - Use proposal templates
- [Creating Invoices](https://help.swellsystem.com/en/article/creating-invoices-e045z0/) - Convert proposals