Many quotes that go unanswered aren't rejected. The client got busy, forwarded it to someone else, or is comparing prices. A well-timed follow-up wins a lot of that work back.
When to follow up
- Day 1: send the quote with a clear next step.
- Day 3–5: check it arrived and offer to answer questions.
- A few days before it expires: remind them of the validity date and your availability.
- After it expires: one last note offering to re-quote if the timing changes.
Scripts you can use
First follow-up: Hi Alex, just checking our quote for the bathroom came through OK. Happy to walk through any of the line items, or adjust the tiling allowance if you'd prefer a different finish.
Before expiry: Hi Alex, a quick heads-up that our quote is valid until Friday. We can still hold the 14 November start date for you. Just reply and I'll book it in.
After expiry: Hi Alex, I'll close this one off on my side. If the project comes back on, I'm happy to update the quote. Prices for materials may have changed, but I'll keep it as close as I can.
What not to do
- Don't discount in the first follow-up. It teaches clients to wait.
- Don't send "just checking in" with nothing else. Add something useful: a date, an option, an answer.
- Don't follow up more than three times.