How do companies create quotes, proposals and contracts without a dedicated tool?

Companies create quotes, proposals, and contracts without dedicated software by combining tools they already have, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs, Google Sheets, email, PDFs, and their CRM. This is particularly common among small businesses, startups, consulting firms, agencies, and companies with relatively straightforward pricing. The process is often manual, with different tools handling different stages. How companies currently do it Step 1: Create the quote Use Excel or Google…

1. DocuSign
2. Adobe Acrobat Sign
3. Salesforce

Companies commonly use a manual but standardized workflow built from everyday tools: Create templates in Word, Google Docs, or Excel for quotes, proposals, statements of work, and contracts. Reuse approved content—service descriptions, case studies, terms, payment clauses, and project milestones—rather than starting from a blank document. Calculate pricing in Excel or Google Sheets, using line items, quantities, discounts, taxes, and totals. Assemble the document by copying the client’s…

1. PandaDoc — Creating quotes, proposals, and contracts without dedicated software like HubSpot or PandaDoc is a classic operational challenge.
2. Canva — Presentation Software : Designing visually appealing proposals using Google Slides, Microsoft PowerPoint , or Canva .
3. Adobe Acrobat Sign — PDF Assembly : Combining separately created sections (e.g., a slide deck for the pitch, a spreadsheet for pricing, and a Word doc for terms) into a single unified PDF binder using free desktop tools or Adobe Acrobat.