What to do when a client rejects your quote

Why clients reject quotes

It's not always the price. Before lowering your rates, understand what actually happened:

Perceived as too dear: the client doesn't see the value that justifies the cost. It's not that it's overpriced, they just don't understand why it costs what it costs.

Wrong timing: the client was in an exploratory phase when they asked for the quote. They weren't ready to decide.

Lack of trust: first time with this tradesperson. No references. The quote was the only basis for the decision and it didn't come across as confident.

Competition: another tradesperson quoted lower (note: it's not always bad to lose these).

Lump sum too high: the client wants the job but doesn't want to pay €3,000 in one go.

Knowing the real reason completely changes your response.

How to ask for feedback without being a nuisance

Most tradespeople, when they get a rejection, say nothing. Or worse, they drop the price straight away. Both reactions lose the client for good.

The right approach is simple and direct:

"No bother at all. Would you mind letting me know what tipped the decision? It helps me get my quotes right."

This message works because: • It doesn't pressure • It shows professionalism • It often reopens the conversation

Send it via WhatsApp, naturally. Don't phone, a message gives the client time to respond without pressure.

With Prummo, you know whether the client even opened the quote. If they didn't open it, the problem isn't the price, it's that they never saw it. In that case, a message asking "Did you get a chance to look at the quote?" can solve it.

Renegotiation techniques that work

If the client gives feedback and shows interest but price is the barrier, you have options:

Reduce the scope: "I can do the main job now and the extras in a second phase. That'd bring it down to X instead of Y."

Split the payment: instead of the full amount upfront, offer a deposit and balance structure, say 40% before starting and 60% on completion. Many jobs turned down at €3,000 as a lump sum get approved once the client sees €1,200 upfront and €1,800 on handover.

Separate materials: "If you'd rather buy the materials yourself, I can do the labour only for X." This gives the client more control.

Deposit plus completion: "You can pay half now and the rest when the job's done."

What you should never do: lower the price without changing anything. If you drop 20% without altering the scope, the client realises the original price was padded. That destroys trust.

When to move on

Not every job is for you. Know when to walk away:

• The client wants to pay half the fair value, you'll regret it if you accept
• You've already renegotiated and the client keeps asking for more off
• The client compares you with unrealistic prices from unqualified people
• You sense the client will be difficult throughout the job

Turning down a bad job frees up time for a good one. A tradesperson busy with three good jobs earns more than one with five bad ones.

Final tip: leave the door open. "If you change your mind or need anything down the line, I'm around." Plenty of clients come back weeks or months later.