Following up on a quote does not need to be awkward.
The best thing to say when following up on a quote is something short, polite and easy to reply to.
You do not need to pressure the customer. You do not need to sound desperate. You just need to check they received the quote, ask if they have any questions, and give them a simple next step.
A good quote follow-up message usually sounds like this:
Hi [Name], just checking you received the quote I sent through for [job type]. Let me know if you have any questions. Happy to help. Cheers, [Your Name]
That one message is enough for a first follow-up.
But different situations need different wording. A customer who has gone quiet needs a different message to someone who asked for changes. A customer comparing prices needs a different message to someone who said they would “think about it.”
Here are practical SMS, email and phone scripts tradies can use when following up on quotes.
The simple follow-up formula
Most quote follow-up messages should follow this structure:
- Mention the quote.
- Ask a simple question.
- Offer help.
- Make the next step easy.
For example:
Hi [Name], just checking in on the quote for [job type]. Did you have any questions, or would you like me to leave it with you for now? Cheers, [Your Name]
That works because it gives the customer a simple choice.
They can reply with:
- yes, we want to go ahead
- we have a question
- we are still thinking
- we went with someone else
- leave it with us for now
Any reply is better than silence.
First follow-up SMS after sending a quote
Your first follow-up should be casual and polite.
Use this if it has been 24 to 48 hours since you sent the quote:
Hi [Name], just checking you received the quote I sent through for [job type]. Let me know if you have any questions. Happy to help. Cheers, [Your Name]
Example:
Hi Sarah, just checking you received the quote I sent through for the timber fence. Let me know if you have any questions. Happy to help. Cheers, Ricky
This message does not sound pushy because you are only checking that the quote was received.
It is a reminder, not a demand.
If you are unsure when to send the first follow-up, read our guide on when to follow up after sending a quote.
SMS follow-up if they have not replied
If the customer does not reply to the first follow-up, wait a few more days and send a slightly more direct message.
Use this:
Hi [Name], just following up on the quote for [job type]. Are you still looking to get this done, or would you like me to leave it with you for now? Cheers, [Your Name]
Example:
Hi Mark, just following up on the quote for the Colorbond fence. Are you still looking to get this done, or would you like me to leave it with you for now? Cheers, Ricky
This is a good second follow-up because it gives the customer permission to say no.
That might sound strange, but it often makes people more likely to respond.
You are not saying:
Are you going ahead or not?
You are saying:
Are you still looking at this, or should I leave it with you?
That feels much easier to answer.
SMS follow-up for a bigger job
For bigger jobs, the customer may need time to think.
This is common for:
- fencing
- landscaping
- roofing
- concreting
- bathrooms
- kitchens
- building work
- solar
- larger electrical jobs
- commercial jobs
Use this:
Hi [Name], just checking in on the quote for [job type]. With jobs like this, customers often have questions around timing, options or scope, so I’m happy to talk it through if that helps. Cheers, [Your Name]
Example:
Hi Sarah, just checking in on the quote for the front fence. With jobs like this, customers often have questions around materials, timing or access, so I’m happy to talk it through if that helps. Cheers, Ricky
This message works because it gives the customer a reason to reply.
They may have a concern, but they might not want to be the one to start the conversation.
SMS follow-up if they said they would think about it
A lot of customers say:
I’ll think about it.
That does not always mean no.
It often means:
- they need to talk to their partner
- they are checking budget
- they are comparing another quote
- they are unsure about timing
- they have a question they have not asked yet
Use this:
Hi [Name], just checking back in after you mentioned you were going to think over the quote. Is there anything you are unsure about, or are you still working through timing and budget? Cheers, [Your Name]
This is better than simply saying:
Have you made a decision yet?
You are helping them explain what is holding them back.
SMS follow-up if they are comparing quotes
If the customer says they are getting other quotes, stay calm.
Do not immediately discount.
Use this:
No problem at all. Just make sure the quotes are covering the same scope. If you want me to clarify anything in mine, I’m happy to help. Cheers, [Your Name]
This is useful because customers often compare quotes that are not really the same.
One quote might include removal, disposal, better materials, stronger posts, better fittings, access work or a more complete scope.
Following up gives you a chance to explain the difference without attacking another business.
SMS follow-up if the quote is expensive
If the customer says the quote is too expensive, do not panic.
