How-to
How to Follow Up on a Quote (Templates + Timing)
·6 min read
Here's an uncomfortable truth: most quotes are never followed up. The business sends the quote, hears nothing, and assumes the client wasn't interested. Meanwhile the client got busy, forgot, or was simply waiting for a nudge — and gave the job to whoever followed up first. The follow-up is where jobs are won.
When to follow up on a quote
Timing matters more than most people think. A simple, reliable cadence:
- Follow-up 1 — 2 to 3 days after sending. Short and friendly: check it arrived and offer to answer questions.
- Follow-up 2 — about a week later. Add a little value or address a likely objection.
- Follow-up 3 — before the quote expires. Use the expiry date as a natural, no-pressure reason to reconnect.
Timing beats persistence
Knowing when a client opened your quote changes everything — following up the hour they read it converts far better than a random nudge a week later. Tools that track quote views make this effortless.
Quote follow-up email templates
Follow-up 1 (a few days after)
"Hi [Name], just checking the quote I sent on [date] reached you okay. Happy to walk through any of it or tweak anything — when were you hoping to get started?"
Follow-up 2 (about a week later)
"Hi [Name], following up on your [job] quote. I've got a slot opening up [timeframe] if you'd like to lock it in. Any questions I can answer to help you decide?"
Follow-up 3 (before it expires)
"Hi [Name], a quick heads-up that your quote is valid until [date]. I'd love to help with this — shall I hold the price and a slot for you?"
How to follow up without being pushy
- Keep it short. One or two sentences gets read; a paragraph gets ignored.
- Lead with help, not pressure. Offer to answer questions or adjust the scope.
- Give a reason to reply now — a slot opening, the expiry date, a seasonal deadline.
- Always end with a question. Questions get replies; statements don't.
- Know when to stop. Three good follow-ups is plenty — then leave the door open.
Automate your follow-ups
Following up by hand on every quote is exactly why it doesn't happen. With Jotquote, every quote becomes a trackable link, so you see when a client opens it — and follow-up reminders make sure no quote slips through the cracks. Explore it in proposal software. And if a client still isn't replying, read what to do when a client won't respond to your quote.
Never lose a job to silence again
Send trackable quotes, see when they're opened, and follow up at the perfect moment. Free to start.
Start freeFrequently asked questions
How long should I wait to follow up on a quote?
Send a first, friendly follow-up 2–3 days after the quote, a second about a week later, and a final one just before the quote expires. That cadence keeps you top of mind without feeling pushy.
How many times should I follow up on a quote?
Around three well-timed follow-ups is the sweet spot. After that, leave the door open with a final friendly message rather than continuing to chase.
What should a quote follow-up say?
Keep it short, lead with help rather than pressure, give a reason to reply now (a slot opening or the expiry date), and always end with a question so it's easy for the client to respond.
