Intro to Dubsado forms

Pick the right form for the job.

Sam Gioia avatar
Written by Sam Gioia
Updated over a week ago

Updated Aug 11, 2023

Dubsado forms collect the information you need from your clients so you don’t need to send emails back and forth to work out the details of your project. Just send your client a form and you'll have all the info you need in one place!


Dubsado forms

Dubsado forms are used to collect and share information with your clients. We have five types of forms, each with its own unique abilities and purpose.

Some forms are sent via email to your client through their project, and other forms (like our lead captures) can be shared with a public link or embedded on your website. Forms can also be added directly to the client portal.

Our forms are highly customizable so that your brand remains front and center. With our drag-and-drop form builder, you can design your form and add text, images, and questions.


Form templates

We recommend setting up form templates to save time. Once you create a form template, you can add a fresh copy to any project and send it off to your client. Form templates can also be sent through workflows and attached to schedulers.

Create and manage your form by going to Templates >> Forms.

👋 Here’s a tip... You can always edit the fresh copy of the form inside the project to add customized text and images before sending. Having a template will save you from starting from scratch.


Contracts

Contracts are legally binding documents that can be signed electronically. In addition to displaying your terms, you can add fields that require your client to sign or initial electronically.

Each project can only have one contract and each contract can only have one client signature. If your client needs to sign multiple contracts or if you have multiple clients, create your primary agreement as a contract and any additional documents as sub-agreements.

To get started, read our help article on how to build a contract or sub-agreement.

 


Sub-agreements

Similar to contracts, sub-agreements are also legally binding. Sub-agreements have the same functionality as contracts, but you can add more than one sub-agreement to a project. For more information on common uses for a sub-agreement, see contracts vs sub-agreements.

To get started, read our help article on how to build a contract or sub-agreement.


Questionnaires

Questionnaires are the most versatile type of form. The most common use of a questionnaire is to collect information from your client.

Questionnaires can be built with many types of questions, such as short answer, free response, check boxes, drop downs, date selection, and more. With the file uploader element, clients can even upload files to share with you.

Common uses for questionnaires include:

  • Intake forms

  • Client info guides

  • Coaching homework

  • Welcome packets

  • Testimonial and feedback requests

  • Photography shot lists

  • Event timelines

Your clients can save halfway through their questionnaire and finish the rest later! At the bottom of the questionnaire, there is a Save draft option that your client can choose. You’ll get an email that your client submitted a draft, but did not submit the questionnaire entirely.


Proposals 

Proposals allow your client to choose your services and generate an invoice. Streamline your booking process by giving potential clients the ability to select a package, sign your contract, and pay the invoice all in one place.

Before creating a proposal, you’ll need package templates. You can then lay out your packages on the proposal with text and images, similar to your pricing guide or brochure if you already have one. Clients will then be able to select one or more packages to add to the invoice.

If your business doesn't have set pricing, you can also set up a proposal template for custom quotes! From a single template, you can customize the quote for each client after adding the proposal to their project.

When a client submits your proposal, an invoice is populated with their selections. You can decide whether or not to show this invoice along with the proposal so clients can select and pay all in one go. A contract can also be attached to the proposal for a truly hands-off booking experience.

👋 Here's a tip... If you don't want an invoice created, don't use a proposal. A questionnaire is a good alternative if you want to get more info from your client before sending a customized proposal.


Lead captures

Lead captures bring new clients into Dubsado and generate projects. The lead capture can be embedded on your website (replacing your existing contact form) or shared as a link. Whenever the lead capture is filled out and submitted, Dubsado will automatically generate a new project with the client's info.

Think of the lead capture as your first point of contact with potential clients. Lead captures play an important role in your Dubsado setup as you prepare to build a workflow and automate your client process.


FAQ

I accidentally created a form under a different type. Can I change the form type after it's created?

Yes. Under Templates >> Forms, just click and drag a form template to a different column to change the form type.

However, we recommend some caution because different form types have different capabilities — you may encounter issues when changing certain types of forms.

The form changes we recommend using are:

  • Contract → Sub-agreement

  • Sub-agreement → Contract

  • Questionnaire → Lead capture

  • Questionnaire → Proposal

Can I export data from a form to a CSV file?

There isn’t a way to export all data from a form to a CSV file.

However, you can add a Short Answer element to a form, and then use field mapping so your client's answers get saved as custom-mapped fields.

Custom-mapped fields can then be exported to a CSV file.

Will I get an email when a form is completed?

Yes. Whenever a form is completed, you’ll get an email or notification based on your notification settings. To change the type of notification you’ll get, go to Settings >> Notifications.

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