Following up on an architect’s fee proposal when the client wants to think it over
Clients rarely know what an architect’s commission covers, stage by stage. Explaining what happens next, and when, makes the decision easier.
- 3 ready-to-send follow-ups
- An email and a text for each
- Gaps flagged in [brackets]
The three follow-ups to send
Copy them as they are, or tailor them with the generator below. Fill in the highlighted parts before sending.
- 1Day 2
Recap what’s left to decide
Channel: EmailEmailSubject: What to look at before deciding
Hi [First name], Thank you for your time on your project. You told me you wanted to think it over, which makes complete sense. To help, here's what usually weighs in the decision: the scope of the commission, the stages or the fees. If any of these is still unclear, I can go through it with you, or adjust the fee proposal. Is there one point you'd like me to look at again? [Your name] [Company]
Text messageHi [First name], it's [Your name] from [Company]. Thanks again for your time. While you think it over, if a point is still unclear (the scope of the commission, the stages or the fees), just reply here and I'll explain.
- 2Day 7
Ask which point is holding them back
Channel: TextEmailSubject: One point to adjust?
Hi [First name], Where are you in your thinking about your project? Often, one point is holding the decision back: the scope of the commission, the stages or the fees. Tell me which one, and I'll see what I can adjust (for example starting with the design stage only, or a reduced commission). [Your name] [Company]
Text messageHi [First name], it's [Your name] from [Company]. Where are you in your thinking about your project? If one point is holding you back, tell me which and I'll see what I can adjust.
- 3Day 21
Give a real reason to decide
Channel: EmailEmailSubject: Your fee proposal: next steps
Hi [First name], I'm getting back to you about your project, with two practical points so you can decide with everything in hand: - The prices are valid until [date]. After that, I'll need to check them again. - I can still offer you a start date around [period]. After that, my schedule fills up. If you need more time, no problem: tell me when to get back to you. And if you've decided not to go ahead, a quick reply is enough. [Your name] [Company]
Text messageHi [First name], it's [Your name] from [Company]. Quick update on your project: the prices are valid until [date], and I still have a start date around [period]. Shall I hold it for you, or get back to you later?
What’s going on, and how to respond
“I’ll think about it” usually means one point is still open, or someone else has to agree. Pushing for an answer rarely works. What works is making the decision easier: a recap, one question, then a real reason to decide.
Three things to keep in mind
- Write the recap the person who missed the appointment needs: what the quote covers, and what’s left to decide.
- Ask which point is holding them back, not whether they’ve decided.
- Give real reasons to decide, like how long the prices hold or a slot in your schedule. Never invent a deadline.
Tailor these messages
Add the client’s name, your company and the project, and adjust the timing: you get the message to send now, and the rest of the sequence.
Your messages will appear here.
Fill in the form: you’ll get an email and a text to send now, and the next follow-ups to plan.
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