Next Job Playbook

Close the job

You found the lead. Here’s how to get to yes without sounding pushy — or going quiet and losing the job.

Contractor writing an estimate on site

Method 1

Fast, specific estimates

Why it works: People decide while they still remember your truck and your face. A vague “I’ll get you a number” kills the moment.

Time: Same day if you can; next morning at latest

Do this

  1. Measure / photo what you need on the visit — don’t leave holes that force a second trip before you can price.
  2. Send a written estimate the same day: what’s included, what’s not, timeline, and how to say yes (text/call).
  3. Spell out materials and labor in plain English so they can compare you to the next guy.
  4. Put your follow-up dates on the calendar the minute you send it.

Steal this (estimate opener)

[Name] — estimate for [job] at [address] attached / below. Includes [scope]. Doesn’t include [exclusions]. I can start [window]. Reply YES or call [phone] if you want it locked in.
Contractor sending a follow-up text

Method 2

Follow up on a schedule

Why it works: Most people don’t say no — they go quiet. A planned follow-up beats “hope they call back.”

Time: 2 minutes per touch, on a fixed cadence

Do this

  1. Day 2: short check-in (“any questions on the estimate?”).
  2. Day 7: value bump — one reason to decide now (crew schedule, weather, material lead time) without fake urgency.
  3. Day 21: soft close — still happy to do it, or should I close the file?
  4. Log every touch. If they say “not now,” ask when to ping again and set that date.

Steal this (day-2 text)

Hey [Name] — just checking you got the estimate for [job]. Happy to walk through any line. — [Your name]

Steal this (day-21 soft close)

[Name] — still glad to do [job] if the timing’s right. If now’s not it, I’ll close the file so I’m not bugging you. Either way is fine — just reply.
Three estimate options laid out side by side

Method 3

Good / better / best

Why it works: One price turns the talk into “cheapest wins.” Three options make them choose a package, not a vendor.

Time: Extra 10 minutes when you write the estimate

Do this

  1. Build three clear tiers: Good (solid / budget), Better (what most homeowners pick), Best (longer warranty / nicer materials).
  2. Keep the same labor story; change materials, warranty, or extras — not mystery line items.
  3. Recommend Better out loud: “Most of my customers land here.”
  4. Price the gap so Better feels like the smart middle, not a jump.

Steal this (when you present)

Three ways to do this:
Good — [what’s in] · $[ ]
Better — [what’s in] · $[ ] ← what I’d do on my own house
Best — [what’s in] · $[ ]
Which direction fits?
Homeowner comparing contractor quotes

Method 4

Handling “we’re getting other bids”

Why it works: Fighting the other guy makes you look scared. Helping them compare makes you the adult in the room.

Time: One calm conversation

Do this

  1. Say “good” — don’t flinch.
  2. Tell them what to compare: scope, materials, who’s on site, warranty, cleanup, start date — not just the bottom number.
  3. Offer to review the other quote line-by-line (no trash talk).
  4. Ask what would make them comfortable saying yes this week — then answer that, not everything else.

Steal this

Totally fair you’re getting other bids. When you compare, look at [scope / materials / warranty / who shows up], not just the total. If you want, send me theirs and I’ll mark what’s different — no pressure either way.

Keep it simple

Don’t invent a new close every week. Pick your estimate template, your three follow-up texts, and your three-tier sheet — then run them the same way every time.

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