How to Follow Up a Quote Without Being Pushy
Most tradespeople send a quote and then wait. They assume that if the customer is interested, they’ll be in touch. In reality, most customers are just busy. They received the quote, they meant to respond, and then life got in the way.
A polite follow-up wins a significant number of jobs that would otherwise have been lost to inertia – not to a competitor, not to price, just to nobody picking up the phone.
Here’s how to do it well.
Why Following Up Works
When you send a quote and hear nothing, the most common reason isn’t that the customer chose someone else. It’s that:
- They got busy and forgot
- They’re waiting for another quote before deciding
- They have a question but didn’t bother to ask it
- They’re unsure about something but haven’t said so
- They’ve decided to go ahead but haven’t got round to confirming
A single, well-timed follow-up message resolves most of these situations in your favour.
The Right Timing
Day 1: Send the quote. No follow-up needed immediately.
Day 4-5: First follow-up if no response. This is the sweet spot – long enough that you’re not chasing before they’ve had a chance to read it, short enough that you’re still front of mind.
Day 8-10: Second and final follow-up if still no response. After this, leave it. If they want the job done, they know how to reach you.
What to Say
The key is to make the follow-up feel helpful rather than desperate. You’re checking in – not chasing.
Follow-up 1 (day 4-5): “Hi [name], just checking you received the quote I sent over for [job]. Happy to talk through anything or answer any questions. Let me know if you want to go ahead.”
That’s it. Short, no pressure, gives them an easy out if they have questions rather than just going quiet.
Follow-up 2 (day 8-10): “Hi [name], just following up on the quote for [job]. I have some availability coming up in [month] if the timing works for you. No worries if you’ve gone a different direction – just let me know either way.”
The “let me know either way” is important. It gives the customer permission to say no, which makes it easier for them to respond. A response – even a no – is better than silence, because a no closes the loop and frees your mental space.
What Not to Do
Don’t apologise for following up. “Sorry to chase” signals that you think chasing is inappropriate. It isn’t. It’s professional.
Don’t follow up more than twice. Two messages is professional. Three starts to feel desperate. Four is harassment.
Don’t be vague. “Just checking in” without referencing the quote is unhelpful. Always specify what you’re following up on.
Don’t offer a discount unprompted. If you discount before they’ve pushed back on price, you signal that your original price was inflated. If price is an issue, let them raise it.
Don’t send follow-ups at antisocial hours. Early morning or late evening messages can feel intrusive. Business hours or early evening is fine.
When the Customer Says “I’m Still Deciding”
This is a buying signal. They haven’t said no. Ask one question:
“No problem – is there anything you’d like me to clarify or anything that would help you decide?”
This often surfaces the real objection – a question about timing, a concern about scope, uncertainty about a specific element. Addressing it directly usually moves them forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times should I follow up on a quote? Twice is the professional standard. First follow-up 4-5 days after sending, second 8-10 days. After two follow-ups with no response, leave it – the customer knows how to reach you.
Should I follow up by call or message? WhatsApp or text is usually more effective than a call for follow-ups, because it’s less intrusive and gives the customer time to respond when convenient. A call is appropriate if you have an established relationship or the job is large enough to warrant a conversation.
Is following up really necessary? Yes. Research consistently shows that a significant proportion of sales are lost simply because the seller didn’t follow up. Most customers are not actively choosing a competitor – they’re just not actively deciding. A follow-up prompts a decision.
What if the customer says they’ve gone with someone else? Respond graciously: “No problem at all – thanks for letting me know. If you ever need anything in future, don’t hesitate to get in touch.” This closes the relationship positively and leaves the door open. Customers who chose someone else and regretted it often come back.
CoreQuote sends professional quotes from your phone – making follow-ups easier because every quote has a unique link your customer can approve. Try free for 6 months at kwowta.com
Related reading:
- How to Write a Quote That Wins the Job (With Free Template)
- How to Ask for a Deposit Without Losing the Job
- How to Write Terms and Conditions for a Construction Quote
- The Difference Between a Quote and an Estimate — and Why It Matters
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