27 Contractor Follow-Up Scripts That Actually Close Jobs (Copy & Paste)
Updated March 2026 · 8 min read
Most contractors send an estimate and wait. Maybe follow up once. Then wonder why they're closing less than 30% of their bids.
The contractors closing 50-60% of their estimates? They follow up systematically. Same scripts, same timing, every single time. No thinking required — just copy, paste, customize the brackets, send.
Here are 27 ready-to-use follow-up scripts organized by scenario. Save the ones you use most as phone templates.
📋 Estimate Follow-Up Scripts
Use this 5-touch sequence after sending every estimate. The timing matters — don't skip steps.
Touch 1 — Same Day (2 hours after sending)
"Hey [NAME], just wanted to make sure my estimate landed in your inbox — sometimes they end up in spam. Happy to answer any questions or jump on a quick call to walk through it. — [YOUR NAME]"
Touch 2 — Day 3
"Hey [NAME] — [YOUR NAME] here. Wanted to check in on that estimate. Any questions I can answer? No pressure — just want to make sure you have what you need."
Touch 3 — Day 7 (Urgency)
"[NAME] — I have an opening [DATE] that I could hold for you if you want to move forward. After that I can't guarantee availability. Just let me know either way — no hard feelings!"
Touch 4 — Day 14 (Add Value)
"Hey [NAME], I had a thought while reviewing your estimate. [INSERT VALUE — e.g., 'I noticed we could address X at the same time and save you about $Y later.' or 'I was able to get a better price on materials — knocked $X off.'] Want me to send a revised version?"
Touch 5 — Day 21 (The Breakup)
"Hey [NAME], I've reached out a few times and haven't heard back — totally understand, life gets busy. I'm going to close this estimate out on my end. But if the project comes back up, you've got my number. Keep it handy — hope to work together someday. — [YOUR NAME]"
⚡ This gets a 60%+ response rate. People don't want to lose their option.
💡 Pro Tip: Save these 5 texts as templates on your phone. After sending an estimate, set a reminder for each touch. The whole system runs in under 5 minutes per estimate over 3 weeks.
🔄 No-Show Recovery Scripts
When a customer ghosts on a scheduled appointment:
30 Minutes After No-Show
"Hey [NAME], it's [YOUR NAME] from [COMPANY]. We had an appointment today at [TIME] — just wanted to make sure everything is okay and see if you need to reschedule."
Same Day, After 1 Hour
"Hey [NAME], [YOUR NAME] here — we missed you at [TIME] today. My crew showed up and we want to make sure everything's okay on your end. Happy to reschedule for whatever works best."
Next Morning
"Good morning [NAME], following up on yesterday. I have openings [DAY] and [DAY] this week. Which works better for you?"
Final Attempt
"Hey [NAME], this is my last attempt to reconnect about your [PROJECT]. I'm going to release your slot. If things change in the future, you've got my number — hope to work together someday."
⭐ Google Review Request Scripts
Send within 24 hours of completing a job:
The Simple Ask
"Hey [NAME]! Hope everything looks great. If you're happy with how it turned out, a quick Google review would mean the world — takes about 60 seconds: [YOUR REVIEW LINK] 🙏"
The Guided Ask (Gets Better Reviews)
"If you're not sure what to write, other clients usually mention: how the communication was, whether we were on time and on budget, the quality of the finished work, and whether you'd recommend us. [REVIEW LINK]"
7-Day Follow-Up
"Hey [NAME], no worries if you haven't had a chance yet — I know life is busy! If you've got 30 seconds today, here's that link again: [REVIEW LINK]. Thank you!"
Past Client Blitz (Send to Everyone)
"Hey [NAME], it's [YOUR NAME] with [COMPANY]. Hope you're doing great! I know it's been a while, but I'm trying to build up our Google reviews. Would you mind leaving a quick one? Takes about 30 seconds: [REVIEW LINK]. Thank you!"
Send 5-10 per day to past clients. You'll have 10+ new reviews within a week.
🤝 Referral Ask Scripts
Best sent 1-2 weeks after job completion:
Direct Ask
"Hey [NAME], glad you're happy with the [PROJECT]! Do you know anyone looking at something similar? We get most of our work through referrals and yours would mean a lot. Just pass along my number: [PHONE]. Thanks! 🙏"
With Incentive
"Hey [NAME], if you refer someone and they book a job, I'll send you a $50 gift card as a thank-you. No strings — just my way of saying thanks. Have them mention your name when they call."
After a Compliment
"That means a lot, thank you! If you ever feel comfortable recommending us to friends or family, that's honestly the best way you can support a small business."
Neighbor Referral
"Hey [NAME], while we were working at your place I noticed a few neighbors might benefit from [WORK]. Would you be comfortable mentioning us if it comes up? A recommendation from you carries way more weight than any ad."
📅 Seasonal Campaign Scripts
Spring
"Hey [NAME], it's [YOUR NAME] with [COMPANY]. Spring is around the corner — perfect time for [SERVICE]. We're booking March/April now and they fill up fast. Want me to pencil you in?"
Summer
"Hey [NAME], summer is our busiest season — if you've been thinking about [SERVICE], now's the time before we're booked out. Can usually start within 2 weeks if we lock it in this week."
Fall
"Hey [NAME], fall is the best time to get ahead of [SERVICE] before cold hits. We're booking September/October now. Want me to get you on the schedule?"
Slow Season Fill
"Hey [NAME], had a cancellation this week and have an opening [DATE]. If you've got anything that needs doing, I can offer a discount this week only. Interested?"
💬 Objection Handling Scripts
"Too Expensive"
"Totally understand — budget is real. Can I ask what number you were working with? I might be able to adjust scope or phase the work. Worth a 5-min call?"
"Let Me Think About It"
"Of course — take your time. Is there anything specific you're trying to work through? Sometimes I can help think it through."
"Got a Cheaper Quote"
"I appreciate you being upfront. I can't always be the cheapest — but I can tell you exactly what's in my estimate and why. Would it help if I walked you through the line items so you can compare apples to apples?"
🎯 Cold Lead Re-Engagement
For leads that went cold 30-90 days ago:
Soft Opener
"Hey [NAME] — we worked up an estimate back in [MONTH]. Not sure if the timing was off or you went another direction — either way, no hard feelings. We're booking [SEASON] work now. Still thinking about the [PROJECT]?"
Add Value
"Wanted to mention — material costs have [changed/stabilized] since we last talked, and I have availability starting [DATE]. If the project is still on your radar, I can put together a fresh estimate."
Final Breakup
"Last message — I don't want to keep bothering you. If the timing isn't right, completely understood. Keep my number in your phone. When you're ready, I'll be here."
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