When a balloon quote goes quiet, send three short texts: a friendly check-in on day 2, a reminder of the quote's expiration on day 5, and a polite close-out on day 10. Each one asks a single easy question, and the last one gives the client permission to say no. Copy the exact messages below.
You'll also find follow-up messages for specific situations: after a mockup, after "let me ask my husband," after "too expensive," and for wedding and corporate clients.
The follow-up sequence at a glance
| Day | Message | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Quote sent, with expiration date and retainer link | Clear next step |
| 2 | Friendly check-in | Make replying easy; offer to adjust |
| 5 | Expiration reminder | Give a reason to decide |
| 10 | Close-out ("last chance message") | Get a yes or a clean no |
For quick birthday quotes with a short deadline, you can compress this to two messages: day 2, and a close-out the day before the quote expires. That shorter version, and why it works, is in why clients ghost your balloon quotes. The three-message version below is for bigger events with more lead time, or anytime your quotes are valid for a week or more.
Make sure your day 5 and day 10 dates match the deadline on your quote. If your quotes don't have one yet, start with why every quote needs an expiration date.
Day 2: the friendly check-in
Short, warm, one question. Assume they're busy.
Version A (casual):
Hi Jasmine! Just floating this up in case it got buried. Did the quote for Mia's party look good, or would you like me to tweak anything?
Version B (offer options):
Hi Jasmine! Wanted to check whether the quote for the 22nd works for you. If you'd like a smaller or bigger version, I'm happy to send a second option.
Version C (helpful detail):
Hi Jasmine! Quick note on your quote: I can match the colors to Mia's invitation if you send me a photo of it. Any questions on the setup?
Avoid: "Just checking in!!" with nothing else. It asks nothing, so it gets nothing.
Day 5: the expiration reminder
Now you add a reason to decide. Name the date.
Version A:
Hi Jasmine! Just a heads up that your quote for the 22nd is good until Friday. If you'd like to lock in the date, the retainer link is in the quote: [link]
Version B (busy season):
Hi Jasmine! I've had a couple of other requests for Saturday the 22nd, so I wanted to give you first chance before your quote expires Friday. Want me to hold it for you with the retainer?
Only send Version B if it's true. Made-up demand is easy to spot and hard to recover from.
Day 10: the close-out (last chance message)
This is the one that gets the most replies, because it makes "no" easy.
Version A:
Hi Jasmine, I'm closing this quote out today so I can open the 22nd to other clients. If you'd still like to book, just let me know. If plans changed, no worries at all. Wishing Mia the best birthday!
Version B (shorter):
Hi Jasmine! Closing this quote out on my end. If you'd like to revisit it later, I'm happy to re-quote. Have a wonderful party!
Then stop. Mark the lead closed. A fourth or fifth message rarely changes the answer and can turn a future client into an annoyed one.
Balloon Quote Follow-Up Messages You Can Copy and Paste
Real life doesn't always fit day 2, 5, 10. Here's what to say in the situations that come up most. Swap in your client's name, event and date every time; a follow-up text that reads like a mass message gets treated like one.
After you sent a mockup
Hi Jasmine! Did you get a chance to look at the mockup? I can adjust colors or size before you decide. Once you're happy with it, the retainer link locks in your date.
If you find yourself sending mockups and then hearing nothing, read do you charge for mockups?
After "let me check with my husband" (or mom, or the planner)
Of course! Would it help if I sent a quick summary you can forward? Here it is: 10 ft garland in sage and gold, delivered and set up on the 22nd, $485 total, $242.50 retainer to book. Quote's good until Friday.
The forwardable summary is the trick here. You're writing the message they'll send to the person who decides.
After "it's a little more than we wanted"
Totally understand! What budget did you have in mind? I can design a smaller version that still looks great in photos.
Don't discount in the follow-up. Change the scope. More replies for this one in what to do when a client says your quote is too expensive.
After they said "yes!" but haven't paid
Yay, so excited! Just a reminder that your date isn't held until the retainer is in. Here's the link again: [link]. Once it's received I'll send your confirmation.
Send this the same day or the next morning, not a week later.
When they only sent half the details
Hi! I'd love to get you a quote. I just need the venue and a rough guest count. Is it at home or a venue?
Wedding or corporate (email version)
Subject: Balloon decor quote for the Smith wedding, valid until Nov 14
Hi Rachel,
Following up on the balloon decor quote for the Smith wedding on December 6. The quote is valid through Friday, November 14; after that I'll release the date to other inquiries.
If you need any changes for the couple or the venue, I'm happy to revise it. The retainer link and booking agreement are in the quote whenever you're ready.
Best, [Your name]
Re-engaging an old quote (next year's party)
Hi Jasmine! I decorated (or quoted) Mia's party last year and wanted to reach out before her birthday comes around again. Would you like me to put together a quote for this year?
Follow-up rules that keep it friendly
- One question per message. "Would you like me to tweak anything?" is easy to answer. Three questions get none.
- Personalize every one. First name, event, date. Every time.
- Never guilt. No "I spent hours on this mockup." Even if you did.
- Don't discount in a follow-up. It teaches clients that silence gets a better price.
- Stop when they reply. If they answered, the sequence is over; just respond.
- Send at sane hours. Mid-morning or early evening, not 11pm.
Why the sequence is worth it
Say 15 quotes a month go quiet, and your follow-ups win back 2 of them at a $450 average. That's $900 a month. The cost: 15 × 3 messages × about 2 minutes = 90 minutes. With templates saved, it's less.
If remembering to send them is the hard part, set phone reminders when you send each quote, or use a quote tool that sends follow-ups for you. On Popline's Showcase plan, quotes follow up automatically after 2 days of silence. And if you're not sure your quote is set up to be followed up on (deadline, retainer link, one clear next step), see how to send a balloon quote that books.
Frequently asked questions
What should I text a client after sending a balloon quote?
Two days after sending the quote, send a short check-in that names the event and asks one question, such as whether they'd like any changes. Keep it warm and assume they're busy, not ignoring you.
How many follow-up messages should I send on a balloon quote?
Two or three. For quick quotes, a day 2 check-in and a close-out before the quote expires is enough. For bigger events, add a day 5 reminder of the expiration date, then close out around day 10. After the close-out, stop.
What is a good last chance follow-up message?
Tell the client you're closing the quote so you can open their date to others, invite them to book if they're still interested, and say "no worries" if plans changed. Giving them permission to say no is what gets a reply.
Should I offer a discount in a follow-up text?
No. Discounting to someone who hasn't replied teaches clients that waiting gets a lower price. If budget is the issue, offer a smaller design at your normal rates instead.