Quote It or Present It?

Why How You Share Your Proposal Matters More Than You Think

You’ve got a hot lead. You’ve had the initial conversation. They’re clearly interested. So, what’s next?

For many shops, the default move is to open their shop management software, plug in the details, and hit send.

Quote sent. Box checked. On to the next.

But here’s the problem: sending a quote isn’t the same as presenting a quote.

And if you’re just emailing it over without a conversation, you’re leaving money on the table.

The Problem With “Just Sending the Quote”

Sending a quote via email might feel efficient, but here’s what often happens:

  • The client opens it, gets sticker shock, and never replies.

  • They misinterpret something and shop around.

  • They forward it to a decision-maker without context.

  • You lose control of the narrative.

The result? Ghosted leads, missed opportunities, and pricing battles you didn’t sign up for.

Why Presenting a Quote Works Better

Presenting your quote, either in person or via Zoom, gives you a chance to:

  • Frame the value before they focus on the price

  • Reinforce their goals and challenges

  • Explain your recommendations and options

  • Handle objections in real time

  • Increase perceived professionalism

When you walk them through the quote, you're not just another vendor, they see you as a trusted partner.

When to Present a Quote (and When It’s Okay to Email It)

Present the Quote When:

  • It’s a larger or custom order

  • There’s a lot of back-and-forth or complexity involved

  • You’ve built rapport and want to maximize the close

  • You want to upsell or offer multiple options

  • You’re quoting a first-time client

Email the Quote When:

  • It’s a reorder or a current customer and you’re 100% sure you’re going to win the business

  • The client specifically asks for a quick turnaround

  • The order is transactional, not strategic

But even in those cases, consider following up with a short Loom video explanation or phone call.

How to Present Quotes Without Overcomplicating It

A simple 5-10 minute call is often all it takes.

Here’s a simple format:

  1. Recap the client’s goals: “You mentioned you’re looking for X for your upcoming Y and that Z was most important to you”

  2. Walk through the solution: “I put together a recommendation that ties to exactily what you’re looking for”

  3. Explain your thinking: “We chose these styles based on what’s trending and your timeline.”

  4. Invite questions and feedback.

  5. Walk through a timeline and confirm next steps.

Using a short deck can assist with this quote review. This positions you as someone who gets it, and makes the client feel supported instead of sold to.

Final Thought

Sales isn’t just about what you quote… it’s about how you quote it.

If you want to increase conversions, improve clarity, and build stronger relationships, don’t just hit send.

Present. Explain. Guide.

You’ll win more deals and your customers will thank you for making the process feel simple and professional.

Need a better way to organize, track, and present quotes? Sales Ink CRM can help you close more by keeping your follow-up tight and your conversations clear.

Stop sending. Start presenting. It makes all the difference.

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