The Pre-Quote Stability Checklist

How to stop silent losses before a quote is ever sent.

Before You Fix Follow-Up, Fix This

SECTION 1 - ENQUIRY CONTROL (tick yes / no)

Please check these honestly:

☐ Every enquiry receives a human response within 15 minutes

☐ Enquiries are acknowledged even if pricing isn’t ready

☐ There is a clear “next step” given after first contact

☐ We never ask for information without explaining why

If you failed 2 or more:
Fix this before touching follow-up automation.

SECTION 2 - QUOTE READINESS

Please check these honestly:

☐ We only quote jobs we actually want

☐ Scope is confirmed before pricing

☐ Assumptions are written down, not implied

☐ The client knows exactly when to expect the quote

Silent losses usually happen here.

SECTION 3 - RESPONSE RULES (NON-NEGOTIABLE)

Please check these honestly:

If a quote is sent, do you have rules like these?

☐ Same-day acknowledgement after sending a quote

☐ A scheduled follow-up date agreed in advance

☐ One reminder before assuming “no”

☐ A clear close-out message (yes or no)

No rules = guessing = leakage.

SECTION 4 — WHAT TO FIX FIRST

Do not automate yet if:

  • Enquiries are slow to respond to

  • Scope is unclear

  • Quotes are inconsistent

Only automate when:

  • The front end behaves predictably

  • Outcomes are visible

  • You know what “good” looks like

SECTION 5 - WHAT THIS UNLOCKS LATER

Once the above is stable:

  • Follow-up systems actually work

  • Win rates improve without more leads

  • Automation amplifies results instead of hiding problems

That’s when a Sprint makes sense.

Fix the front end first. Then optimise the follow-up.