Picture this: A customer posts a job on ServiceSeeking.com.au, looking for someone just like you. Within minutes, they get a flood of quotes from eager tradies. How do you make sure yours stands out? How do you go from just another option to the obvious choice?
Winning jobs isn’t just about being the cheapest. In fact, customers rarely choose the lowest quote outright. They’re looking for reliability, trust, and a tradie who knows their stuff.
Here’s how you can craft quotes that grab attention, build trust, and ultimately land you more work.
The early bird really does catch the worm. Customers tend to engage with the first few quotes they receive, so if you’re too slow, you risk being buried under a pile of responses.
Set up notifications on your phone so you can respond as soon as a new lead comes in. The faster you quote, the higher the chance the customer will see and consider you before they’re overwhelmed with options.
Customers can spot a copy-paste job from a mile away. A winning quote is one that feels like it was written just for them. Take a moment to address them by name and reference details from their job post.
Instead of:
"Hi, I can do this job for you. Let me know if you're interested."
Try:
"Hi Sarah, I see you’re looking to get your bathroom retiled. I’ve done similar jobs in your area and would love to help. I can pop by this week for a proper quote – when suits you best?"
A little effort goes a long way in making you look professional and approachable.
Nobody likes surprises when it comes to costs. Customers appreciate clear, upfront pricing. If you can’t provide an exact figure, give a ballpark estimate and explain what could affect the final price.
For example:
"Based on your job description, my quote is $X–$Y. The final price will depend on the materials you choose and the size of the job. Happy to discuss in more detail!"
This builds trust and prevents customers from assuming you’ll jack up the price later.
Customers want to know they’re hiring someone who knows their trade inside and out. Highlight your experience in a way that feels natural and reassuring.
Instead of:
"I’ve been doing this for 10 years. I’m the best in the business."
Try:
"I’ve completed over 100 similar jobs in the past decade and take pride in my work. I can also provide photos or references if needed."
This gives them confidence without sounding pushy.
A picture is worth a thousand words, especially when it comes to trades. If you’ve got great before-and-after shots, attach them to your quote.
Customers love seeing proof of quality work. If you don’t have photos or a portfolio yet, start taking them! It’s one of the easiest ways to build credibility and set yourself apart.
Don’t leave the customer wondering what to do next. End your quote with a clear call to action.
For example:
"I’d love to discuss this further. Would you be free for a quick chat this afternoon?"
Or:
"I can swing by for a site visit on Thursday or Friday – let me know what works for you!"
This makes it easy for the customer to move forward without hesitation.
Even the best quote can get overlooked if your profile looks empty. Make sure your ServiceSeeking.com.au profile is filled out with:
A professional-looking profile photo
A detailed bio about your expertise
Plenty of customer reviews
Customers often check reviews before making a decision. If you’ve done great work in the past, let those reviews do the selling for you.
If a customer hasn’t responded, don’t assume they’re not interested. They could just be busy or overwhelmed with options. A polite follow-up message can remind them you’re keen to help.
Try:
"Hi Sarah, just checking in to see if you had any questions about my quote. Happy to help if you need more details!"
A simple nudge can bring your quote back to the top of their inbox.
Winning quotes is about more than just price – it’s about trust, clarity, and professionalism. By applying these tips, you’ll start landing more jobs and growing your business faster.
Not getting enough leads? Upgrade to a paid plan on ServiceSeeking.com.au and get more job opportunities sent your way. The more leads you have, the more chances you get to send winning quotes.
Get started today – your next big job is just a quote away!