How to follow up on a quote (the email that gets a reply)

You wrote the quote, sent it, and heard nothing. That doesn't mean no. It usually means they're busy, comparing, or waiting on someone else. A short follow-up gets a surprising number of yeses.

When to send it

Two or three working days after the quote. Soon enough that they remember you, late enough that they've had time to read it. Then once more a week later. After that, silence is an answer, and you've got better things to do.

What to say

Four lines. Remind them what it's for, make it easy to say yes, and end with one easy question.

Subject: Your quote for the kitchen rewiring

Hi Dana,

Just checking the quote for the kitchen rewiring came through okay.

Happy to answer any questions, or change anything that doesn't fit.

Would next week work for you to get started?

Thanks,
Jos

The question at the end matters. "Let me know" asks for nothing, so it gets nothing. "Would next week work?" asks for a yes, a no, or a date. All three are useful.

The second follow-up

Shorter, and it gives them a polite way out.

Subject: Re: Your quote for the kitchen rewiring

Hi Dana,

Following up once more on the quote. If you've gone another way, no problem at all, just let me know and I'll stop nudging.

Jos

People reply to this one more than you'd think. Being told it's fine to say no makes it easy to say yes.

What not to do

• Don't send a discount in the follow-up. It tells them the first price wasn't real.
• Don't write three paragraphs. Long follow-ups get saved for later, and later never comes.
• Don't follow up five times. Two is persistent. Five is a cat at the door at 6am. I would know.