You sent the PDF Tuesday. Thursday you are refreshing WhatsApp like it owes you rent. They are at work, waiting on a partner, or already booked someone and too British to say. Your follow-up should help them decide, not remind them you are anxious.
A simple cadence
| When | Send | Skip |
|---|---|---|
| Day you quote | The quote. That is the follow-up. | “Let me know ASAP” |
| 3–5 working days | One short ping | A second ping the next morning |
| Before validity ends | One expiry note | Daily countdown messages |
| After that | Nothing, unless they reply | “Just circling back” x4 |
Copy these
First chase. Change the job name.
Hi Sam — just a note on the hall, stairs and landing quote I sent Monday. Still happy to do it w/c 12th if that week works. If you want to drop the doors or change the spec, say and I’ll revise it. No rush if you’re still deciding.
Last note, tied to the date on the paper.
Quick heads-up: that quote for the bathroom is valid until 3 May (materials have been moving). After that I’ll need to recost. If you want the week holding, a yes on this chat is enough.
Closing the thread without a sulk.
I’ll leave this with you. If you pick it up later in the year I’ve still got the photos and the measure. Good luck with the job either way.
What people miss
“Just checking in.” It says you have nothing to add. Add the week you can do, or the bit they can cut, or the expiry. Otherwise do not send it.
Calling after they read and ignored. Blue ticks are not consent to a speech. One text is enough.
Dropping the price in the chase. Then the first quote was theatre. If you recost, say what changed.
Following up a “we’ll leave it.” They answered. File it. They know where you are.
Related guides
FAQ
- What if they viewed the PDF and said nothing?
- Treat it like any other quiet quote. One useful ping, then the expiry note. Opened is not accepted.
- Commercial jobs — longer wait?
- Yes. Facilities and landlords sit on quotes. Give it a week, then chase the person who asked, not the whole office group chat.
- Can I follow up on a missed call instead?
- A missed call with no voicemail is another notification. Put the same sentence in WhatsApp so they can read it on the tools.
- They said “looks good” then vanished.
- Looks good is not a yes. Reply: “Great — reply YES to accept and I’ll order / book the week.” Then the normal cadence.
