They want the leak sorted or the kitchen in before half term. You are already in two lofts. Lying about Thursday burns the lead and the review. The WhatsApp that keeps them is the one with a week on it.
What to send
| Situation | Message job |
|---|---|
| Busy but you want it | Week + offer to quote now |
| Emergency you cannot do | No, and a name if you have one |
| They can wait | Quote, validity, hold the week on a yes |
| You hoped to squeeze them in | Do not. The squeeze job is how Thursday collapses |
Busy, still interested.
I can look at photos today and send a quote this week. Earliest start is w/c 18 May. If that works, reply and I’ll measure / hold that week. If you need it sooner I understand — I don’t want to string you along.
You cannot take it. Do not ghost.
I’m booked through June on this sort of work so I shouldn’t take it. If you can wait until July I can quote and put you in. If not, try [name] — they’re local and tidy. Sorry I can’t be there this month.
If rain, kit lead times, or another trade slipped, say that once with the new week. “Running a bit behind” every Friday is how they hire someone else while you still think you have the job.
What people miss
“I’ll try to get there this week.” They hear Thursday. You meant if a job cancels. Give a week you will defend.
Quoting a start you cannot keep. Winning the yes with a fantasy date is worse than losing the yes.
Going quiet because you are embarrassed. Busy is normal. Silence reads as flaky.
Holding May for a maybe. A held week needs a yes, and often a deposit if you are turning other work away.
Related guides
FAQ
- Should I tell them who else to call?
- Only if you would use that person on your own house. A random name from Facebook is not a favour.
- What if they accept and then I slip?
- Message the new week as soon as you know. Do not wait until the morning you were due.
- Can I take a deposit to hold a delayed slot?
- Yes if the week is real and you would turn other work away. Write it on the quote. Do not take a deposit for a fictional gap.
- They need it Friday and I am free Saturday.
- Say Saturday. A true later slot is better than a heroic Friday you will miss.
