A free field guide · U.S. local service businesses

The inquiry follow-up checklist

A practical way to respond thoughtfully, get the details you need, and make the next step clear.

Nudgewicket organizes website inquiries and sets up practical follow-up workflows with local service businesses. Adapt these steps to your own process.

A useful rhythm

From first reply to a clear close.

Respond with care

Acknowledge the message and use the customer's name when available.
Reflect the request in your own words so they know you understood.
If you need time to check, give a realistic time for your next reply.

Clarify the request

Confirm the service, location, timing, and details you need to assess the job.
Ask only what you need to decide whether the work is a fit and prepare a next step.
Be clear if you do not serve the area or cannot take on the work.

Make the next step clear

Explain what happens next: a call, visit, estimate, or another question.
Offer a realistic time window; confirm before promising a specific time.
Share anything the customer should prepare, if needed.

Keep the loop moving

Record the inquiry and next action in the system you already use.
Set a reminder for any follow-up you promised, then do it.
After an estimate or visit, check in at the agreed time and invite questions.
Close the loop when the customer decides or no longer needs help.

Before you send

A quick review

Did I answer the question they actually asked?
Is my next step specific and realistic?
Have I recorded what I need to remember?