A client says “let’s do it” on the phone and you feel great. Then two days pass, no contract is signed, and you’re not sure if the deal is still alive. The verbal offer follow-up email closes that gap before it becomes a problem.
Template 1: After a clean verbal yes
Subject: Re: [Project name]—confirming what we discussed
Hi [Name],
Really glad we got to talk today. Here’s a summary of what we agreed:
- Project: [Brief description]
- Scope: [Key deliverables]
- Investment: [Price]
- Timeline: [Start and end dates or key milestones]
- Next step: [Signed contract + deposit / kickoff call / etc.]
I’ll send the contract today for your signature. Once that’s back, I’ll lock in your start date and we’re off.
Looking forward to it.
[Your name]
Why it works: The bullet format makes the agreement easy to scan and confirm. “I’ll send the contract today” creates momentum rather than waiting for them to ask.
Template 2: After a tentative verbal yes (“I think we want to move forward”)
Subject: [Project name]—notes from our call
Hi [Name],
Great talking today. Based on our conversation, it sounds like you’re leaning toward [project/scope]. I wanted to get the key points down in writing while they’re fresh:
- [Scope summary]
- [Price range discussed]
- [Rough timeline]
The next step on my end would be to put together a formal proposal or contract—whichever you prefer. Want me to proceed with that?
[Your name]
A tentative verbal yes still deserves a same-day confirmation email. “I think we want to move forward” can become a firm yes or a clear no within 24 hours if you give it structure—which is better than waiting in ambiguity.
Template 3: Following up when the verbal yes goes cold
Sometimes a prospect says yes on the call and then doesn’t respond to your contract email.
Subject: [Project name]—contract sent [date]
Hi [Name],
I sent the contract for [project] on [date] but haven’t heard back. I want to make sure it didn’t get buried.
Is there anything that’s changed since our call, or is there a question about the contract I can answer? Happy to adjust anything.
[Your name]
What to do if the verbal yes becomes a “we’ve decided to go a different direction”
It happens. Your follow-up email made the situation clear, and their reply is a no. The right response:
“Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate you being direct. If a future project comes up where I could be helpful, I hope you’ll keep me in mind.”
Keep it gracious. Don’t push back or ask why. Burn no bridges.
Why this email matters more than most
Verbal agreements feel solid in the moment because of the energy of the conversation. That energy dissipates. Email is permanent. The verbal offer follow-up email doesn’t just confirm the deal—it also serves as a professional record that both parties agreed on scope and price before a contract was signed.
If you use Waco, you’ll also get a notification when the client opens the contract you send—so you know when to follow up on the signature and when to give it more time.
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