How to Follow Up on Quotes and Win More Work

Most quotes don't get responses. But silence usually means: - They're busy and forgot - They're comparing options - They have questions but haven't asked - Life got in the way Rarely does silence mean "no." Follow-up reminds and reopens conversation. **Fact**: 80% of sales require 5+ follow-ups. Most tradespeople give up after one.

**Day 1-2**: Brief check they received the quote. Email or text. **Day 4-5**: Phone call to discuss any questions. **Day 7**: Email with subtle urgency (quote validity, schedule availability). **Day 14**: Final follow-up. Ask for decision either way. Adapt to urgency: emergency callouts follow up same day. Large projects allow more time.

**First follow-up**: "Hi [Name], just checking you received the quote for [job]. Happy to answer any questions." **Second follow-up**: "Hi [Name], following up on the quote. I have availability [dates] if you'd like to proceed. Let me know if you need any changes." **Final follow-up**: "Hi [Name], I need to finalize my schedule for the coming weeks. Are you still interested in going ahead? Either way, just let me know." Be helpful, not pushy. You're solving their problem.

**"It's too expensive"**: "What's your budget? I can adjust the scope to fit." Never discount without removing scope. **"I'm getting other quotes"**: "Understood. Happy to discuss what we offer that others might not." Sell value, not price. **"I need to think about it"**: "Of course. What concerns do you have? I can provide more details." Find the real blocker. **"Not now, maybe later"**: "When should I follow up?" Put it in your calendar.

After 3-4 follow-ups with no response, pause. Send a final "closing" message: "I'll assume you're not proceeding at this time. Feel free to reach out if things change." Then: - Add to "follow up later" list - Send a brief check-in in 3-6 months - Focus on quotes more likely to convert Not every quote converts. That's normal. Track your conversion rate (aim for 40-60%) and improve the process.