Three times. Day 2 to confirm they got it and answer questions, Day 7 to add something new like a schedule window or clarified scope, Day 14 to close the loop. After that, stop — extra touches hurt your reputation more than they help you close.
The first follow-up does most of the work. The second catches the people who were busy the first time. The third gives a genuine last chance and a clean ending. Past that, each additional message gets a smaller and smaller return while the cost keeps climbing.
That cost is your reputation. A homeowner who gets six texts about a water heater starts to feel chased. A property manager who gets a daily email about a rooftop unit starts routing work elsewhere. You don't want to be the contractor who won't take the hint.
Three useful, well-spaced touches keep you top of mind without wearing out your welcome.
Two weeks is enough time for a normal household or small business to make a decision, and short enough that your quote is still relevant.
The fastest way to sound pushy is to send the same words three times. Each touch should carry a different job, so the customer sees progress instead of pressure.
For an HVAC replacement, that might look like: "Did the quote come through?" then "We have an install slot the week of the 14th" then "Should I keep your name on that slot or close it out?" Three different messages, one clear story.
End the sequence with a message that respects their time and makes replying easy.
After this message, stop. If they reach out next month, welcome them back like nothing happened.
QuoteChaser drafts every follow-up in your trade's voice — you approve each send.
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