How to Follow Up on a Quote Without Being Pushy (Templates Included)
Most quotes are not rejected, they are ignored. When and how to follow up by text and email, with ready-to-use templates for contractors.
A surprising share of lost quotes are simply forgotten. The client was busy, got three quotes, and the one who followed up won. Following up is not pushy, it is service.
The timing
- Same day: confirm the quote was received.
- Day 2–3: a short check-in.
- Day 7: a second follow-up with value (an option, a date, a question).
- Day 14–30: a final message before the quote expires.
Templates
Day 1 (text)
"Hi [Name], it's [You] from [Company]. I just sent your quote for [job]. Let me know if anything is unclear."
Day 3 (text or email)
"Hi [Name], just checking you received the quote for [job] and whether you have questions. Happy to adjust the scope if needed."
Day 7 (email)
"Hi [Name], I have an opening on [date] and can hold it for you until [date]. If budget is a concern, I can suggest a few ways to adjust the scope."
Final (text)
"Hi [Name], your quote for [job] is valid until [date]. After that I would need to re-price it as material costs change. Would you like to go ahead or should I close this file?"
What not to do
- Do not discount at the first sign of silence.
- Do not send daily messages.
- Do not blame the client for not replying.
Learn from the answers
"Too expensive", "went with someone else", and "not now" each tell you something. Track them: how to win more bids.
Automate it
Quoting software that shows when a client opened the quote and reminds you to follow up turns this into a habit. See sending quotes in 5 minutes and free quoting.