How to follow up a quote without being pushy

01 / TIMING

Start with a check-in after 2–5 working days

The Federation of Master Builders recommends a polite call or message “a few days” after sending a quote, to check it arrived and give the customer a chance to ask questions. Turning “a few days” into a 2–5 working-day window is a practical interpretation for planning, not a legal deadline or a universal industry rule.

Adjust for the job and the conversation: if the customer gave you a decision date, use that; if the work is urgent or the quote has a stated expiry, make the timing clear when you send it. Do not imply that a price or slot expires unless that is true and stated in the quote.

Source: FMB guidance on following up quotes.

02 / TRACKING

Keep the next step in one place

A spreadsheet, diary or job system is enough if everyone who needs it can find the current status. The FMB notes that a simple spreadsheet can help manage enquiries consistently. For each quote, record:

• Customer and job reference, plus the date the quote was sent.
• Quote amount, scope summary and any expiry date you actually gave.
• Follow-up date and method, such as phone, email or text.
• What the customer said and the next action or date they requested.
• A clear status: awaiting reply, accepted, declined, or closed.

Review the “awaiting reply” items at a regular time that fits your workload. If there is no response, decide whether one further polite check-in is appropriate, then close or revisit the quote according to the validity period you set. Avoid treating silence as permission for an open-ended stream of messages.

Source: FMB guidance on simple enquiry tracking.

03 / WORDING

Keep the message specific and low-pressure

Refer to the job and date, ask one useful question, and leave room for the customer to say they need more time or have chosen another option.

Hi [Name],

I’m checking that my quote for [job] sent on [date] reached you. Is there anything about the work or price you’d like me to clarify? If you’re still deciding, feel free to let me know when it would suit me to check back.

Thanks, [Your name]

Use the customer’s preferred contact method where you know it. Keep the message about this quote; leave out unrelated offers, urgency language and claims about savings or availability unless they are accurate and relevant.

04 / LEGAL AND CONTACT NOTES

Be clear about the quote, and careful with marketing

For consumer services, section 50 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 says information a trader gives about the trader or service can become part of the contract when the consumer takes it into account when deciding to enter it. Section 51 addresses the reasonable price where a service contract does not expressly fix one and the other relevant terms do not set it. Put the work scope, price, assumptions and any validity date in writing, and make sure a follow-up does not contradict them. See the Act’s section 50 and section 51.

A message’s purpose, wording and context matter when deciding whether it is direct marketing; a neutral tone by itself does not settle the question. The ICO says PECR requirements can apply to marketing by email or text, and unsolicited marketing email or text to individuals generally needs consent or a valid soft opt-in. Sole traders and some partnerships are treated as individuals for these rules. If a follow-up includes promotion beyond the specific quote, check the current ICO guidance on identifying direct marketing and ICO guidance on electronic mail marketing.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. The rules depend on the facts, the recipient and the communication. Check current guidance or get professional advice if you are unsure.