Send it while it's fresh
The estimate you send from the driveway beats the one you type up on Sunday. While the visit is fresh, the homeowner remembers you, your truck and what you said. Same day is the goal; next morning is the limit.
Make it easy to say yes: the scope in plain words, the price, what's not included, how long the work takes and when you could start.
First follow-up: ask a question
Two days later, check in with something they can answer, not "just following up":
- "Did the two options make sense, or should I walk you through the difference?"
- "Want me to hold a start date for the week of the 20th?"
A question gets a reply. A reminder gets ignored.
Second follow-up: add something useful
About a week later, give them a reason to come back: a photo of a similar job you finished, an opening in your schedule, or financing if you actually offer it. Don't lead with a discount; it teaches customers to wait for one.
Close the loop
If there's still nothing, send one last short message that makes "no" easy: "Sounds like the timing isn't right. I'll close this out, and if anything changes, just reply here." Some people answer that one because it asks nothing of them. Either way, you stop wondering.
Keep one list
Every open estimate goes on one list with a status: sent, followed up, won, lost. When you lose one, write down why: price, timing, went with someone else, never heard back. After a few months that list tells you more about your pricing and your follow-up than any marketing report.
Questions
Should I text or call?
Both work. A text is easier to answer between other things and leaves a written record; a call is better for a big job or a confused customer. Many contractors text first and call if the customer replies with questions.
How many follow-ups is too many?
Two follow-ups and a close-the-loop message is enough for most estimates. Past that you're just adding noise.
What if they went with someone else?
Thank them, ask what made the difference, and write it down. Keep them on your list for review-worthy work later; people who chose someone else sometimes call back.