Account Setup
When you first sign in to Tallie, you’ll go through a quick setup wizard that personalizes the platform for your business. This takes about 2 minutes and ensures every estimate you create is tailored to your trade and market.
What You’ll Learn
- How to complete the onboarding wizard
- What each setting means for your estimates
- How to update your preferences later
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Welcome Screen
After signing in for the first time, you’ll see a welcome screen introducing Tallie. Click Get Started to begin the setup process.
Step 2: Select Your Work Categories
Choose the types of work you do. You can select multiple categories that apply to your business:
Construction Categories:
- Remodeling
- New Construction
- Interior Finishes
- Exterior Projects
- MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing)
Home Services:
- Cleaning & Janitorial
- Landscaping & Lawn Care
- Pool & Spa Services
- Pest Control
- Handyman Services
- Moving & Storage
Select at least one category to continue. These categories help Tallie understand what kind of line items and pricing to suggest when generating estimates.
Step 3: Set Your Default Finish Level
Choose the typical quality level for your projects:
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Low | Budget-friendly, standard materials |
| Medium | Mid-range quality and finishes |
| High | Premium materials and craftsmanship |
| Luxury | Top-tier, custom everything |
This setting affects the materials and labor rates Tallie suggests. You can always adjust this for individual estimates.
Step 4: Enter Your Location
Provide your business location:
- Zip Code (required) - Your 5-digit zip code helps Tallie find accurate local pricing from suppliers like Home Depot
- City, State (optional) - This appears on your estimates and invoices to give them a professional look
Step 5: Set Your Default Markup
Enter your default markup percentage. This is added to your estimates on top of materials and labor costs.
Common markup ranges by trade:
- 10-15% - High volume, competitive markets
- 15-20% - Standard for most contractors
- 20-25% - Specialized or premium services
- 25-30% - Complex or high-demand work
Quick-select buttons let you choose common values (10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%), or enter any number between 0-100%.
Important: Your markup is private. Clients see only the final price, not your markup percentage.
Step 6: Complete Setup
Click Complete Setup to save your preferences. You’ll see a confirmation screen, then click Start Creating Estimates to enter the dashboard.
Updating Your Preferences Later
You can change any of these settings at any time:
- Click your profile icon in the top right corner
- Select Settings from the dropdown
- Update your preferences on the Settings page
- Changes take effect on new estimates immediately
Tips
- Be specific with work categories - The more accurate your selection, the better Tallie’s suggestions will be
- Adjust finish level per project - Use Medium as your default, then customize for specific jobs
- Review your markup regularly - Market conditions change; make sure your pricing stays competitive
- Double-check your zip code - Material prices can vary significantly between regions
Related Articles
- Dashboard Overview - Learn your way around
- Creating Your First Estimate - Start winning work
- Settings - All configuration options