Abandoned Quote Follow-Up Sequences That Convert

One roofing contractor books 56% of leads within 10 minutes of first contact. The secret: SMS with embedded scheduling links.

Most contractors send a quote, wait for a response, then wonder why they never hear back. Automated follow-up sequences fix this.

Why quotes get abandoned

Homeowners request quotes for projects they actually want done. Then life happens.

Decision paralysis hits when they’re comparing three quotes and feel stuck. The longer they wait, the harder the decision gets.

Sticker shock makes them pause. The number was higher than expected and they need time to process or research financing.

Bad timing plays a role too. They want the work done later. Urgency fades and they forget.

Some quotes get lost in inbox. The email with the estimate got buried and they meant to respond but forgot.

Others arrive without a clear next step. “Let me know if you have questions” lacks urgency and clear direction.

Automated follow-up addresses all of these by staying visible and making the next step obvious.

The 98% open rate advantage

Text messages have a 98% open rate. Email runs around 20%. Phone connects maybe 18% of the time.

Email-only follow-up means 80% of your messages go unseen. Phone-only follow-up means constant phone tag.

Text reaches them. Every time.

Keep messages under 220 characters and end with a clear yes/no question. Include a link for scheduling, payment, or approval.

Use their name and send from a number they can reply to.

The automation framework

Effective follow-up requires structure. It’s a sequence that runs automatically based on time and response.

Day 0 (immediately after quote): “Hi [Name], just sent your estimate for [project]. Questions? Just reply here.”

Day 1: “Following up on yesterday’s estimate. Want me to hold a spot on our schedule while you decide?”

Day 3: “Checking in on your [project] estimate. Reply YES if you’re ready to move forward, or let me know if you have questions.”

Day 5: Phone call. If no answer: “Hi [Name], tried calling about your estimate. Text me back when you have a minute.”

Day 7: “Our schedule is filling up for [next week/month]. Want me to lock in your date?”

Day 10: “Did you know we offer financing? [Link] Break it into affordable monthly payments.”

Day 14: Phone call + text: “Last check-in on your estimate. If you want to wait, totally understand—just let me know.”

Day 21: “Hi [Name], I’ll mark your estimate as closed unless I hear back. If you’re still interested, reply and I’ll keep it active.”

This sequence hits 8+ touches across text, email, and phone. The final message creates urgency through scarcity without being pushy.

The scheduling link tactic

The roofing contractor booking 56% in 10 minutes uses a simple trick: embed a scheduling link in the first text.

“Thanks for requesting an estimate! Pick a time for your inspection: [Calendly link]”

No back-and-forth. No phone tag. The homeowner clicks, picks a slot, and they’re booked.

Tools like Calendly, Acuity, or ServiceTitan’s booking feature make this easy. Link goes in the text. Appointment goes on your calendar.

Multi-channel sequencing

Text-only sequences miss some people. Phone-only misses more. The best results come from combining channels.

When a lead comes in, start with an immediate auto-text confirming receipt. Same day, make a phone call to discuss details. After the call, send an email with the formal quote PDF. Next day, text to check if they received the quote. On day 3 and beyond, the follow-up sequence kicks in.

Each channel has a role. Text for speed and opens. Phone for complex conversations. Email for documentation and details.

Response-based branching

Smart automation adjusts based on what happens.

If they reply, stop the automated sequence and have a human follow up. If they book, start a confirmation sequence and end the follow-up.

If there’s no response after Day 14, reduce frequency and check in monthly instead of weekly. If they want to wait, schedule a future follow-up for 60-90 days later.

CRMs like ServiceTitan, Housecall Pro, and GoHighLevel support this kind of branching logic. Set it up once and it runs forever.

What to say when they’re comparing quotes

“Comparing quotes” is the most common stall. Handle it directly.

“I know you’re looking at a few options. Happy to walk through our quote over the phone so you can compare apples to apples. When works?”

“If another company came in lower, I’d love the chance to match or explain the difference in scope. Worth a quick call?”

“What matters most to you—price, timeline, or quality? I can show you exactly how we stack up on that.”

Avoid discounting immediately. First understand what they’re comparing. Sometimes “cheaper” quotes are missing scope items. Point that out.

Handling the price objection

Price is the #1 reason quotes go unsigned. Address it proactively.

For financing: “We offer $0 down financing with monthly payments as low as $X. Would that help fit this into your budget?”

For payment plans: “We can split this into 2-3 payments if that makes the timing easier. Let me know and I’ll send revised terms.”

To emphasize value: “I know [project] is an investment. Here’s what you’re getting for that price: [1-2 specific value points]. Worth a call to walk through it?”

Avoid apologizing for pricing. Reframe it as value and offer solutions.

Tracking and improving results

Automation without measurement is guessing.

Track response rate by message (which texts get replies?), drop-off point (where do people stop engaging?), conversion by sequence (which version closes more?), and time to close (faster is better).

A/B test subject lines, message timing, and CTA wording. Small changes compound into major improvements.

The tools to use

For SMS automation, options include ServiceTitan Marketing Pro, Hatch, GoHighLevel, and Podium. For scheduling links, try Calendly, Acuity, ServiceTitan’s booking, or Square Appointments.

CRMs with automation features include ServiceTitan, Housecall Pro, Jobber, and GoHighLevel. Most contractors already have a CRM—check if it has automation features before buying another tool.

Start here

If you’re not sending automated follow-up on quotes, start with a simple 5-message SMS sequence.

Set it up in your CRM. Test it on 10 quotes. Measure response rate.

Then iterate. Add financing messages. Add scheduling links. Add phone touchpoints.

The goal is consistent follow-up that runs without you thinking about it. Every quote that would have died in inbox now gets 8-12 chances to convert.

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