Follow-up texts for when a client goes quiet.

When a client goes quiet after an estimate, a short, friendly follow-up text wins back more jobs than waiting. Most clients are not saying no. They are busy, comparing prices or waiting on a spouse. The scripts below are written for contractors. Change the names and details, keep them short, and send one at a time.

When to follow up

• Day 2: a quick check that they got the estimate.
• Day 5 to 7: offer to answer questions or adjust the scope.
• Day 14: a gentle nudge with a reason to decide, such as your schedule.
• Day 30: a polite close-out that leaves the door open.

Day 2: did you get it?

1. Hi Sarah, it's Mike from Peach State Remodeling. Just making sure the kitchen estimate came through. Happy to walk you through it anytime.
2. Hi Sarah, quick check: did the estimate for the bathroom land in your inbox? Let me know if anything is unclear.
3. Hi Sarah, I sent over the deck estimate yesterday. Any questions so far?

Day 5 to 7: questions or changes?

1. Hi Sarah, any questions on the estimate? If the budget is tight, I can show you a version without the tile and we can add it later.
2. Hi Sarah, some clients like to see a few options. Want me to price a simpler version of the kitchen so you can compare?
3. Hi Sarah, if it helps, I can stop by for 10 minutes to go over the plan in person. What day works?

Day 14: a reason to decide

1. Hi Sarah, my schedule for next month is filling up. If you'd like to start in March, let me know this week and I'll hold a spot.
2. Hi Sarah, just checking in on the bathroom. Are you still planning to do it this year, or should I check back later?
3. Hi Sarah, material prices on the cabinets we quoted are good for 30 days. Want to lock them in?

Day 30: polite close-out

1. Hi Sarah, I haven't heard back, so I'll assume the timing isn't right. No problem at all. Your estimate is saved if you want to pick it up later.
2. Hi Sarah, should I close out your estimate for now? Just reply "later" and I'll check back in a few months.
3. Hi Sarah, totally understand if you went another way. If you ever need us, we're here.

Follow-up email after no response

1. Subject: Your kitchen estimate. Hi Sarah, I wanted to make sure you had everything you need to decide. The estimate is attached again. If anything doesn't fit your budget or plans, tell me and I'll adjust it. Thanks, Mike
2. Subject: Quick question about your bathroom project. Hi Sarah, are you still planning the bathroom update? If the timing changed, no problem. Just let me know and I'll follow up later. Thanks, Mike
3. Subject: Closing out your estimate. Hi Sarah, I haven't heard back, so I'll close out your estimate for now. If you want to move forward later, reply to this email and I'll pick it up from where we left off. Thanks, Mike

Tips that get more replies

• Send texts during the day, not late at night.
• Ask one easy question they can answer in one word.
• Offer an option, such as a smaller version, instead of just asking if they decided.
• Stop after the close-out. Three or four messages is enough.

Never forget a follow-up again

The hard part is not the words. It is remembering who to text and when. Vio lists every estimate that has gone quiet, so you see who to follow up with today. See estimate follow-up and the full follow-up guide. Need a clean estimate to send first? Use the free estimate maker.