CCTV quotation done on the site walk

What goes on a CCTV quote template

This CCTV quotation template is built for installers pricing camera systems for shops, offices and homes. It lists cameras by resolution, the recorder and storage, cabling, installation hours and remote viewing setup, with a deposit before equipment is ordered. The sample covers a six camera IP system for a grocery store. Open it in the quote maker, or download Word, Excel and PDF versions.

A camera system quote should show the customer what each camera will see, what the recorder stores and for how long, and how everything is cabled and powered. Without those details, a cheaper bid with lower resolution cameras and a smaller drive looks the same as yours on paper.

1. Camera scheduleEach camera by location, type (dome, bullet or turret), resolution and lens, for example a 4 MP turret with a 2.8 mm lens covering the front door.
2. Recorder and storageNVR channel count, drive size, and the expected retention in days at the recording settings you plan to use.
3. Cabling and PoECat6 runs per camera, connectors, conduit or raceway, and whether cameras draw power over Ethernet from the recorder or a separate PoE switch.
4. Mounting and accessJunction boxes, brackets, and whether a ladder will do or a lift is needed for high walls and loading bays.
5. Installation laborHours for running cable, mounting and aiming cameras. Note after hours work if the business has to keep trading.
6. Network and phone viewingSetting up the app, user accounts and remote access through the customer’s router, plus who keeps the admin password.
7. Signage and privacyWarning signs, and camera angles that respect local privacy rules, such as keeping neighbors’ windows and restrooms out of view.
8. Warranty and supportManufacturer warranty on cameras and recorder, your workmanship period, and the rate for later service visits.
9. Deposit and lead timeA deposit to order equipment and the expected install date once stock arrives.

Sample security system quote for a grocery store

The sample is a six camera IP system for a grocery store. Equipment lists six 4 MP cameras and a network video recorder with 2 TB of storage. A materials set covers cabling and connectors, then labor shows ten installation hours and a fixed charge for setup and phone viewing. There are no optional lines; the subtotal is $2,640 before tax, with a 30% deposit. Prices are for illustration only.

Edit the Watchpoint Security quote

5 lines are filled in, from ip cameras, 4 mp to setup and phone viewing. Put in your own CCTV installation rates, then download the PDF.

Open the CCTV installation sample

How to price a CCTV installation

Most installers price per camera installed, by the hour plus equipment, or as a fixed package. Per camera pricing is simple for customers to follow, while hourly pricing suits retrofits in finished buildings where cable routes are hard to predict until the ceiling tiles come down.

1. Per camera installedA set price per camera covering mounting, cable up to an agreed length and aiming, with the recorder and setup as separate lines. Charge per extra foot of cable over the allowance.
2. Equipment plus hoursEquipment at cost plus markup and labor in hours, which is how the sample works. Best for older buildings with hard ceilings, masonry walls or long runs.
3. Fixed packagesA four or eight camera kit at a set price for small sites, with longer runs, a bigger drive or extra cameras as add ons.
4. Service plansA monthly or yearly fee for maintenance visits, health checks and remote support, quoted separately from the install.

Cameras and recorders are items customers can look up online, so much of your margin has to come from labor and setup. The markup calculator helps you find a balance that still wins jobs.

Worked example: storage and price for a six camera system

1. Estimate daily storageAt an example bitrate of 2 Mbps for a 4 MP camera, one day is 2 x 86,400 = 172,800 megabits. Divide by 8 for 21,600 MB, about 21.6 GB per camera per day.
2. Multiply by camerasSix cameras x 21.6 GB = 129.6 GB a day with continuous recording.
3. Work out retentionA 2 TB drive holds about 2,000 GB, and 2,000 / 129.6 = about 15 days of continuous footage. Motion based recording stretches that further.
4. Price the jobCameras 6 x $165 = $990, recorder $420, cabling $260, install 10 hrs x $85 = $850 and setup $120: $2,640 in total.
5. Take the deposit30% of $2,640 is $792 before ordering, with $1,848 due on completion.

Real bitrate depends on resolution, frame rate, compression and how busy the scene is, so use the recorder maker’s storage calculator and state retention on the quote as an estimate.

CCTV install: included and excluded

CCTV quote mistakes

• Choosing cameras without walking the site after dark, then finding the lighting is too poor for the model you quoted.
• Leaving retention off the quote, so the customer expects a month of footage from a drive that holds two weeks.
• Underestimating cable runs through finished ceilings, concrete or between buildings.
• Ignoring the PoE power budget and needing a second switch nobody paid for.
• Not stating who owns the admin password and app accounts after handover.
• Aiming cameras at areas privacy rules restrict and having to move them after a complaint.