How to Write a Quote That Wins Jobs | Free Template
You've done the site visit. You know the job inside out. You've sent the quote off. Then nothing. No reply, no callback — job goes to someone else. Most tradespeople lose jobs not because their price is too high, but because their quote doesn't justify the price.
Why Most Trade Quotes Lose Jobs Before They're Even Read
The customer is comparing your quote against two or three others at the same time. They're not just looking at the price — they're asking themselves:
- Does this person seem professional and trustworthy?
- Do I understand exactly what I'm getting for this money?
- Will this tradesperson turn up, do the job properly, and not cause me hassle?
A vague quote — "supply and fit bathroom, £1,800" — answers none of those questions. It leaves the customer guessing, and when people are unsure, they go with the cheapest or don't decide at all. A well-written quote removes the doubt and makes saying yes easy.
What Every Winning Quote Needs
Your business details at the top
Your quote should include your business name and logo, phone number and email, operating area, and any accreditations — Gas Safe, NICEIC, Checkatrade. This immediately signals you're a legitimate, established business, not someone doing jobs on the side.
Customer details and a reference number
Include the customer's name, address, and the date of the quote. Add a quote reference number — even if it's just Q001. It looks organised and makes follow-up conversations easier: "just calling about quote Q014."
A clear, itemised description of the work
This is where most tradespeople fall short. Don't just write "bathroom installation" — break it down.
Good example
Remove existing suite · Supply and fit new bath, basin and toilet (customer's own supply) · Install new chrome fittings throughout · Re-tile floor and walls (tiles customer's own supply) · All waste and pipework included
The more specific you are, the more trust you build. And if the customer tries to add extras later, you've got a clear scope to refer back to.
Materials and labour — separated
Where possible, split out materials cost from labour cost. Customers feel more comfortable seeing where the money goes — and if material costs change before the job starts, you've got a clear breakdown to refer to.
A valid until date
Always include an expiry date — 30 days is standard. This creates gentle urgency and protects you from being held to a price months later when material costs may have changed.
Your payment terms
Be upfront: do you require a deposit? Do you invoice in stages for larger jobs? What's your payment deadline? Spelling this out filters time-wasters early and avoids awkward conversations later.
A short personal note
Two or three sentences that sound human. Most tradespeople skip this — it's one of the most effective things you can add.
Example
"Thanks for the opportunity to quote for this work. I've carried out several similar installations in the area recently and I'm confident in delivering a clean, quality finish. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions."
Send it fast
Speed matters as much as presentation. The tradesperson who responds fastest is more likely to win the job — even at a slightly higher price. Customers read a fast quote as a sign you're organised and will show up when you say you will. Jobber lets you build and send professional quotes from your phone on site — before you've even left the driveway.
Quote Faster With the Right Software
| Feature | Jobber | Tradify |
|---|---|---|
| Quote from your phone on site | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Professional PDF quotes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Client approves quote online | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Automated quote follow-ups | ✓ Yes | ✕ Limited |
| Client self-serve portal | ✓ Yes | ✕ No |
| Convert quote to invoice | ✓ One tap | ✓ One tap |
| AI quoting tools | ✓ Jobber Copilot | ✕ No |
| Free trial | ✓ 14 days | ✓ 14 days |
Jobber lets you build and send professional quotes from your phone on site — with saved labour rates, materials, automated follow-ups, and a client portal where customers can approve and pay online.
Try Jobber Free for 14 Days →Free Quote Template — Download It Now
We've put together a simple, professional quote template any UK tradesperson can download and use straight away. It includes all the sections above, laid out cleanly — just fill in the details and send.
How to Follow Up Without Being Annoying
Sending the quote is only half the job. Most tradespeople send it and wait. A polite follow-up two to three days later can be the difference between winning and losing.
Follow-up message template
"Hi [Name], just checking you received the quote I sent over for the [job]. Happy to answer any questions or talk through the details if that would help."
No pressure, no hard sell. Just a reminder that you're available and interested in the work. Jobber sends these follow-up reminders automatically — you don't have to remember to do it.
Common Quoting Mistakes to Avoid
What loses jobs
- Being too vague — "general building works" tells the customer nothing. Always itemise the scope.
- Quoting too slowly — if your quote arrives three days after the site visit, the customer has already moved on.
- Skipping the follow-up — most jobs aren't won on the first quote. A polite nudge goes a long way.
- Leaving out credentials — Gas Safe, NICEIC, Checkatrade accreditations should be on every quote. They build instant trust.
- Underselling yourself — don't apologise for your price. Your description of the work and your credentials are what justify it.
The Bottom Line
A winning quote isn't about being the cheapest. It's about being the clearest, the most professional, and the fastest to respond. Get those three things right and you'll win more jobs without ever having to drop your prices.
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