How to win more jobs from online quotes
To win more jobs from online quotes, you need to be quick, clear and easy to say yes to. Drivers who compare several workshops are not only looking at price, so here is what usually makes the difference.
A general guide for garages, tyre shops and other automotive businesses.
Reply while the request is fresh
These tips apply to any garage or tyre shop. The biggest habit to build is replying quickly, because a driver who asks for quotes usually wants to sort the job soon. Most of them ask more than one workshop, and the first clear answer often gets the most attention. Turn on notifications, check at set times through the day and reply as soon as you reasonably can.
Speed is not about rushing the price. A quick, sensible reply is better than a perfect one that arrives after the customer has already chosen.
Read the request properly before you price
Look at the car, the description and any photos before you reply. A few seconds of reading can stop you quoting for the wrong model, the wrong job or a fault that sounds different on paper. If something is unclear, ask a short, specific question rather than guessing.
Make your quote easy to compare
- Say what is included, such as parts, labour and any extras like a WOF or an alignment.
- Be clear about whether GST is included.
- Give a realistic date for when you can do the work.
- Keep it plain. Customers compare quotes side by side, and confusing wording looks like hidden costs.
Be honest when you cannot know yet
Some jobs cannot be priced until someone has looked at the car. A noise, a vibration or a warning light is a good example. Offering to inspect first, and explaining why, comes across as honest rather than evasive.
Once the cause is found, you can quote the repair properly. Customers tend to respect a workshop that would rather be right than quick.
Show who you are
When customers are comparing strangers, small signs of trust count. A clear business name, photos of your workshop and your work, reviews from real customers and a friendly first line all help. People choose people, even when they are comparing quotes on a screen.
Know when to say no
Not every request is for you. If the job is outside your skills, the timing does not work or the car needs something you do not do, declining politely looks after your reputation and your week. Chasing every job tends to produce rushed quotes and unhappy customers.
Win more jobs from online quotes in practice
On Motorfy, drivers see your price and your earliest slot together, next to the quotes from other workshops, and you can chat with the driver to clear up questions. Our page on online quote requests for mechanics shows how that looks from the workshop side.
If you want more requests to apply these habits to, see how to get more workshop jobs.
Common questions
How fast should I reply to a quote request?
As soon as you reasonably can. There is no fixed rule, but customers often ask several workshops and the first clear reply tends to get noticed.
Should I always quote the lowest price?
No. Price matters, but so do timing, trust, reviews and clarity. Competing on price alone can leave you with unprofitable jobs.
What should a good quote include?
What the job covers, whether GST is included, any extras and a realistic date. The easier it is to compare, the easier it is to choose.
Should I quote for an inspection when I am not sure what is wrong?
Often yes. If the fault cannot be known without looking at the car, say so and offer an inspection or diagnosis first.
What if I find extra work after starting?
Tell the customer before you do it, explain why and get their agreement. Surprises on the final bill are one of the quickest ways to lose a customer.
Want more quote requests to practise on?
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