Electrical quotes aren't all the same. A customer weighing up a switchboard upgrade thinks differently from one comparing solar systems or picking an EV charger. A follow-up that fits the job sounds more like you and less like a form letter.
Below are short SMS templates for three common quoted jobs, plus general ones that work for anything. Copy them, swap in your details and keep them short.
Before you start:
- Send during business hours.
- Sign off with your name and business so they know who it's from.
- Make it easy to reply: "just reply here".
- Stop when they reply, or if they ask you to stop.
Switchboard upgrades
Customers often don't fully understand why they need a switchboard upgrade. They might have been told by another sparky, an insurer or a real estate agent, or found out when something else was being installed. They sit on the quote because they're not sure it's urgent, or they can't see why the price is what it is.
First check-in:
Hi [Name], just checking you got the quote for the switchboard upgrade at [suburb]. No rush. If anything in it isn't clear, just reply and I'll explain. Thanks, [Your name], [Business name]
Explaining the why:
Hi [Name], just touching base on the switchboard quote. Happy to run through what's included and why it's needed, if that helps you decide. Thanks, [Your name], [Business name]
When it's tied to other work:
Hi [Name], just a heads-up that the switchboard work in the quote needs doing before [solar / the aircon / the EV charger] can go in. Happy to answer any questions. Thanks, [Your name], [Business name]
Only send that last one if it's actually true for the job.
Solar
Solar customers almost always get several quotes, and they're comparing panels, inverters, batteries, rebates and finance at the same time. It's a big decision, and plenty of them stall halfway.
First check-in:
Hi [Name], just checking you received the solar quote I sent through. I know there's a lot to compare. Happy to answer any questions. Thanks, [Your name], [Business name]
Helping them compare:
Hi [Name], if you're comparing solar quotes and want me to explain the panels, inverter or warranty in mine, just reply and I'll run through it. Thanks, [Your name], [Business name]
Battery or add-on questions:
Hi [Name], just touching base on the solar quote. If you'd like a version with or without a battery, I can put that together. Thanks, [Your name], [Business name]
Stay away from rebate or savings claims in a text unless you can back them up for that customer. Leave the numbers to the quote.
EV chargers
EV charger customers are often keen, but they've got questions: where the charger goes, whether their switchboard can handle it, and how long the install takes. Sometimes they're waiting on the car itself.
First check-in:
Hi [Name], just checking you got the EV charger quote. Happy to answer any questions about the install. Thanks, [Your name], [Business name]
Timing with the car:
Hi [Name], just touching base on the EV charger quote. If you're still waiting on the car, I'm happy to book the install closer to delivery. Just let me know roughly when. Thanks, [Your name], [Business name]
Location or setup questions:
Hi [Name], if you want to change where the charger goes or talk through options, just reply here. Thanks, [Your name], [Business name]
General templates for any electrical quote
These work for rewires, lighting, power points, data, safety switches and commercial work.
Day 0, confirming it arrived:
Hi [Name], just checking you've received the quote I sent through. No rush at all. If you've got any questions or want to go over anything, just reply to this message. Thanks, [Your name], [Business name]
Day 3, check in:
Hi [Name], just touching base to see if you've had a chance to think about the quote. Happy to answer any questions or make changes if needed. Thanks, [Your name], [Business name]
Day 8, polite final message:
Hi [Name], just checking in one last time before I close this quote off. If you'd still like to go ahead, just reply and I'll get everything organised. Thanks, [Your name], [Business name]
These three are close to the messages Quote Converter sends automatically on Day 0, Day 3 and Day 8.
A few things to avoid
- Over-explaining in a text. If the customer has lots of questions, offer to call or meet.
- Fear-based messages. "Your board is a fire risk!" is pressure. If there's a genuine safety issue, say so plainly in the quote and in person.
- Unprompted discounts. They teach customers to wait you out.
- Endless chasing. About three messages over a week or so is enough for most quotes.
Templates are easy. Sending them every time isn't
Most sparkies could write these messages themselves. The problem is sending them on time, every time, while you're in a roof space or on a commercial site all week.
Quote Converter does the sending for you. Add a quote you've already sent, check the customer details and messages, and press Start Chasing. It sends the Day 0, Day 3 and Day 8 SMS follow-ups for you. When the customer replies, the follow-ups pause and you see the reply. If they text STOP, chasing for that quote ends.
Try it with your next quote: first 3 jobs free, no credit card