Collect authorization for a service estimate

Authorization documents what the customer approved before work begins.

1. Review the requested work, line items, estimate total, deposit, and any approval limit with the customer.
2. Present the authorization terms and collect the customer's signature.
3. Save the signed authorization with the work order.
4. If scope or price changes, update the estimate and clearly identify the difference from the authorized amount.
5. Send the revised estimate and wait for approval before performing work beyond the existing authorization.
6. Record the new approval and signature in the work order history.

At completion, create or send the final invoice, apply any deposit, collect the balance, and retain the signed record.