CCTV Quotation Format
A CCTV quotation is easy to get wrong because the customer usually knows only one number: how many cameras they want. Everything else, such as the recorder, storage, cable length and power points, is invisible to them until something goes wrong. A good CCTV quotation explains the full system on one page so the customer can compare you fairly with a cheaper installer.
Below is what to include, a sample quotation for a 6-camera IP system for a shop, and answers to the questions customers ask most.
What a good CCTV quotation includes
- System type: say clearly whether it is an IP system with an NVR or an HD analog system with a DVR. They need different cameras, cables and recorders, and customers often compare one with the other without knowing.
- Camera details: resolution (2MP, 4MP, 5MP), dome or bullet, indoor or outdoor, night vision range, and whether audio or colour night vision is included. Mention the brand and model if you can.
- Recorder and channels: an 8-channel NVR for 6 cameras leaves room to add two more later. Customers value being told this.
- Storage: hard disk size and roughly how many days of recording it gives for this setup.
- Cabling: cable type (Cat6 for IP, coaxial for analog) and quantity in metres. State whether it is measured at site or estimated.
- Accessories and power: PoE switch or PoE NVR, connectors, junction boxes, conduit, power supply and rack.
- Installation and setup: fixing, cabling, configuration and mobile viewing setup on the customer's phone.
- Exclusions and warranty: what you are not providing, and the warranty on cameras, recorder and hard disk.
Quoting cable length without surprises
Cable is where most CCTV quotations go wrong. If you quote 100 metres and use 160, either you lose money or you have an awkward call asking for more. If you visited the site, measure each camera's route back to the recorder and add 10 to 15 percent for bends and drops. If you are quoting from a phone call, say so: write "Cable estimated at 180 m; billed as per actual" and give the per-metre rate.
Also state the route. Surface conduit along the wall is cheaper and faster than concealed wiring that needs chasing. If the customer expects concealed work, quote it as a separate line so they can see the cost difference.
Sample CCTV quotation (6 IP cameras for a retail shop)
SecureView Systems
Kochi GSTIN 32ABCDE1234F1Z5 (sample)
QUOTATION
- Quotation No.
- QT/2026-27/003
- Date
- 01 Oct 2026
- Valid till
- 11 Oct 2026
Bill To
Lakshmi Textiles
MG Road, Kochi
Subject: Supply and installation of IP CCTV system (6 cameras)
Swipe the table sideways to see all columns
| # | Item | Qty | Unit | Rate (₹) | GST | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4MP IP dome camera, PoE, 30 m IR night vision, indoor | 4 | Nos | 2,450.00 | 18% | 9,800.00 |
| 2 | 4MP IP bullet camera, PoE, 40 m IR, IP67 outdoor | 2 | Nos | 2,750.00 | 18% | 5,500.00 |
| 3 | 8-channel NVR with 8 PoE ports, H.265 | 1 | Nos | 7,800.00 | 18% | 7,800.00 |
| 4 | 2TB surveillance hard disk | 1 | Nos | 5,600.00 | 18% | 5,600.00 |
| 5 | Cat6 cable, copper (estimated, billed as per actual) | 180 | Mtr | 24.00 | 18% | 4,320.00 |
| 6 | PVC conduit, bends, clamps and junction boxes | 1 | Lot | 1,800.00 | 18% | 1,800.00 |
| 7 | RJ45 connectors and boots | 12 | Pcs | 25.00 | 18% | 300.00 |
| 8 | Installation, configuration and mobile app setup | 6 | Points | 650.00 | 18% | 3,900.00 |
Terms & Conditions
- Valid for 10 days. Camera prices may change after that.
- Approx. 8 to 15 days continuous recording on the 2TB disk.
- Warranty: cameras and NVR 2 years, hard disk as per manufacturer.
- Excludes power points, internet connection and civil work.
For SecureView Systems
Authorised signatory
Bank / UPI (sample)
Sample Bank, A/c 000123456789, IFSC SAMP0001234
UPI: secureviewsystems@upi
Scan to Pay (sample)
Download this format: ExcelWordPDF
Sample for reference only. Rates are typical figures and vary by city and brand. GSTIN, bank and UPI details are made up. GST rates shown are common rates; confirm the current rate for your items with your accountant.
How many days of recording to promise
Customers often ask "How many days of recording will I get?" and the honest answer depends on the number of cameras, resolution, compression (H.264, H.265) and whether recording is continuous or motion-based. As a rough guide, six 4MP cameras recording all the time on H.265 fill a 2TB disk in about 8 to 15 days. Motion-based recording stretches that much further.
Write the number you expect on the quotation, with "approximately". If the customer needs 30 days for insurance or a society rule, quote a bigger disk now rather than explaining later why footage is missing.
Exclusions worth writing down
- Electrical power points near the NVR and outdoor cameras.
- Internet connection and router, needed for remote viewing on mobile.
- Civil work such as wall chasing, false ceiling opening or painting.
- Monitor or TV for local display, unless quoted.
- Ladder or scaffolding for heights above a normal ladder.
Make your CCTV quotations faster
Most CCTV jobs use the same 10 to 15 items in different quantities. In Quotely Pro you save your cameras, recorders, disks and cable once with your rates. For the next job you copy a previous quotation, change the camera count and cable metres, and download the PDF to send on WhatsApp from the site itself. After installation you can issue a warranty certificate for the cameras and recorder, and track when warranties end so you can offer an AMC on time.
CCTV jobs often come with networking and electrical work. Keep those as separate sections or separate quotations so the customer can approve them independently.
Frequently asked questions
What should a CCTV quotation include?
A CCTV quotation should state whether the system is IP or analog, then list each camera with resolution and type, the NVR or DVR with channel count, hard disk size, cable type and metres, accessories, installation charges, approximate recording days, warranty and exclusions such as power points and internet.
How do I quote cable for CCTV if I have not visited the site?
Give an estimated length, mark it "estimated, billed as per actual", and show the per-metre rate. This keeps your quotation competitive and avoids a loss if the actual run is longer. After a site visit, replace the estimate with measured lengths plus 10 to 15 percent extra.
Should installation charges be shown separately in a CCTV quotation?
Yes. Show installation as its own line, usually per camera point or as one job charge. Customers compare equipment prices online, and a separate installation line shows your equipment rates are fair and explains what the labour covers.
How many days of recording does a 2TB hard disk give?
It depends on camera count, resolution, compression and recording mode. As a rough guide, six 4MP cameras recording continuously on H.265 fill 2TB in about 8 to 15 days. Motion-only recording lasts longer. Write the expected number of days on the quotation.
What GST rate applies to CCTV cameras and installation?
CCTV cameras, recorders, hard disks, cables and installation services are commonly billed at 18% GST. Rates can change, so confirm the current rate for each item with your accountant before quoting.