Three ready-to-send follow-ups for a quote that went quiet, with the right timing and what not to write.
Silence after a quote almost never means no. Most of the time the person got pulled elsewhere, the email slipped down their inbox, or they are waiting on a second quote to compare. Not following up hands the job to whoever does.
What works is three short, spaced messages that always leave the door open. What does not work is chasing every two days, or writing a wall of text that asks for everything again.
Past three, you convince nobody: you get filed as a nuisance, and you lose that person's future inquiries too. Three spaced messages beat eight close ones.
And stop the moment they reply, even to say no. A follow-up that lands after a refusal makes it look like nobody reads.
"I hope you don't mind me chasing": that phrasing apologizes for existing. You wrote a quote, you are entitled to an answer.
"Unless I am mistaken, you did not get back to me": that puts the fault on the client. They did nothing wrong, they simply have other things to do.
And never a fake deadline, the "offer valid 48 hours" kind, when it is not. It works once and damages trust for every message after.
Written with these trades in mind
Template 1 of 3
When to use it : Early enough to stay on their radar, late enough not to look like you are chasing.
Subject : Your quote for [job]
Hello [first name], I am following up on the quote I sent on [date], for [job]. I mainly wanted to check it reached you, and whether you have any questions about it. I am happy to revise it if something does not match what you had in mind. Best, [your first name] [your phone]
Template 2 of 3
When to use it : This one does not insist, it BRINGS something: an opening in the calendar, a detail, a useful fact. A message that asks the same thing twice reads as pressure.
Subject : An opening for [job]
Hello [first name], I have an opening coming up [period, for example: the week of the 22nd], and I thought of your [job]. If you are still interested, say the word and I will hold it for you. If you have gone another way, no problem at all, just tell me so I stop following up. Best, [your first name]
Template 3 of 3
When to use it : Three weeks after the quote. It says you are stopping, which is often the one people answer, because it asks for nothing.
Subject : Closing your file for [job]
Hello [first name], As I have not heard back, I am going to close your file so I stop cluttering your inbox. The quote stands until [date], and if your project restarts in six months, just write to me and I will gladly pick it up again. All the best, [your first name]
With Standin
Standin reads your clients' messages while you work, fills in their record and drafts the reply in your words. You read it over and send. Free to start, no card needed.