You've been out to the job, measured up, worked out the materials and sent a proper quote. Then nothing. No yes, no no, nothing.
Most tradies know they should follow up. What stops them usually isn't time, it's the feeling that chasing makes you look desperate or pushy. Nobody wants to be the bloke who keeps ringing.
The good news is that a well-worded follow-up doesn't come across as pushy. It comes across as organised. Here's how to do it, plus templates you can copy.
Why following up isn't pushy
Think about it from the customer's side. They asked for the quote. They may have got two or three. Then life got in the way: work, kids, a holiday, waiting to talk it over with their partner.
When they don't reply, it's usually not a "no". It's "I haven't got to it yet". A short, friendly text helps them out by:
- reminding them which quote is yours
- giving them an easy way to ask a question
- showing you're the kind of tradie who gets back to people
Pushy is when you pressure the customer. A follow-up just checks in, and that's all yours needs to do.
The five rules of a follow-up that doesn't feel pushy
1. Keep it short
A follow-up text should be readable in a few seconds. If the message needs scrolling, it's too long.
2. Make it about them, not you
"Just checking you received the quote" is about them. "I've got a gap next week and really need to fill it" is about you, and it puts pressure on.
3. Give them an easy out
Lines like "No rush at all" or "Happy to answer any questions" take the pressure off. Oddly enough, that makes people more likely to reply.
4. Don't discount in your first follow-up
Dropping your price unprompted tells the customer your first number wasn't real. If price is the issue, let them raise it.
5. Space them out and stop
A couple of messages over a week or so is reasonable. Ten messages isn't. Know when your last message is, and say so politely.
SMS templates you can copy
Swap in your own details. Keep them as plain text, without emojis or links unless the customer is expecting one.
Template 1: The first check-in (a day or so after sending)
Hi [Name], just checking you got the quote I sent through for [job]. No rush at all. If you've got any questions, just reply here. Thanks, [Your name], [Business name]
Template 2: The "any questions?" nudge (a few days later)
Hi [Name], just touching base to see if you've had a chance to look over the quote. Happy to explain anything or adjust it if needed. Thanks, [Your name], [Business name]
Template 3: The "can I help you compare?" message
Use this one when you know they're getting other quotes.
Hi [Name], if you're comparing a few quotes and want me to explain what's included in mine, I'm happy to go through it. Thanks, [Your name], [Business name]
Template 4: The timing check
Useful for jobs where timing matters, like before summer, before a tenant moves in or before a reno starts.
Hi [Name], just checking whether the timing still works for [job]. If you'd like to lock in a date, let me know and I'll get it organised. Thanks, [Your name], [Business name]
Template 5: The polite last 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]
The last one matters more than people think. It's honest and it doesn't pressure anyone. A customer who meant to reply often does now, because they know it's their last chance to do it easily.
What not to send
- "Just following up again…" with no detail. The customer may not even remember which quote is yours.
- Guilt trips. "I spent two hours on that quote" won't win the job.
- Deadlines you don't mean. "Price only valid until Friday!" only works if it's true. If the quote has a genuine validity period, say so plainly.
- Messages at odd hours. Stick to normal business hours.
Call or text?
Both have their place. A call can be good for big jobs where the customer may have lots of questions. A text is easier for most follow-ups because the customer can read it whenever suits and reply in a few seconds, without playing phone tag with someone up a ladder.
A lot of tradies use both: a text to check in, and a call if the customer replies with questions.
The real problem: remembering to do it
Most tradies already know everything above. The hard part is actually sending the follow-ups when you've got five jobs on and quotes going out every day. The follow-up slips, a week goes by, and it feels too late.
That's what Quote Converter is for. You add the quote you've already sent, check the details and the messages, then press Start Chasing. It sends a polite SMS on Day 0, Day 3 and Day 8, using wording similar in tone to the templates above. If the customer replies, the follow-ups pause and you see the reply. If they text STOP, chasing for that quote ends.
You keep quoting in whatever you use now. Quote Converter just makes sure the follow-up actually happens.
- Electricians: see how it works for sparkies
- Plumbers: see how it works for plumbing quotes
Try it with your next quote: first 3 jobs free, no credit card
Quick recap
- Following up is good service, not pressure.
- Keep it short, polite and about the customer.
- Give them an easy way to reply or ask a question.
- Two or three messages over about a week, then a polite final one.
- Use a system so it happens every time, not only when you remember.