Guides

How to follow up on an unanswered estimate

You sent the estimate and heard nothing. Silence is rarely a no: people get busy, compare, or forget. A short, friendly follow-up often brings an answer.

Why customers go quiet

Usually it is ordinary: they are comparing quotes, waiting on a partner, short of time, or they meant to reply and forgot. Sometimes the price is the issue and they do not know how to say so. A follow-up gives them an easy way to tell you.

When to follow up

Give them a day or two to read it, then check in. If you still hear nothing, try again after about a week, and once more near the date the quote expires. Space the messages out so you stay helpful and do not become a nuisance.

What to say

Make each message short, friendly and easy to answer in one line. Refer to the job by name, not just 'my quote'.

A first nudge, a day or two later
Hi Dana, just checking you got the quote for the kitchen repaint. Happy to answer any questions or change anything. Let me know!

A second message, with a reason to answer

About a week later
Hi Dana, I'm planning my schedule for next month and wanted to see whether you'd like me to hold a start date for your kitchen. No pressure either way.

The last message

Close the loop politely. It often prompts a reply, and either answer is useful to you.

Near the end of the quote's validity
Hi Dana, your quote runs out on the 15th. If now isn't the right time, no problem at all, just let me know and I'll close it out. Thanks for considering us.

Ask what is holding them back

If someone replies with doubt, ask. 'Is it the price, the timing, or something I could change on the quote?' is a good question. You may be able to adjust the scope, offer options, or simply answer a worry.

Know when to stop

After three or four friendly messages with no reply, stop. If someone says they have chosen someone else or are not interested, thank them and close the quote. A polite ending leaves the door open for next time.

Only text people who asked you for a quote, and stop at once if they ask you to. Rules about texting differ, so check what applies where you work.

Free template to go with this

Or let QuoteDash do it

QuoteDash shows you which quotes have not been opened or answered, and can text a reminder for you on a schedule you turn on, so follow-ups do not depend on you remembering.

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Free for 14 days, no card needed. Then $29/month.

Questions

How many times should I follow up?
A few: a day or two after, about a week later, and once near the quote's end date. After three or four friendly messages with no reply, let it go.
Should I call or text?
Use the way the customer contacted you or has replied to before. A short text is easy to answer, and a call suits a larger job.
What if they say my price is too high?
Ask what they were expecting, and offer to adjust the scope or show options. If it does not fit, thank them and leave the door open.

This guide is general information for tradespeople, not legal or financial advice. Rules differ by state and by trade, so check what applies where you work.

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