Following up on a quote does not have to mean chasing a customer for an answer. A short, polite check-in can confirm they received it and give them a chance to ask about the work. The right timing depends on the job, what you agreed and how long the customer needs to make a decision—there is no universal “best day” for every quote.

Set the expectation when you send the quote

When you email or message the quote, say what the customer can do next and when you will check in if you have agreed a time. For example: “Have a look when you get a chance. I’ll give you a call next week in case you have questions, unless you’d prefer I didn’t.”

If the price is valid for a stated period, explain that clearly in the quote. Do not imply that a customer must accept immediately unless there is a genuine deadline you have explained.

Use a simple, useful follow-up message

Keep the first message tied to the job, not a generic sales pitch:

Hi [name], just checking you received my quote for [work] at [property or area]. If you have any questions about what is included, I’m happy to talk it through. Let me know if your plans have changed.

Use the communication channel the customer already used, unless they asked you to contact them another way. If they respond with a question, answer it directly. If the scope has changed, update the quote rather than trying to settle extra work in a vague message.

Give the customer room to decide

A large project may need more time to compare scope, speak with another decision-maker or arrange finance. A small repair may have a different decision process. If you can, ask at the site visit when they expect to decide and whether they would like a check-in.

If you did not agree a date, wait a reasonable amount of time based on the job and any next step you promised. One polite follow-up is often enough to find out whether the customer needs clarification. If there is a practical reason to check again—such as a material price changing—explain the reason rather than sending repeated “just checking” messages.

Stop if the customer says no, says they have chosen someone else or asks you not to contact them. Do not keep messaging across several channels to force a reply.

Answer concerns without immediately cutting your price

If the customer says the quote is higher than expected, ask which part they want to understand. Check whether the quotes cover the same materials, preparation, disposal, finish and follow-up. Explain your scope and assumptions in plain language.

If there is a lower-cost option you can genuinely offer, describe what changes and what is not included. Do not agree to a price that makes the job unworkable just to win it. A revised quote should spell out the new scope and price so both sides know what they are agreeing to.

Keep a small record of open quotes

A notebook or simple spreadsheet is enough to avoid forgetting who is waiting for an answer. Track the customer or job reference, quote date, follow-up date, status and next step. Keep customer information private and only record what you need to manage the enquiry.

Useful statuses might be “sent”, “question received”, “accepted”, “declined” or “no reply”. Review the list at a time that suits your work week. Do not treat a quote as won until the customer has clearly accepted and you have confirmed the arrangement.

If your quote itself needs tightening, use the trade quote writing checklist. To understand how to assess promotion costs against booked jobs, see how to set a tradesman marketing budget.

A quick follow-up checklist

  • Did the customer receive the quote?
  • Did you explain when and how you would check in?
  • Is your message specific to the actual work?
  • Can you answer a question or offer a clear next step?
  • Has the customer asked you to stop or said they have decided?

Good follow-up is clear, timely and respectful. It helps you manage your own pipeline without making the customer feel pressured.

If keeping up with marketing after the job is the part you put off, Try Grafter on WhatsApp.