Most quote follow-up emails fail because they’re either too long, too vague, or just a repeat of the original message. The templates below solve all three problems — one for each stage of the follow-up sequence.
Getting a reply on a quote often comes down to the follow-up. Clients get busy, quotes get buried, and a simple well-timed email is all it takes to get back on their radar. The templates here are short, specific, and easy to adapt for your situation.
Template 1: The 3-day follow-up
This is your first touch after sending the quote. The goal is to confirm receipt and invite questions — not to ask for a decision.
Subject: Re: Quote for [Project Name]
Hi [Name],
Just following up on the quote I sent over on [day]. Happy to answer any questions as you’re reviewing it — whether it’s about scope, timeline, or the numbers.
Do you have a sense of when you’re looking to make a call on this?
[Your name]
Why this works: it’s under 60 words, asks one clear question, and gives the client an easy way to engage without committing to anything.
Template 2: The 7-day follow-up
By day 7 with no response, you need to add something new. Don’t repeat the day-3 message. Add a genuine piece of useful information — a project slot, a price validity window, or a question that moves things forward.
Subject: Re: Quote for [Project Name] — quick question
Hi [Name],
Following up once more on the quote from last week. I wanted to flag that I have a project slot opening up [the week of X] that would work well for your timeline — just wanted to give you a heads-up before I book something else.
Is the project still moving forward on your end?
[Your name]
The project slot mention is legitimate — it gives the client a concrete reason to reply now rather than later. If you don’t have a genuine scheduling pressure, use something else: a price validity date, a question about scope, or an offer to hop on a quick call.
Template 3: The day-14 final follow-up
This email does two things: it closes the loop and it makes it easy for the client to say no. That’s not giving up — it’s removing the friction that’s been keeping them from replying.
Subject: Re: Quote for [Project Name] — closing the loop
Hi [Name],
I’ve reached out a couple of times about the quote and don’t want to keep pinging you if the timing has changed.
If you’d like to move forward, I’m still available and happy to talk through any questions. If the project is on hold or you’ve gone in a different direction, that’s completely fine — just let me know so I can adjust my schedule.
Either way, I appreciate you taking the time.
[Your name]
This message consistently gets replies — even from clients who had decided not to move forward. People respond to being given an easy out. And getting a clear “not right now” is far more useful than leaving the lead in limbo.
What to do before you write the follow-up
The most common mistake in quote follow-ups is writing the same message whether the client read the quote or not.
If you sent your quote through Waco3, you can see whether the client opened it and how much time they spent on it. That changes what you write:
- Client opened it twice but hasn’t replied — they’re interested but have an objection or question. Ask what’s holding them back.
- Client hasn’t opened it at all — lead with “wanted to make sure this didn’t get buried” and resend or link directly.
This context turns a generic follow-up into a targeted one. Targeted messages get better replies.
What not to include in a quote follow-up
A few things that hurt more than they help:
- “I just wanted to check in” — this adds nothing. Always give them something to respond to.
- Restating the full quote — they have the original. You don’t need to repeat it.
- Apologizing for following up — you’re doing your job. No apology needed.
- Multiple questions in one email — pick one question. Multiple questions create decision paralysis and often get none of them answered.
The best quote follow-up email is one the client can read in 20 seconds and reply to in 10. Keep it that short.
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