You sent a careful quote, the client seemed keen, and then nothing. Many tradespeople hesitate to follow up on a quote because they do not want to seem pushy. Yet a well-timed follow-up simply shows you are organised and want the job, and plenty of quotes are accepted right after one. Here is when to follow up, which channel to use, and what to say.
Why clients go quiet
Silence is rarely a clear "no". The usual reasons:
- they are comparing quotes and waiting for the last one;
- they have a question they have not asked, often about price or timing;
- they need to check with someone: a partner, a manager, their bank;
- they simply forgot, buried under other messages.
A follow-up often unlocks the situation. Even a "no" is useful: it frees a slot in your diary and may tell you why you were not chosen.
A three-step follow-up schedule
I suggest a rhythm built around the validity date on your quote:
- 1Three to five days after sending: check the quote arrived and offer to answer questions.
- 2About a week later: bring something new, such as an available start date, a detail on materials or a cheaper option.
- 3A few days before the quote expires: remind them of the date, calmly.
After that, mark the quote as lost and note the reason if you know it. Chasing forever costs time and looks less professional.
Which channel to use
- Email or message suits the first follow-up: it leaves a record and the client can reply when convenient.
- A phone call works better for the second or third: conversation brings out the real objection.
- For business clients, email remains the safest default.
Messages that get replies
Keep it short, personal, and end with an easy question.
First follow-up: "Hi Sarah, just checking you received the quote for your bathroom renovation that I sent on Tuesday. If anything needs clarifying, I'm happy to call this week."
Second follow-up: "Hi Sarah, I have a start date available in the week of the 12th. Would you like me to hold it for you, or would you prefer to talk it through first?"
Last follow-up: "Hi Sarah, your bathroom quote is valid until the 30th. After that I'll need to recheck material prices. Is the project still going ahead?"
Avoid repeating "just following up" in every message, and never cut your price unprompted. Ask what is holding things up first.
Handling "it's too expensive"
When the client finally says the price is too high, do not give in straight away. Ask where the gap is. Often the other quote does not cover the same work: no removal, no waste disposal, cheaper materials. Offer an alternative rather than a discount: different materials, a stage the client handles themselves, or phasing the work. You protect your rate and the client keeps a choice.
If clients often find your quotes expensive, check that they are detailed enough. Our guide on how to write a quote clients accept explains the structure, and quote vs estimate helps you word the price clearly.
Know when the quote was opened
Following up is easier when you know the client has actually seen the quote. If your tool shows when the client opened the online quote, you can time your call better: a quote opened three times yesterday deserves a call today.
Summary
| When | Channel | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Day 3 to 5 | Email or message | Confirm receipt, offer to answer questions |
| Day 10 to 12 | Phone | Surface the objection, propose a date |
| Before expiry | Email or phone | Remind of the date, get a decision |
| After expiry | None | Close the quote and note the reason |