How do I follow up on an estimate without being pushy?

Send a short, helpful text two days later, another at a week offering a specific opening, and a final polite close at about three weeks.

How do I politely ask a customer to pay?

Send a friendly reminder with the invoice number, amount and how to pay, then a firmer note at 14 and 30 days.

How should I tell customers about a price increase?

Give notice before it takes effect, explain briefly, state the new price and date, and thank them.

Copy-and-Paste Texts for Small Business Owners: Follow-Ups, Payments, Reviews

Following up on an estimate

Most estimates that go nowhere were simply never followed up. Send the first one two days later.

Day 2

Hi [name], it's [you] from [business]. Just checking you got the estimate for [job]. Happy to answer any questions or adjust anything.

Day 7

Hi [name], wanted to follow up on the [job] estimate. We have openings [week]. Want me to hold a spot for you?

Day 21 (the polite close)

Hi [name], I'll close out your estimate for now so I'm not bugging you. If you'd like to go ahead later, just reply here. Thanks for considering us!

Asking for payment

Friendly reminder (due date or a few days after)

Hi [name], quick reminder that invoice #[number] for $[amount] was due [date]. You can pay by [methods]. Thanks so much!

Day 14

Hi [name], following up on invoice #[number] for $[amount], now two weeks past due. Can you let me know when to expect payment?

Day 30 (firm, still polite)

Hi [name], invoice #[number] for $[amount] is now 30 days past due. Please pay by [date] or call me to set up a payment plan. After that I'll need to add the late fee in our agreement.

Only mention a late fee if your estimate or contract included one. Make invoices with our free invoice maker.

Asking for a review

Hi [name], thanks for having us out today! If you were happy with the work, would you leave a quick Google review? It really helps a small local business: [link]

More versions in the review request text generator.

Replying to a bad review

Hi [name], I'm sorry this wasn't the experience you expected. I'd like to understand what happened and make it right if I can. Please call me directly at [phone]. – [your name], owner

Keep it short, never argue in public, and never share the customer's private details. More in what to do about fake or unfair reviews.

Telling customers your prices are going up

Hi [name], thank you for being a regular customer. Starting [date], our rate for [service] will be $[new price]. Costs for [fuel/supplies/insurance] have gone up and this lets us keep doing the job right. Your next visit on [date] is at the current price. Thanks for supporting a local business!

See how to raise your prices without losing customers.

When a customer cancels last minute

Hi [name], sorry we missed you today. Want to reschedule? I have [two options]. Just a heads-up that cancellations with less than [24] hours' notice have a $[fee] fee, per our agreement.

Never forget to send them

The free PITHE app reminds you when an estimate needs a follow-up or an invoice is overdue, so these get sent on time.

Copy-and-paste texts for small business owners.