5 Tips for Writing Contractor Quotes That Get Signed
Sending quotes is one of the most important parts of running a contracting business — but it’s also one of the easiest to get wrong. A vague or messy quote can cost you the job before the customer even reads the details.
Here are five things that make the difference between quotes that sit in an inbox and quotes that get signed.
1. Be specific with line items
Customers want to know exactly what they’re paying for. Instead of writing “plumbing work — $2,500”, break it down:
- Remove and replace kitchen faucet — $450
- Install new shutoff valves (2) — $300
- Replace supply lines — $150
Detailed line items build trust and reduce back-and-forth questions.
2. Include payment terms up front
Don’t leave payment expectations to a phone call after the work is done. Put your terms directly on the quote:
- When payment is due (on completion, net 30, etc.)
- What methods you accept (check, card, Venmo)
- Whether you require a deposit
When customers know what to expect, they sign faster.
3. Send it while the conversation is fresh
The longer you wait to send a quote, the colder the lead gets. If you visited a job site in the morning, that quote should be in the customer’s hands by the afternoon — not three days later.
Tools like QuoteMe let you build and send quotes directly from your phone so you can quote on the spot.
4. Make signing easy
If your customer has to print, sign, scan, and email a PDF back to you, you’re adding friction that kills deals. Digital signing — where they tap a link, review the quote, and sign on their phone — removes every barrier.
5. Follow up once
If you haven’t heard back in a couple of days, a short follow-up message shows professionalism without being pushy. Something simple like:
“Hi — just checking if you had any questions about the quote I sent over. Happy to adjust anything.”
Most contractors don’t follow up at all, so this one step puts you ahead.
The bottom line: clear line items, upfront terms, fast delivery, easy signing, and a simple follow-up. Nail these five and you’ll close more work with less hassle.