How Fencers Can Automate Quote Follow-Up and Win More Residential Jobs
How Fencers Can Automate Quote Follow-Up and Win More Residential Jobs
You quoted a Colorbond fence last Tuesday. Good price, solid scope, you know you can do it well. The customer said they'd get back to you. It's been 10 days. Nothing.
You're not going to chase them because it feels pushy, and honestly you've got three other jobs on the go. So you move on. Two weeks later you drive past the property and the fence is up. Somebody else got the job.
That's the fencing business in a nutshell. High quote volume, long decision windows, and competitors who are willing to follow up one more time than you are.
Here's how to automate the follow-up so you never lose a residential job to inaction again.
Why Fencing Customers Take So Long to Decide
Residential fencing customers typically receive three to four quotes. The decision window runs anywhere from one to three weeks.
Why the delay? A few reasons:
They're comparing on more than price. Fence type, materials, colour, boundary disputes, council requirements — it's not always a simple decision.
Both partners need to agree. Backyard fencing projects often involve a couple deciding together. That adds time.
The job isn't urgent. Unless the existing fence is completely gone, they can wait. There's no leak to fix, no power outage. Fencing is a planned purchase.
This decision window is actually your opportunity. The fencer who stays visible and helpful during that window — without being annoying — wins the job. The one who quoted and disappeared loses it.
The 3-Touch Follow-Up Sequence for Fencers
This is the sequence that works. Three messages, spaced over seven days, each serving a different purpose.
Touch 1 — Immediate confirmation (within 30 minutes of sending quote)
Purpose: Confirm receipt and set expectations.
SMS template:
"Hi [Name], thanks for the opportunity to quote your fencing project. I've sent through the proposal — let me know if you have any questions about the materials or scope. Happy to walk you through it. — [Your Name], [Business Name]"
This does two things. It confirms you're responsive (signals reliability) and it opens the door for questions. Customers who have questions but don't ask them often just go quiet and choose someone else.
Touch 2 — Day 3 check-in
Purpose: Stay visible, offer value, not pressure.
SMS template:
"Hi [Name], just checking in on the fencing quote I sent through. Happy to adjust the materials or scope if needed — Colorbond, timber, and tubular steel all have different price points. Let me know if you'd like to chat. — [Your Name]"
Offering to adjust scope or discuss materials is a genuine value add. It's not a "just checking in" that feels like a sales call. It reminds them you're available and knowledgeable.
Touch 3 — Day 7 nudge with social proof
Purpose: Build confidence, create gentle urgency.
SMS template:
"Hi [Name], I have a gap in my schedule coming up that would suit your fencing job well — probably book out within a week or two. Happy to lock in a start date when you're ready. I've done a few similar jobs in [Suburb] recently if you'd like to see photos. — [Your Name]"
Two things working here: social proof (recent local jobs) and mild scarcity (my schedule is filling). Both are honest and relevant. You do have a schedule. You have done local jobs. This isn't manufactured pressure.
Why This Sequence Works
Most fencers send the quote and that's it. The customer gets one contact from you and three from competitors who follow up. You lose by default.
This three-touch sequence keeps you present through the decision window without being aggressive. Each message adds something — confirmation, flexibility, scheduling clarity. You're being helpful, not pushy.
The customers who were going to choose you anyway appreciate the communication. The ones who were undecided often break in your favour because you feel more organised and professional than the tradie who quoted and went quiet.
Setting This Up in Kabooyaa: Under an Hour
You don't need to remember to send these messages manually. Kabooyaa automates the entire sequence.
Step 1 — Create a "Quoted" pipeline stage. When you move a lead to Quoted, the automation triggers.
Step 2 — Build the three-message sequence. Set message 1 to send immediately when a lead enters Quoted. Set message 2 to send at day 3. Set message 3 to send at day 7.
Step 3 — Customise the templates. Add your name, your business name, and your suburb references. Take 20 minutes to make them sound like you.
Step 4 — Go live. Every quote you send now triggers the sequence automatically.
Total setup time: 45 minutes to an hour. After that, it runs on its own.
You can pause the sequence the moment a customer books — Kabooyaa stops follow-ups automatically when a lead moves to Booked. No awkward follow-up SMS after they've already said yes.
What to Do After the 7-Day Sequence
Some customers take longer than seven days. That's fine. At day 14, if there's still no response, one final message:
"Hi [Name], just letting you know I'm wrapping up my current schedule and planning the next round of bookings. If your fencing project is still on the agenda, happy to lock in a date — or totally understand if you've gone a different direction. Either way, appreciate you reaching out. — [Your Name]"
This is a "break-up" message. It's non-pressuring, respectful, and often gets a response from customers who've been sitting on the decision. Many will reply and book. Those who don't weren't going to book anyway.
The Numbers Behind Better Follow-Up
If you currently quote 15 residential fencing jobs per month and close 5 (33%), adding systematic follow-up typically moves that to 7–8 (47–53%).
At an average residential fencing job value of $2,500 to $5,000 in Australia, two extra jobs per month is $5,000–$10,000 in additional monthly revenue.
The automation that makes it happen costs less than a single job.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times should a fencer follow up after a quote?
Three to four times over seven to fourteen days is the sweet spot. More than that feels aggressive. Less than that leaves jobs on the table. The key is spacing the messages and making each one useful rather than just asking if they've made a decision.
Is automated SMS follow-up legal in Australia?
Yes, as long as you have a prior business relationship (they requested a quote) and you provide a way to opt out. Including "Reply STOP to unsubscribe" in your messages keeps you compliant with Australian spam law.
What's the best time to send a follow-up SMS to a fencing customer?
Between 9am and 5pm on weekdays. Avoid evenings and weekends — residential customers don't want a tradie messaging on a Saturday morning unless it's urgent.
Does Kabooyaa stop sending follow-ups if the customer books?
Yes. When a lead is moved to Booked or any other stage you designate, the follow-up sequence pauses automatically. No awkward messages after they've already said yes.
Can I personalise the automated messages?
Yes. Kabooyaa uses merge fields for first name, suburb, and other contact details. The messages feel personal even when they're automated.
Win the Jobs You're Already Quoting
You're already doing the hard work — the measure, the quote, the site visit. The follow-up is the cheapest part of winning the job, and it's the part most fencers skip.
Automate it. Set it up once, let it run, and start closing more of the quotes you're already sending.
Set up your fencing follow-up sequence at kabooyaa.com.au.
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