The follow up after the estimate
What this fixes: Losing jobs to cheapest bid · Not enough leads converting · No follow up · Wasted estimates
Most contractors send the quote and wait. The ones who follow up properly close noticeably more of the same estimates, without dropping their price.
Three touches over two weeks. Stop after that until something changes.
Same day, with the proposal
Subject: Your [feature] proposal, your company
Hi [name],
Good to meet you today. The proposal is attached.
A few things we talked about that are worth repeating: [the one constraint specific to their site], and [the one thing they seemed most concerned about].
The range on this is [range], and the main thing that moves it is [the variable].
Here is a project we did in [nearby town] that is close to what we discussed: [link to the project page]
Take your time with it. If anything is unclear, call me at your phone number.
the owner
Day 4
Subject: One thing I forgot to mention
Hi [name],
One thing I should have said when I was out there. [Something genuinely useful and specific to their site. A timing consideration, a maintenance point, a thing to watch with their slope or trees.]
No rush on the proposal. Just wanted you to have that.
the owner
Day 12
Subject: Where are you at on the pond?
Hi [name],
Checking in on the [feature] proposal. No pressure either way, I would just rather know where you stand than keep wondering.
If you are moving ahead, our calendar for [season] is filling and I want to make sure we can fit you. If you have gone another direction or shelved it, that is completely fine, just let me know and I will stop bothering you.
the owner your phone number
Why the last one works
Giving them an easy way to say no is what gets a reply. Half the time the reply is yes, and the other half you get your head space back instead of wondering for six weeks.
If they went with someone cheaper
One reply, no argument.
"Appreciate you letting me know. If anything comes up down the road, or if you ever want a second opinion on the maintenance side, I am here."
You will get some of those calls in two years. Do not spend the relationship on a complaint.