What is a customer quote?

A customer quote is fundamentally an offer made to a prospective customer detailing the prices and terms for specific goods or services that the seller is willing to provide. It serves as a preliminary agreement, outlining the specifications of the products or services, including quantities and prices, without creating a binding commitment until accepted by the customer.

This process is critical in sales as it allows for negotiation and clarification before any formal purchase order or invoice is generated. By providing a quote, businesses can outline the conditions under which they agree to carry out the transaction, helping to manage customer expectations and streamline the sales process.

The other options describe different financial documents or interactions. An invoice is a record of what a customer has purchased and what they owe, while a request for payment is a follow-up communication for amounts due. A summary of customer history refers to documentation related to past transactions and interactions, which is distinct from a quote that is specifically about future purchases. Thus, the defining characteristic of a customer quote as an offer makes this the correct answer in the context of accounting and sales processes.