How to Send an Estimate by Text Message (and Get It Approved Faster)

To send an estimate by text, send a short message with the customer's name, the job, the total, and a link to the full itemized estimate they can open and approve on their phone. Don't paste a wall of line items into the text, and avoid PDF attachments that are hard to open on some phones. The goal is one tap to view and one tap to approve.

Why text beats email for estimates

Customers see texts within minutes; emails can sit unread or land in spam. For residential jobs especially, a text with a link gets the estimate opened while the conversation is still fresh. Email is still useful as a second copy and for commercial customers.

What the text should say

Keep it short and specific:

Hi Sarah, it's Mike from Northside Painting. Here's your estimate for painting the living room and hallway: $1,850. Full details and approve button: [link]. Happy to answer any questions. Price is good for 30 days.

• Say who you are; many customers are getting several quotes.
• Name the job so they know which quote it is.
• Give the total up front.
• Include the link and how long the price is valid.

What the linked estimate should include

• Your business name, logo, license and insurance details
• Itemized scope in plain language
• Materials and options, such as good/better/best
• Total, deposit and payment terms
• Photos of the areas being worked on
• An approve button or clear next step

See the free contractor estimate template and how to write a contractor proposal.

Follow-up timing by text

Send a friendly check-in two days after the estimate, then again about a week later. Keep it short: "Hi Sarah, any questions on the painting estimate? Happy to adjust the scope if needed." See how to follow up on an estimate and why customers ghost after a quote.

Texting rules to respect

Only text customers who contacted you or gave you their number for this job, identify your business, and stop if they ask. Marketing texts to lists have stricter consent rules than one-to-one messages about a quote they requested.

Making it fast

With Fast Snap Pro, the customer sends photos through a link, you review the AI-built estimate priced with your rates, and send a branded estimate they can open on their phone, so the whole loop can happen by text.

Text templates for each stage

When	Example message
Lead comes in	Hi Dan, it's Ana from Brightline Electric. Thanks for reaching out. Could you send a few photos of the panel and where you'd like the charger? Here's a link: [link]
Estimate ready	Hi Dan, your EV charger estimate is ready: $1,450. Details and approve button: [link]. Good for 30 days.
Two days later	Hi Dan, any questions on the charger estimate? Happy to walk through it.
One week later	Hi Dan, just checking in. If timing isn't right, no problem, the estimate is good until [date].
Approved	Thanks Dan! You're booked for Tuesday 8-10am. We'll text when we're on the way.

Frequently asked questions

Is it professional to send an estimate by text?

Yes, when the text links to a proper branded estimate. A bare number in a text looks less professional than a formal quote.

Should I attach a PDF or send a link?

A link is easier to open on phones and lets you track when it's viewed. Offer a PDF for customers who want one.

How soon should I follow up after texting an estimate?

About two days later, then once more after a week. Most customers appreciate a short, friendly check-in.