Do not instantly offer a discount.
Use this:
I understand. Just so I know, are you comparing against another quote with the same scope, or are you mainly trying to keep the total cost down?
This helps you understand what the real issue is.
If they are comparing against a cheaper quote with less included, you can explain the difference.
If they are genuinely trying to keep the cost down, you may be able to offer a reduced scope.
For example:
No problem. If budget is the main concern, I can look at whether there is a simpler option or a staged approach that brings the upfront cost down.
That is much better than cutting your price without changing the job.
SMS follow-up after sending a revised quote
If the customer asked for changes and you sent a revised quote, follow it up.
Do not assume they will reply just because they asked for the revision.
Use this:
Hi [Name], I’ve sent the updated quote through with the changes we discussed. Let me know if that looks right or if you would like anything adjusted. Cheers, [Your Name]
Then, if they still do not reply after a few days:
Hi [Name], just checking whether the updated quote looked right. Are you still looking to go ahead, or would you like me to leave it with you for now? Cheers, [Your Name]
A revised quote is often a warm lead. It is worth following up properly.
Final quote follow-up SMS
If you have followed up a couple of times and still have no reply, send a final polite message.
Use this:
Hi [Name], I haven’t been able to reach you, so I’ll leave the quote with you for now. If you decide you’d like to go ahead or have any questions later, feel free to get in touch. Cheers, [Your Name]
This message closes the loop without burning the relationship.
It also avoids the feeling that you are endlessly chasing someone.
Some customers will reply to this message because they realise the quote may not stay open forever.
Old quote follow-up SMS
Old quotes can still turn into jobs.
If you have quotes from weeks or months ago, use this:
Hi [Name], just checking in on the quote I sent through for [job type]. Are you still looking to get this done, or has it been sorted already? Cheers, [Your Name]
Example:
Hi Sarah, just checking in on the quote I sent through for the side fence. Are you still looking to get this done, or has it been sorted already? Cheers, Ricky
This is a simple way to recover old leads sitting in your inbox, phone, spreadsheet or quoting software.
First follow-up email after sending a quote
Email works well when the quote has more detail.
Use this:
Subject: Following up on your quote
Hi [Name],
Just following up to make sure you received the quote for [job type].
Let me know if you have any questions about the scope, timing or options included. I’m happy to clarify anything if needed.
If you would like to go ahead, the next step is [next step].
Cheers, [Your Name]
Example:
Subject: Following up on your fencing quote
Hi Sarah,
Just following up to make sure you received the quote for the timber fence.
Let me know if you have any questions about the scope, timing or options included. I’m happy to clarify anything if needed.
If you would like to go ahead, the next step is confirming the quote and locking in an install date.
Cheers, Ricky
This is a good email because it is short and clear.
Follow-up email if the customer has gone quiet
If the customer has not replied after the first follow-up, send a second email like this:
Subject: Still interested in going ahead?
Hi [Name],
Just checking whether you are still looking to go ahead with [job type].
No stress either way. I just wanted to follow up so I know whether to keep this quote active or leave it with you for now.
Cheers, [Your Name]
This message is useful because it is honest without being rude.
It gives the customer an easy way to reply.
Follow-up email for a larger job
For a bigger job, add a little more context.
Use this:
Subject: Any questions about the quote?
Hi [Name],
Just checking in on the quote for [job type].
With this type of job, customers often have questions around timing, materials, access, options or scope. I’m happy to talk it through if that would help.
If you are still deciding, no problem at all. I just wanted to make sure you had everything you needed.
Cheers, [Your Name]
This works well for jobs where the customer may need more information before making a decision.
Phone script for following up a quote
Phone calls can work well for higher-value jobs.
Use this script:
Hi [Name], it’s [Your Name] from [Business Name]. I’m just calling to make sure you received the quote I sent through for [job type]. I didn’t want to hassle you, but I wanted to check if you had any questions or if there was anything you wanted me to clarify.
Then stop talking and let them answer.
If they say they have not looked at it yet:
No worries at all. Would it be alright if I checked back in later in the week?
If they say they are still deciding:
No problem. Is there anything you are unsure about that would help you make a decision?
If they say it is too expensive:
I understand. Was it mainly the total price, or were you comparing a different scope?
The goal is not to pressure them.
The goal is to find out what is happening.
