How do you write a quote that wins the job?
A quote that tends to win the job reads like an answer to the customer's problem, not a price list. Restate what they need in their own words, say what is included and what is not, give the timing, explain what happens after they say yes, and offer one clear way to accept. Add a date the quote is good until only if there is a real reason for one, and never invent urgency.
What to put in it
| Part | What it says |
|---|---|
| The problem | What they asked for, in their words, such as "water pooling by the back door after rain". |
| The work | What you will do, in a few plain steps. |
| Included and not included | What the price covers, and what it leaves out, such as disposal or repairs found along the way. |
| The price | The total, shown the way you normally price, with any options listed separately. |
| Timing | When you can start and roughly how long the work takes. |
| What happens next | What follows a yes: booking, any preparation they need to do, and who will be there. |
| Good until | A date, only if the price really can change, for example when material costs move. |
| How to say yes | One step: reply yes, sign, or press one button. |
Why their words matter
Customers often compare several quotes. One that repeats their problem back can show you listened, and a clearly spelled-out scope is easier to compare.
A short line on what is not included can prevent a common argument later. It can also make it easier for the customer to see when a cheaper quote simply leaves things out.
One clear way to say yes
A quote that ends with "let us know" leaves the next move unclear. One that ends with "reply yes to this email and we will send you start dates" does not. If they would rather talk it through first, offer a short call at a time they choose, and call only with the person's consent.
What to leave out
- Invented urgency, such as a discount that supposedly ends tomorrow.
- Pages of terms before the price. Put the plain summary first and the terms after it.
- Jargon the customer would need to look up.
- Vague lines such as "materials and sundries" with no explanation.
After you send it
Send it soon after the visit, while the job is fresh for both of you. If you hear nothing, follow up; the related answer on following up with leads that go quiet covers how often. If price comes up before you can quote, the related answer on when a lead asks for the price first covers that conversation.
Related answers
- What should you say when a new lead asks for the price first?
- How should you follow up with a lead that goes quiet?
- What is a sales pipeline for a small service business?
Lead systems and lead tracking
A lead that waits a day goes cold, and a lead with no source teaches you nothing. Ascent Vision fixes both.