Clear Estimates vs Epicor CPQ

Clear Estimates is estimating software for residential remodelers, handymen, and general contractors. Its line-item database provides region-specific labor and material prices for more than 400 U.S. areas, with quarterly updates, and the pricing page lists more than 400 preloaded templates. Users can prepare itemized estimates and branded client proposals with scope of work and boilerplate language, then customize parts, templates, and boilerplate. Alternate prices can be added to a project as change orders. The software also creates payable invoices, with customers able to pay by credit card or ACH. QuickBooks Online and Desktop integrations are available to all customers; Pro adds estimate exports to BuilderTrend and connections to CRMs and other apps through Zapier. Standard includes one login, while Pro permits additional users for $9/month and can restrict sales users from changing prices or templates. The company offers setup walkthroughs, phone and email help, tutorials, videos, and monthly webinars. Standard starts at $59 a month when billed annually; a 30-day trial is listed.

Epicor CPQ helps manufacturers configure, price, and quote complex custom products while connecting sales, engineering, and manufacturing. Buyers can explore products in 2D or 3D, augmented reality, and virtual reality; prices recalculate as options change. Centralized product and pricing rules help enforce design requirements and prevent invalid configurations. A configuration can produce quotes with renderings, supporting documents, and bills of materials, as well as CAD drawings, assembly instructions, and other production outputs. Epicor names AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and PTC Creo for CAD generation. Integration options include REST APIs, native connections to Salesforce, Teamcenter, and Magento, and MuleSoft connectivity. Analytics collect information about website visitors’ product interactions. The cloud platform includes administration for products, integrations, configurators, buying channels, and users. Epicor positions CPQ for engineer-to-order manufacturers, including automotive, construction and engineering, hardscapes, process manufacturing, and retail. It can be used standalone or integrated with Epicor Industry ERP Cloud. Pricing is paid and available on request.