preventivo

Preventivo, in a business context, is a formal document that provides a price quotation for goods or services to a prospective client. It is prepared by the seller and typically includes a description of the work or product, quantities, unit prices, total price, applicable taxes, validity period, delivery terms, payment terms, and any assumptions or exclusions.

The preventivo serves to inform the customer about costs and to enable comparison with other offers. It is commonly requested before a sale and is usually not a binding contract on its own. Acceptance of the preventivo by the customer can lead to a contract, with the terms of the quote acting as the basis for the agreement. Some preventivi may be stated as irrevocable or valid for a certain period, in which case they become binding if accepted within that period.

Elements often included are scope of work or products, price and currency, terms of payment, delivery or completion timetable, validity date, tax details, and any conditions that could affect price (such as changes in material costs or scope). Clarifications and exclusions help reduce disputes.

In practice, preventivi can be issued in paper or electronic form and are frequently revised if project scope changes. They are a common feature of Italian and some other European commercial practice, serving as a preparatory step to formal contracting. For robust use, the preventivo should be clear, complete, and aligned with applicable consumer protection and contract laws.