Introducing the Riffle Estimate Builder: Build Bids Straight From Your Vendor Quotes
Build bids faster with RiffleCM Estimate Builder. Upload vendor quotes, import pricing, track margins, and create proposal versions.
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Still building estimates from scratch? The new RiffleCM Estimate Builder lets you upload your vendor quotes, skip the manual data entry, and put together a professional proposal in a fraction of the time, with your expected margins tracked in one place.
Import pricing from your existing files, build multiple proposal versions, and customize a separate proposal for each customer, all within the same project. The Estimate Builder updates in real time as you and your team work, so everyone stays aligned and always has the latest pricing, scope, and proposal details.
Watch the process in action:
Import pricing from PDFs. Drop vendor quotes, manufacturer bids, or takeoff sheets into the import panel and Riffle builds the estimate from them. Up to 10 PDFs at a time, anything with items and prices in a structured format. Re-import a revised quote and Riffle adds it as a new section.
Live totals. Extended Cost, Extended Price, Gross Profit, and Gross Margin sit at the top of the page and update as you work. No formulas to maintain, no manual math.
Sections. Organize the estimate into sections, each with its own line items and subtotal. Name them by vendor, trade, or area to match how the GC has the job broken out.
Detailed line items. Each line covers type (material, labor, freight, discount, escalation), vendor and part number, quantity and unit, unit cost, margin, taxable status, and per-unit labor and freight. Set margin per line. Move quickly with keyboard shortcuts (Tab, Enter, Ctrl+I), or select multiple lines for bulk actions: reprice, duplicate, move, or export to CSV. Owners and admins can hide columns the team doesn't use.
Per-bidder proposals. Click Compile & Create Estimate to lock the version and generate a PDF. With multiple bidders on a project, Riffle compiles a separate proposal for each, with the bidder's name in the file and optional per-bidder discounts (flat or percentage).
Version history and auto-save. Every compile saves as its own version. Preview any past version and the proposals it generated, or find them all in the project's Documents tab. Nothing to save manually.
To open the Estimate Builder, go to any project in the Opportunity phase and click the Estimate Builder tab.
Eliminating Manual Errors in Construction Bids
Common questions about reducing errors and improving accuracy
What causes most manual errors in subcontractor bids?
Manual errors usually come from disconnected workflows — things like outdated spreadsheets, inconsistent templates, or rekeying the same data multiple times. When project info lives across emails, texts, and PDFs, small mistakes add up fast.
How can software help reduce bidding mistakes?
Purpose-built estimating software automates repetitive tasks like data entry, quantity takeoffs, and revision tracking. Instead of chasing down the latest drawings or retyping costs, your team works from one centralized, accurate system — cutting errors before they happen.
Is automation complicated to set up for small subcontractors?
Not with modern tools like Riffle. You can connect your email or ITB inbox in minutes, and automation starts working behind the scenes — identifying bid invites, tracking updates, and helping you prioritize the right opportunities. No IT department required.
How much time can automation actually save?
Most subcontractors save 6–10 hours per week just by eliminating manual re-entry and version confusion. That’s more time for estimating the next job, reviewing margins, or simply getting home on time.
Does automating bids mean losing control over pricing?
Not at all. Automation handles the busywork — you keep full control over pricing, scope, and judgment calls. Think of it as an assistant that gets the numbers right so you can focus on strategy.
How do I know if my team is underspending or overspending on software?
A good rule of thumb: most subcontractors invest 1–3% of annual revenue in digital tools. If you’re still running bids manually or using outdated systems, the real cost might be hidden in lost time and missed opportunities.
Why does accuracy matter so much in bidding?
Every error compounds — one missed line item or miscalculated rate can erase your entire profit margin. Accuracy doesn’t just win jobs; it protects your business from losses you don’t see coming.
How does Riffle help subcontractors eliminate manual work?
Riffle automates your bidding and project workflows from start to finish. It finds ITBs in your inbox, organizes bid invites, fills in estimating data, and tracks updates — helping subcontractors bid smarter, reduce errors, and grow revenue.
We Understand the Bottlenecks for Subs
My biggest weakness has always been follow-ups—I’m just not great at it. If I had a built-in reminder feature to follow up on projects automatically, that would be a game-changer. I’ve gotten better, but I could still use that extra nudge.
Quoting can be chaotic. You have five different contractors sending out the same bid invite, each named differently. We end up with duplicate bids on the board or miss one entirely because it was labeled another way. There is no clear procedure when invites come in from multiple people.
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