THE CONTRACTOR TOOLBOX / 08
Money in old estimates.
Go get it back.
Every estimate that never got a yes or a no is a homeowner who once wanted the job done. Count them, see what they are worth, and send the follow-up below.
1. What is sitting in your old estimates
Count every estimate from the last 12 months that never got a yes or a clear no. Check your texts, email, notebook and CRM.
2. The follow-up, word for word
Send these to every open estimate, oldest first. Stop the moment someone replies. Fill in the brackets: [job] is what you quoted, like a roof repair or a new fence.
Hi [first name], [your name] from [company] here. A while back we priced your [job]. Is that still something you are planning? Happy to update the price if the scope changed.
Hi [first name], quick one: we have openings in [month] for [job]s like yours. Want me to hold one while you decide?
Subject: Your [job] in [city] Hi [first name], Here are a few [job]s we finished recently in [city]: [link or photos]. Your estimate from [month] still stands at [price], or I can come back out and update it. Reply with a good time and I will call you. [Your name], [company], [phone]
Call once. If no answer, leave a 20-second voicemail: who you are, the job, and that you can still fit them in this season. Then text: "Just tried you about the [job], call or text back anytime."
Hi [first name], last check from me on the [job]. If it is on hold, no problem at all: just reply "later" and I will check back next season.
Hi [first name], [company] here. Still thinking about the [job]? We are booking [season] now.
3. Rules that keep it working
- Block one evening a week until every open estimate has had the day 1 text.
- Mark every reply in your CRM or a sheet: booked, later, lost (and why).
- “Later” goes on the every-3-months list. “Not interested” gets a thank-you and nothing more.
- From now on, every new estimate starts this sequence automatically the day it is sent.
ON AUTOPILOT
Every estimate followed up,
without you remembering.
We load your old estimates into a CRM and switch on this exact sequence for every new quote, so none go quiet again.
Tell us how many open estimates you have.
A few useful details
Is it pushy to text old estimates?
Not if it is short, polite and easy to answer with “later” or “no thanks”. Most people who go quiet did not say no: they got busy. The sequence stops the moment they reply.
How far back should I go?
Twelve months is a good start. Older estimates still work for seasonal jobs: someone who priced a deck last spring may be ready this spring.
Can I send texts to these people?
Only to people who gave you their number for this job, and stop as soon as anyone asks you to. Check the texting rules that apply where you work; this is not legal advice.
Is anything saved or sent?
No. The numbers are calculated in your browser, and the copy buttons only copy to your clipboard.