How to write quotes that customers accept faster
The difference between an accepted quote and an ignored one is often not the price. It's the presentation and the speed.
Speed is the number one factor
The tradesperson who responds first with a polished quote wins the job most of the time. When a customer asks three different people for quotes, whoever comes back first with something professional has a massive head start.
With Prummo, you can build a quote by voice on the way to the next job. One minute, and it's sent over WhatsApp before you've even left the driveway.
Be transparent with your pricing
Itemise materials, quantities, and labour separately. Customers want to see exactly what they're paying for. A quote that simply says "electrical work: R4,500" raises suspicion.
A quote that lists every material, quantity, and unit price conveys professionalism and justifies the total.
Offer to split the payment
Many jobs stall because of the lump sum, not the price itself. When you offer to split it into a deposit and a completion payment (for example, a R5,000 PayShap deposit now and R10,000 on completion instead of R15,000 upfront), you remove the biggest barrier to a yes.
With Prummo, the customer can pay the deposit directly from the quote link the moment they accept.
Presentation makes the difference
A well-presented quote, with your name, contact details, and organised line items, conveys professionalism. Customers feel confident approving work when the quote looks like it came from someone who takes their business seriously.
Avoid handwritten quotes or numbers scribbled in a WhatsApp voice note. A clean digital page is the first impression a customer has of your work, before you've even started the job.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best time to send a quote?
As soon as possible. Ideally within the first 30 minutes after the site visit or the first WhatsApp message. The acceptance rate drops with every hour that passes.
Should I offer a discount for immediate payment?
Not necessarily. If you already offer a deposit-plus-balance split, the customer has payment flexibility. Discounts for paying upfront can undervalue your work.
How should I follow up on a sent quote?
With Prummo, you can see whether the customer has opened the quote. If there's no response after 2-3 days, send a quick WhatsApp message asking if they have any questions.
Does a quote need a validity period to be taken seriously?
Yes. "Valid for 14 days" creates gentle urgency and protects you if material prices shift before the customer decides. It also reads as more professional than a quote with no end date.
Should I mention that payment is via PayShap or EFT upfront in the quote?
Yes. Stating payment terms clearly, "deposit via PayShap on acceptance, balance on completion", removes uncertainty and speeds up the decision. Customers don't want to guess how they'll be expected to pay.
Does adding photos to the quote actually help?
Yes, especially for repairs and renovations. A photo of the damage or the site alongside the itemised quote reassures the customer that you understood the job correctly, and reduces the back-and-forth before acceptance.