Why AU tradies should quote via WhatsApp (and the 3 ways to do it right)
Email open rates for AU tradie quotes hover around 40%. SMS is better — ~95% — but feels transactional. WhatsApp sits at 98% open rate and feels conversational, which is exactly what you want when a customer is deciding whether to accept $2,400 worth of work. Here's how to quote via WhatsApp properly.
Why WhatsApp specifically
- 98% open rate within the first hour vs 40% for email
- Customers reply in the same thread — no separate email + SMS chase
- Read receipts tell you exactly when the customer saw it
- Works on any phone (iOS + Android + desktop) without customers installing anything
- Photos + video + voice messages all go in the same thread — easier to clarify scope
Three ways to do it right
1. Send a link, not a PDF
A PDF attachment is a dead end — the customer can't accept, sign, or pay from within it. A link (to a mobile-friendly quote page) lets the customer accept, sign, and pay the deposit without leaving WhatsApp. VoxQuote's public quote pages are designed for exactly this flow.
2. Include a one-line summary in the message
"Hi Mike — quote for the hot water replacement, $1,850 inc GST, link here: [URL]. Questions just reply." The customer knows the total before they even tap. Reduces quote abandonment.
3. Follow up in the same thread 48 hours later
Don't start a new SMS or email chain — reply in the original WhatsApp thread. "Hey Mike, any questions on that quote? Happy to tweak if needed." Feels human, converts better, doesn't feel like automated chase.