Is there a way to view a live profit margin when creating an estimate?

Thanks for getting in touch with the Community, REMEDYCARPARTS. I appreciate your detailed information.

QuickBooks allows you to track project profitability, including estimated profit margins, primarily through the Projects feature. This is available if you're using a Plus or Advanced plan. When you enter both the cost and sales rates on an estimate linked to a project, your books automatically calculate the markup % and total expected margin. This feature may come in handy if you'd like to consider using it.

Here's how to turn it on:
 

1. From Account & Settings, go to Advanced.
2. Turn on Organize all job-related activity in one place.

You can learn more about using Projects by reviewing our Create projects article.

There's also the billable expenses feature which could be useful for what you're looking to achieve. These are expenses you incur on your customer’s behalf when performing work for them. You can easily record and track billable expenses so your customer can reimburse them when they receive their invoice.

If you're not using a Plus or Advanced plan and would like to upgrade, you can change plans while signed in.

I'll be here to help if there's any additional questions. Have a wonderful Wednesday!