The follow-up problem
Most small service businesses follow up once, maybe twice, and then give up. Our data shows that 38% of eventually-won deals required 4 or more touchpoints. The businesses that close at 30%+ win rates are the ones with a system — not the ones with the best pitch.
The deal is not lost when they stop replying. It is lost when you stop following up.
The cadence
Day 1 (same day as quote): a short confirmation that the quote is on its way and a genuine question about their timeline. Day 3: a value-add message, not a chase. Something useful — a photo of a similar job, a note about material availability. Day 7: a direct, low-pressure check-in. Day 14: a final short message acknowledging they may have gone elsewhere, leaving the door open.
- Day 1: confirm + one timeline question
- Day 3: value-add (photo, tip, availability note) — no price mention
- Day 7: direct short check-in, one sentence
- Day 14: graceful close, leaves door open
Do not send the same message four times with 'just following up' prepended. Each touchpoint needs to add something — information, reassurance, or a new angle.