How to Follow Up on Quotes That Haven't Been Accepted
You sent the quote. It's been a week. Nothing. Do you follow up or just move on?
Always follow up. Studies show that 60% of customers say no four times before saying yes. Most tradespeople give up after zero follow-ups.
Why Customers Go Quiet
It's rarely because they didn't like your quote. Common reasons:
- They're busy and forgot
- They're comparing with other quotes
- They need to check with a partner or landlord
- They haven't got the money together yet
- They liked your quote but haven't got round to replying
A follow-up solves all of these.
When to Follow Up
- Day 2–3: Quick check-in. "Hi [name], just making sure you received the quote I sent. Happy to answer any questions."
- Day 7: Add value. "Hi [name], wanted to check in on the [job] quote. I've got some availability coming up in [timeframe] if you'd like to go ahead."
- Day 14: Last try. "Hi [name], just a final check on the quote for [job]. No worries if you've gone elsewhere, just let me know either way so I can update my schedule."
What Makes a Good Follow-Up
- Keep it short: 1–3 sentences max
- Don't apologise: "Sorry to bother you" makes you sound desperate
- Add something useful: Mention availability, a relevant tip, or answer a common question about the work
- Make it easy to say yes: "Just reply 'go ahead' and I'll get it booked in"
- Give them an out: "No worries if you've gone elsewhere" removes pressure and often triggers a response
Automate It
The best system is one you don't have to think about. Set reminders in your phone, or use quoting software that tracks which quotes are pending and reminds you to follow up.
Jobnix shows you all your pending quotes in one place, so you can see at a glance who needs a follow-up.
The Numbers Don't Lie
Tradespeople who follow up on quotes consistently report winning 20–30% more work from the same number of enquiries. That's more jobs without any extra marketing spend.
Following up is just one piece of the puzzle. To avoid losing jobs before they even reach the quote stage, read about the 5 quoting mistakes that are costing tradesmen work. And if you want to grow beyond quotes alone, our guide to getting more customers as a tradesman covers 11 proven strategies.