Everything you need to Scale.

Welcome to BidFlow — the command center for the modern contractor. This guide is designed to take you from a first-time user to a power user in under 15 minutes. Whether you're in the truck, on the job site, or at the kitchen table, BidFlow is built to handle the heavy lifting of running your business.

1. The Professional Foundation

Your business profile is your digital handshake. Every proposal, invoice, and PDF you send is branded with this information. Before generating your first estimate, ensure your profile is rock-solid.

• **Business Identity:** Upload a high-resolution logo. We automatically optimize it for web and PDF viewing.
• **Credentialing:** Add your license number. BidFlow adds a "Verified Professional" badge to your proposals to build customer trust.
• **Local Presence:** Your address and phone number are formatted as clickable links for customers to find or call you instantly.

Automated Markup Engine

BidFlow doesn't just estimate costs; it protects your margins. In Settings, define your compound markups:

• **Material Markup:** Your margin on hardware and supplies (Industry average: 15–25%).
• **Overhead:** Covers insurance, fuel, tools, and software (Industry average: 10–15%).
• **Profit Margin:** Your actual take-home earnings (Industry average: 15–30%).

2. Precision Estimation in Seconds

Gone are the days of spending hours on spreadsheets. BidFlow uses advanced AI tuned to the construction industry to generate line-item estimates from plain language.

1. **Voice Command:** Tap the microphone icon and describe the job as you walk the site. "Replace 150 sq ft of water-damaged drywall, tape, texture to match orange peel, and paint two coats."
2. **Visual Context:** Upload photos of the job site. Our AI analyzes the space to confirm dimensions and complexity.
3. **Regional Pricing:** Every estimate is tied to a ZIP code. We pull real-time material and labor data for your specific market, ensuring you never underbid.

Finish Levels

Control the quality of the materials and the intensity of the labor with one click:

• **Budget:** Functional, cost-effective materials (Rental properties, flips).
• **Mid-Grade:** Standard residential quality (Most common).
• **High-End:** Premium finishes and detailed craftsmanship.
• **Ultra-Luxury:** Custom, designer-grade materials and artisan labor.

3. Winning the Bid

An estimate is for you; a proposal is for the customer. BidFlow transforms your internal numbers into a stunning, interactive document that customers can sign and pay on their phones.

• **Scope of Work:** The AI generates a professional, plain-English summary of the project. You can edit this to include specific exclusions or warranties.
• **Payment Schedule:** Choose between a single payment or up to 4 progress milestones. BidFlow handles the invoicing for each stage automatically.
• **Digital Signatures:** Legally binding e-signatures are captured with a timestamp and IP address for full audit protection.

4. Integrated Payments

Stop chasing checks. BidFlow integrates with Stripe Connect to allow your customers to pay deposits and invoices via Credit Card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay instantly.

• **Instant Deposits:** Collect a deposit the moment the proposal is signed. Work doesn't start until the funds are secured.
• **Automated Invoicing:** Once a deposit is paid, BidFlow schedules the remaining invoices. Just tap 'Send' when you hit a milestone.
• **Cash & Check Tracking:** If a customer pays offline, mark it in the app to keep your reporting accurate.

5. Expense Tracking & Receipt Scanning

Keep your books clean without the effort. Our AI-powered receipt scanner turns crumpled paper into structured data.

1. **Snap a Photo:** Take a picture of your material receipt at Home Depot or Lowe's.
2. **AI Extraction:** The app automatically reads the vendor, total, tax, and date.
3. **Job Costing:** Link the expense to a specific estimate. BidFlow will calculate your real-time profit vs. your estimated profit.

6. Business Intelligence

The Reports tab gives you a high-level view of your business health. No more guessing how your month is going.

• **Revenue Trends:** See your monthly income and projected revenue from pending proposals.
• **Close Rate:** Track how many of your sent proposals are actually getting signed.
• **Profit & Loss:** A real-time breakdown of your income minus your tracked expenses.

7. Field Tools & Code Search

BidFlow isn't just an office tool; it's a field tool. The 'Codes' tab provides essential resources for when you're on-site.

• **Code Search (Powered by CodeBook):** Ask questions about local building codes. "What's the maximum spacing for deck joists in Florida?" and get instant, accurate answers.
• **Construction Calculator:** Handle complex construction math, BPI diagnostics, and unit conversions without leaving the app.

8. Advanced Power Features

Ready to go further? Master these features to truly stand out from the competition.

• **Labor Display Preferences:** In settings, choose whether to show labor as a single line item or baked into material costs for a cleaner customer view.
• **Audit Trails:** Every change to an estimate is logged. If a customer questions a price change, you have the full history at your fingertips.
• **Offline Mode:** No service? No problem. BidFlow stores your drafts locally and syncs them as soon as you're back in range.