What not to say when following up a quote
Some follow-up messages make the customer feel pressured or annoyed.
Avoid saying:
Just chasing this up again.
Avoid saying:
I haven’t heard back from you.
Avoid saying:
Are you going ahead or not?
Avoid saying:
I need an answer today.
Avoid saying:
You never got back to me.
Those messages can sound frustrated, even if you do not mean them that way.
Instead, say:
Just checking in to see if you had any questions.
Or:
Would you like me to keep this quote active, or leave it with you for now?
Or:
Are you still looking to get this done, or has it been sorted already?
The wording matters.
You want to sound organised, not irritated.
How to follow up without sounding pushy
The best way to avoid sounding pushy is to give the customer control.
Instead of saying:
I need a decision.
Say:
Are you still looking to get this done, or would you like me to leave it with you for now?
Instead of saying:
Have you accepted the quote yet?
Say:
Did you have any questions about the quote, or anything you wanted clarified?
Instead of saying:
I am following up again.
Say:
Just checking in so I know whether to keep this quote active.
This makes the follow-up feel helpful instead of aggressive.
What to say if they say no
If the customer says they went with someone else, keep it professional.
Use this:
No worries at all. Thanks for letting me know. If you need anything in the future, feel free to get in touch. Cheers, [Your Name]
You do not need to argue.
You do not need to ask twenty questions.
But if the conversation feels open, you can ask:
No problem. Just so I can improve, was it mainly price, timing or something else?
Some people will answer. Some will not.
Either way, finish professionally.
What to say if they say yes
If the customer says they want to go ahead, reply quickly and give the next step.
Use this:
Great, thanks [Name]. The next step is [next step]. Once that is confirmed, I can lock in [booking/date/materials/site visit]. Cheers, [Your Name]
Example:
Great, thanks Sarah. The next step is accepting the quote and paying the deposit. Once that is confirmed, I can lock in the materials and install date. Cheers, Ricky
Make it clear what happens next.
A customer should never have to guess.
What to say if they need more time
If the customer says they need more time, set a follow-up date.
Use this:
No worries at all. When would be a good time for me to check back in?
If they say next week, follow up next week.
If they say next month, follow up next month.
Do not rely on memory.
Add it to your calendar, CRM, quoting system or spreadsheet.
Every quote should have a next action.
A simple 4-message quote follow-up sequence
Here is a simple sequence you can use.
Message 1: Quote sent
Hi [Name], I’ve just sent the quote through for [job type]. Let me know if it has not come through or if you have any questions. Cheers, [Your Name]
Message 2: First follow-up
Hi [Name], just checking you received the quote I sent through for [job type]. Let me know if you have any questions. Happy to help. Cheers, [Your Name]
Message 3: Second follow-up
Hi [Name], just following up on the quote for [job type]. Are you still looking to get this done, or would you like me to leave it with you for now? Cheers, [Your Name]
Message 4: Final follow-up
Hi [Name], I haven’t been able to reach you, so I’ll leave the quote with you for now. If you decide you’d like to go ahead or have any questions later, feel free to get in touch. Cheers, [Your Name]
This is enough for most small trade businesses.
If you want more examples, read our full guide to quote follow-up scripts for tradies.
Why the wording matters
A quote follow-up is not just an admin task.
It is part of the sales process.
The way you follow up can make the customer feel:
- confident
- comfortable
- informed
- pressured
- ignored
- confused
A short, helpful message can make your business look more organised than the competitor who sent a quote and disappeared.
That does not mean you need to be a salesperson.
It means you need a process.
Final answer
When following up on a quote, say something simple like:
Hi [Name], just checking you received the quote I sent through for [job type]. Let me know if you have any questions. Happy to help. Cheers, [Your Name]
If they do not reply, follow up again with:
Hi [Name], just following up on the quote for [job type]. Are you still looking to get this done, or would you like me to leave it with you for now? Cheers, [Your Name]
Keep it polite, short and easy to answer.
The goal is not to annoy the customer.
The goal is to stop good quotes from being forgotten.
Want this handled automatically?
Tradie Systems Co builds quote follow-up systems for Australian tradies so leads do not get forgotten after the quote is sent.
If you are sending quotes but not consistently following them up, book a free Quote Follow-Up Audit.
We will look at your current quote follow-up process and show you where jobs may be slipping through the cracks.