Small repairs close on the spot. Bigger jobs don't: a repipe, a sewer line replacement, or a bathroom remodel rough-in needs a second opinion, a spouse's okay, or a look at the budget. Those estimates are where follow-up pays.
Send the evidence with the estimate
Include photos or camera-inspection clips with the estimate. A homeowner who has seen the root intrusion in their sewer line doesn't need to be convinced; they need to decide when.
The two-week plan
| When | Channel | What it says |
|---|---|---|
| Same day | Text | Estimate link, photos, and your direct number |
| Day 2 | Options: repair now vs. replace, with what each prevents | |
| Day 5 | Text | "Want me to hold a date? Our next openings are {dates}." |
| Day 10 | Text | Financing or phased options if you offer them |
| Day 14 | Last check-in; then a quarterly reminder |
Stop on any reply or booking.
Offer a phased option
If the full job is out of budget, a phase-one fix that handles the urgent problem keeps you in the job and the homeowner protected.
Watch where estimates stall
Put every estimate in an Estimate sent stage. If most go quiet after day 5, the problem may be the price presentation, not the follow-up.
Setting it up in All Set
In All Set, moving a deal to Estimate sent starts this sequence automatically, and it stops on reply or booking. See the plumbing setup or compare plans.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I follow up on a plumbing estimate?
Two weeks of active follow-up, then a quarterly check-in. Stop on any reply.
Should I send camera-inspection video?
Yes, when you have it. It answers "do I really need this?" better than words.
What if they chose another plumber?
Thank them and ask to stay on their list. Some come back when the first fix fails.