How to follow up an enquiry quickly and win more jobs

Many people who ask for a quote contact more than one provider. The one who answers well and early is often the one who gets the job. You do not need a sales script. You need a routine.

Speed

Respond as soon as you can, ideally within the hour during working hours. If you cannot, send a short message so the enquirer knows someone has seen it. The sooner you speak to them, the less chance another provider has.

Call first, then write

A phone call tells you more than three emails. If they do not answer, leave a short voicemail and send a message straight afterwards. For example:

Ask three questions

1. What is the property (type, size, number of units or storeys)?
2. When do you need it done by?
3. Is there anything prompting it, such as a licence, an insurer or an agent?

These let you price properly and show you understand the job.

Try more than once

People are busy. A reasonable pattern is a call and message on day one, another try within two or three days, and a last message about a week later. Stop after that, politely.

Quote clearly

• State what is included and what is not
• Give a price or a range, and what could change it
• Say when you could do it
• Make the next step obvious

Record what happens

Note the outcome of every enquiry. It shows which sources and approaches work, and it lets you give useful feedback to any lead supplier. See how to track lead quality and what is a qualified lead.