# How to follow up on a quote (with message templates)

> Many quotes go unanswered because the customer got busy, not because they said no. A simple follow-up routine for tradesmen, with ready-to-use messages.

Source: https://roughfigure.com/blog/how-to-follow-up-on-a-quote (updated 2026-07-03)

Knowing how to follow up on a quote can win you more jobs than any advert. You send a quote, the customer says “thanks, we’ll be in touch”, and then nothing. It’s easy to assume they went with someone cheaper. Often they didn’t: they got busy, forgot, or are waiting to talk to their partner. A short, polite follow-up wins a surprising number of those jobs back.

## Why customers go quiet after a quote

- They’re comparing two or three quotes and haven’t decided.
- They meant to reply and forgot.
- They have a question but don’t want to ring and ask it.
- The price was more than they expected and they’re not sure what to say.

Only the last one is really about price, and even then a conversation can often find a version of the job that works. See [what to say when a customer says “that’s too expensive”](https://roughfigure.com/blog/customer-says-too-expensive).

## A simple follow-up routine

**Day 2 or 3: check they got it.**
“Hi [name], just checking the quote for the oak came through okay. Happy to answer any questions.”

**About a week later: make it easy to say yes.**
“Hi [name], I’ve got some space at the end of the month if you’d like to go ahead with the crown reduction. Just reply here and I’ll pencil you in.”

**Two to three weeks later: close it politely.**
“Hi [name], I won’t keep chasing, but if you’d like to go ahead with the tree work later on, just get back in touch.”

Three messages over a few weeks is enough. More than that starts to feel pushy.

## Tips that make quote follow-ups work

- **Use the channel they used.** If they messaged on WhatsApp, follow up on WhatsApp.
- **Keep it short.** One or two sentences. No pressure, and no discount in the first message.
- **Mention something specific.** The tree, the fence, the date they wanted. It shows you remember them.
- **Ask a question.** “Would the end of the month suit?” is easier to answer than “let me know”.
- **Follow up quickly.** The longer you leave it, the more likely they’ve booked someone else.

## Send a better quote in the first place

A clear quote that explains what’s included and makes it easy to say yes needs less chasing. Our guide on [how to write a quote](https://roughfigure.com/blog/how-to-write-a-quote) covers what to include.

## Keep track, or it won’t happen

The hard part isn’t writing the message. It’s remembering to send it while you’re busy on jobs. Whatever you use, keep a list of every quote with the date sent and where it’s up to. In RoughFigure each lead has a status (new, contacted, quoted, won or lost) plus notes, so you can see at a glance who needs a nudge. See [all features](https://roughfigure.com/features).

## Learn from the ones you lose

When someone says no, ask why, politely: “No problem at all. Out of interest, was it the price or the timing?” Over a few months the answers show whether you’re losing work on price, speed or something else.

## Questions

### How long should I wait to follow up on a quote?

Two or three days for the first check, then about a week, then a final message after two or three weeks.

### Is it pushy to chase a quote?

Not if you’re polite and brief. Most customers appreciate the reminder, and the ones who aren’t interested will usually tell you.

### Should I offer a discount when following up?

Not straight away. Find out what’s holding them back first. If it’s budget, offer options (doing less now, or a different date) rather than cutting your price.