logo
Documentation Menu
Guides

Quote-to-Cash Workflow Guide

This guide walks through Tillage's complete quote-to-cash workflow—from initial quote to final payment. Understanding this workflow helps you get the most from Tillage.

The Four Steps

Tillage automates four key stages of the revenue lifecycle:

  1. Quote → 2. Contract → 3. Invoice → 4. Payment

Each step flows naturally into the next, with data carrying forward automatically.

Step 1: Quote

The quote phase establishes scope, pricing, and expectations.

Creating a Quote

Option A: AI Generation (Premium)
  1. New Quote > Select Client
  2. Enter project name
  3. Click "Generate with AI"
  4. Describe project in plain English
  5. Review and customize line items
Option B: Manual Creation
  1. New Quote > Select Client
  2. Add line items with descriptions
  3. Set quantities and pricing
  4. Apply variance buffers
  5. Set global profit margin
Option C: Template-Based
  1. New Quote > Use Template
  2. Select saved template
  3. Customize for this project

Quote Elements

  • Project name - Clear, descriptive title
  • Line items - Individual services/deliverables
  • Variance buffers - Risk protection per item
  • Profit margin - Overall profitability
  • Discounts - If offering reduced pricing
  • Expiration date - Quote validity period

Sending to Client

  1. Preview the quote
  2. Click "Send Quote"
  3. Enter recipient email
  4. Customize message (optional)
  5. Send

Client receives email with secure link to view and respond.

Quote Statuses

  • Draft - In progress
  • Sent - Awaiting response
  • Viewed - Client opened it
  • Approved - Client accepted
  • Rejected - Client declined

When Quote is Approved

Tillage prompts you for next steps:

  • Generate a contract
  • Create an invoice
  • Both

Step 2: Contract

The contract phase formalizes the agreement with legal terms and signatures.

Contract Wizard

  1. Select approved quote
  2. Choose contract type (SOW, Service Agreement, etc.)
  3. Configure payment schedule
  4. Add terms and conditions
  5. Set up signature blocks
  6. Review and send

Contract Building Blocks

  • Text - Custom content sections
  • Deliverables - Auto-populated from quote
  • Payment Schedule - Deposit, milestones, balance
  • Ongoing Services - Recurring billing setup
  • Timeline - Project phases and dates
  • Signature - Digital signature capture

Sending for Signature

  1. Preview contract
  2. Click "Send for Signature"
  3. Your signature applied automatically (or sign now)
  4. Client receives secure link

Digital Signatures

  • Draw or type signature
  • Works on any device
  • Legally binding
  • Full audit trail

When Contract is Signed

Automated actions can:

  • Collect deposit immediately
  • Generate first invoice
  • Start recurring billing schedule
  • Notify your team

Step 3: Invoice

The invoice phase handles billing based on contract terms.

Invoice Generation

From Contract Payment Schedule:
  • Deposit invoice on signing
  • Milestone invoices when triggered
  • Recurring invoices on schedule
Manual Creation:
  • Create standalone invoices
  • Add line items as needed
  • Set due date and terms

Invoice Details

  • Invoice number (auto-generated)
  • Issue date
  • Due date
  • Line items from quote/contract
  • Payment link

Sending Invoices

  • Auto-send - Configured in contract
  • Manual send - Click "Send Invoice"
  • Recurring - Automatic on schedule

Invoice Statuses

  • Draft - Created, not sent
  • Sent - Delivered to client
  • Viewed - Client opened it
  • Overdue - Past due date
  • Paid - Payment received

Automatic Reminders

If enabled, Tillage sends reminders:

  • First reminder after X days overdue
  • Follow-ups at configured intervals
  • Stops when paid

Step 4: Payment

The payment phase collects funds through integrated payment processing.

Payment Methods

  • Credit/Debit Cards - Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover
  • ACH Bank Transfer - Direct bank payment (lower fees)

Client Payment Experience

  1. Receive invoice email
  2. Click payment link
  3. Choose payment method
  4. Enter payment details
  5. Confirm payment
  6. Receive confirmation

No login required. Works on any device.

Automatic Payments

For recurring invoices with saved payment methods:

  • Client grants consent
  • Tillage charges automatically
  • Confirmation sent to both parties

When Payment Succeeds

  • Invoice marked as Paid
  • Payment recorded with details
  • Notifications sent
  • Revenue tracked in analytics

Complete Workflow Example

Scenario: Website Redesign Project

Day 1 - Quote
  • Create quote for website redesign
  • AI generates line items (Discovery, Design, Development, Launch)
  • Total: $12,000 with 20% variance buffers
  • Send to client
Day 3 - Approval
  • Client approves quote
  • Click "Create Contract"
Day 3 - Contract
  • Contract Wizard generates SOW
  • Payment schedule: 50% deposit, 25% at design approval, 25% at launch
  • Send for signature
Day 4 - Signature
  • Client signs contract
  • Deposit invoice generated automatically
  • Client pays $6,000 deposit via credit card
Day 14 - Milestone
  • Design phase complete
  • Mark milestone as done
  • Second invoice generated ($3,000)
  • Client pays via saved card
Day 30 - Completion
  • Project launched
  • Final invoice generated ($3,000)
  • Client pays
  • Project complete

Time Saved

Traditional process: 3-5 hours of admin work

With Tillage: 30 minutes total

Workflow Variations

Quick Invoice (No Contract)

For simple projects:

  1. Create and approve quote
  2. Create invoice directly
  3. Collect payment

Retainer Setup

For ongoing services:

  1. Create quote for monthly retainer
  2. Create contract with Ongoing Services block
  3. Configure recurring billing (monthly)
  4. Invoices generate automatically each month

Milestone-Heavy Projects

For phased projects:

  1. Quote with phases as line items
  2. Contract with milestone-based payments
  3. Mark milestones complete to trigger invoices
  4. Pay as you go

Best Practices

  1. Always use variance buffers - Protect against scope creep
  2. Set clear expiration dates - Create urgency
  3. Use contracts for projects over $2,500 - Formalize the agreement
  4. Enable auto-send for recurring - Reduce admin work
  5. Configure reminders - Improve collection rates
Related: Getting Started | Contracts | Invoicing
View raw text file