You send an estimate, the customer says "let me think about it," and it falls into a black hole. The average contractor has $50,000-$200,000 in unsold estimates sitting in their system right now. Without follow-up, 80% of those estimates die silently. Your tech spent time on the estimate, and you got nothing back.
When an estimate is sent and not accepted within 48 hours, a 7-day follow-up sequence triggers automatically: Day 2 text check-in, Day 4 email with a similar job case study, Day 7 final text with a limited-time incentive. Each message is conversational, not salesy. If they reply at any point, the sequence stops and you take over.
Contractors using automated estimate follow-up close 10-15% more of their outstanding estimates without any manual effort. On $150,000 in open estimates, that's $15,000-$22,500 in recovered revenue. The sequence also surfaces objections early so you can address pricing or scope concerns before they ghost you.
Estimate status stays "Sent" (not "Accepted" or "Declined") for more than 48 hours.
"Hi [name], just checking in on the estimate I sent for [project]. Any questions I can answer?"
Short case study of a similar job you completed with before/after photos + "Happy to update the estimate if anything has changed."
"Last follow-up on your [project] estimate — I'm running a [seasonal] special this week. Want me to update the numbers?"
If they reply, sequence stops and conversation goes to your inbox. If no reply, contact moves to long-term nurture (monthly check-in).