Key takeaways
- Silence is not a "no" — the money is in the follow-up most contractors skip.
- Follow up within 24–48 hours, then a few more times, spaced out.
- Lead with help, not "just checking in."
- A quote with an expiration date gives you a natural reason to reach out.
Short version: send a quick, friendly follow-up within a day or two, then two or three more spaced out over the next couple weeks. Lead with help, not "just checking in." Most quotes that go cold were simply never followed up on.
Why follow-up matters more than you think
When a customer goes quiet, contractors assume they lost the job. Usually they didn't decide at all — life got busy, they're juggling two other quotes, the email got buried. A polite nudge puts you back on top of the pile, and you'll close jobs you'd otherwise have written off.
When to follow up
You don't need a CRM degree — just a simple cadence:
- Day 1–2: "Sent this over — any questions?"
- Day 5–7: add a little value (a tip, an option, reassurance on timing).
- Day 12–14: the "before it expires" nudge.
Three or four touches over two weeks is plenty. After that, leave the door open and move on.
What to actually say
"Just checking in" is forgettable. Lead with something useful:
"Wanted to make sure you got the quote — happy to walk through any line item, and I could likely start the week of the 14th if that helps you plan."
You're being helpful and making it easy to say yes, instead of pestering.
Make follow-up automatic
The easiest follow-up is the one you don't have to remember. Put an expiration date on every quote (one of the seven things every quote needs) — it creates a built-in reason to reach out, and a gentle deadline for the customer. Better yet, let the tool remind you when a quote's gone quiet.
This is exactly what JobPricer does for you: enter your overhead once and every quote shows labor, materials, overhead, and your real profit before you hit send.
Try it free →Frequently asked questions
How many times should I follow up on a quote?
Three to four times over about two weeks is the sweet spot — enough to win the on-the-fence jobs without becoming a pest.
What should I say in a follow-up?
Offer help: answer questions, restate the value or timeline, or share an option. Avoid empty "just checking in" messages.
How long should I wait before following up?
Send the first follow-up within 24–48 hours while you're still fresh in their mind, then space the rest out.
CWritten by Craig, founder of JobPricer
I ran a contracting business and finished 500+ jobs before I built JobPricer. Everything here is what I wish someone had told me when I started quoting.