Three replies to a first inquiry: the instant acknowledgement, the full answer, and how to decline without losing the contact.
Someone looking for a tradesperson contacts several the same day, and very often goes with the first who replies. Not the cheapest, not the best rated: the first. That is the one race you can win without touching your prices.
The trap is wanting to answer well rather than fast. A three-line acknowledgement sent within the hour beats a polished reply sent the following evening.
This is not an opinion, it is what anyone does: send three inquiries, go with whoever calls back. Everything else, the quality, the price, only counts if you are still on the list.
Hence the acknowledgement. It promises nothing, it only says "your message reached a human". That is already more than most manage.
A price given without looking, then revised upward after the visit, costs you the job AND the trust. Three precise questions beat a range you will have to walk back.
If you must give an order of magnitude, say where it comes from: "on a comparable job last month it came to around [amount]".
Written with these trades in mind
Template 1 of 3
When to use it : When you are on a job and cannot properly reply. It costs thirty seconds and keeps you in the race.
Subject : Got it, I will get back to you
Hello [first name], I have your inquiry about [subject]. I am out on a job today, I will reply in full by [this evening / tomorrow morning]. If it is urgent, call me at [phone]. [your first name]
Template 2 of 3
When to use it : Once you have a moment. It asks the questions you need to price the job, instead of throwing out a number you will have to correct later.
Subject : Your [subject] project
Hello [first name], Thanks for your message. This is exactly the kind of job I do. To give you a real price rather than a vague range, I am missing three things: - [question 1, for example: the area involved] - [question 2, for example: the current state of the installation] - [question 3, for example: the timing that suits you] If it is easier, I can come and look, free and with no commitment. I am available [two specific slots]. Best, [your first name] [your phone]
Template 3 of 3
When to use it : When the job is not for you: too far, outside your specialty, calendar full. Replying anyway beats silence, and it comes back more often than you would think.
Subject : Your inquiry about [subject]
Hello [first name], Thanks for getting in touch. I will not be able to take this job: [short, honest reason, for example: my calendar is full until November]. So you are not left without an option, [name of a colleague] does this kind of work very well, you can reach them at [phone]. And if your project can wait until [period], come back to me, I would be glad to take it. 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.