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 expensive: 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 still exploring options when they asked for the quote. They weren't ready to decide.

Lack of trust: first time using this provider. No references. The quote is the only basis for the decision and it didn't build enough confidence.

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

Lump sum too high: the client wants the job done but doesn't want to pay R10,000 in one go.

Knowing the real reason completely changes your response.

How to ask for feedback without being a nuisance

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

The right approach is simple and direct:

"No worries at all. Would you mind sharing what weighed most in the decision? It helps me improve my quotes."

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, 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 installation now and the extras in a second phase. That would be X instead of Y."

Offer staged payments: with Prummo, you can set the quote up as a deposit, a progress payment, and a final balance via PayShap or EFT. Many jobs rejected at R9,000 upfront are accepted when split into three payments of R3,000 across the job.

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

Deposit plus completion: "you can pay 50% 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 inflated. 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 discounts
• The client compares you with unrealistic prices from unqualified people
• You sense the client will be difficult throughout the job

Refusing a bad job frees up time for a good one. A provider busy with 3 good jobs earns more than one with 5 bad jobs.

Final tip: leave the door open. "If you change your mind or need anything in future, I'm available." Many clients come back weeks or months later.