How to send estimates by text (and close more jobs)

When was the last time you opened a non-work email within 60 seconds? Now think about a text. The medium you choose to send your estimate is one of the biggest predictors of whether you close the job.

The numbers don't lie

• Email open rate (homeowners): 18–22% within 24 hours
• Text open rate: 95% within 3 minutes
• Email-sent estimate close rate: 22% (industry average)
• Text-sent estimate close rate: 61% (Fieldora data, 12k+ estimates)

How to actually do it

Step 1: Build the estimate on-site or in the truck. Speed matters. Send within 30 minutes of leaving or your close rate drops by 40%.

Step 2: Send a one-tap link, not a PDF. Customers open links in 2 seconds. PDFs require download, and on mobile that's friction. Use a tool that sends a clickable web-based estimate.

Step 3: Include a short, personal text message. Don't send a robotic auto-text. Send a 2-line note.

Templates that win

For new customers:

"Hi Jen, this is Mike from Apex Plumbing. Here's the estimate for the water heater swap we talked about — let me know if you have any questions and we can get you on the schedule. [link]"

For repeat customers:

"Hey Tom — sent over the estimate for the kitchen drain. Same install crew you had last time. Tap to approve and we'll come Wednesday. [link]"

The follow-up rule

If they haven't responded in 48 hours, send one short follow-up text: "Hey {name}, just checking in on the estimate I sent over — happy to answer questions or walk through it." After that, leave them alone. Three+ texts feels like nagging and tanks future relationship work.

Compliance note

In the US, transactional texts (sending an estimate a customer requested) are TCPA-safe. Marketing texts ("50% off this week!") require explicit opt-in. Stick to transactional and you're fine.