I underquoted a job and now I'm out of pocket mid-project — what can I do?

An underquoted job can leave you funding completion out of pocket; a short facility gets you to the finish while better pricing stops it happening again. Realising a job was underquoted partway through is painful — you're committed to finishing, but the money is short. Walking away usually costs more in reputation than pushing through.

I underquoted a job and now I'm out of pocket

2 min read

UnderquotedOut of pocket

Fund completionShort facility

Re-priceSo it doesn't repeat

The mid-project squeeze

Realising a job was underquoted partway through is painful — you're committed to finishing, but the money is short. Walking away usually costs more in reputation than pushing through.

Fund the finish

A short working-capital facility covers the shortfall so you complete the job to standard. Delivering well protects the relationship and any future work that pays properly.

Price it right next time

Use the break-even calculator and cost every element honestly. Most underquoting comes from forgetting overheads or your own time — a disciplined quote stops the bleed.

What it means for you

Credicorp lends to your company, not to you personally, and takes no personal guarantee. See business loans or apply online when the numbers work.

Frequently asked questions

Should I finish a job I underquoted or renegotiate?

Try to renegotiate if the scope genuinely changed, but where the quote was simply wrong, finishing well usually protects your reputation better than a dispute. Bridge the cash and learn the pricing lesson.

How do I stop underquoting jobs?

Cost every element — materials, labour, overheads and your own time — using a break-even calculation. Most underquotes come from leaving out overheads or undervaluing time.