The contractor's playbook
Forty years of hands-on experience in kitchens, building sites and living rooms taught one thing: the job is won or lost in the room you are standing in now, not in a follow-up call next week. That experience is built into this playbook and ContractClosed.
Before you knock
If you leave without a decision, you have entered a competition. Your first visit should end with clarity: a documented scope, a confident price, and—when the customer is ready—a signed agreement.
Do not measure in silence. Explain what you are checking and why. Capture the scope as you go so the client sees expertise—not guesswork.
SAY THISRight, so this wall is coming out. I want to check what is behind that socket before I price the rewire—give me two minutes.
Build the quote while the client can see it taking shape. A transparent line-by-line price feels considered; a lump sum sent days later feels like a guess.
SAY THISI am putting the groundworks in now. You will see the total build as we go—no surprises at the end.
State the number clearly, then let the client respond. Do not negotiate against yourself before they have raised a concern.
SAY THISSo, all in, that is twenty-four seven fifty, fully itemised as you can see there.
It is often a request for reassurance. Ask whether the unresolved point is scope, timing or price, then address the real issue while the quote is open.
SAY THISTotally fair. What is the part you would want to think through—the number, timing, or something in the scope?
Turn the screen, hand over the device and ask. A calm, specific next step is easier to accept than a vague promise to follow up.
SAY THISIf that all makes sense, sign here and I will reserve that slot in the schedule.
Record the agreed deposit terms and the method the customer will use externally. When payment arrives, record it and send the receipt from the same job record.
SAY THISThe deposit details are on the invoice. Once it lands, I will mark it paid and send your receipt.
The principle underneath it all
A strong close is not pressure. It is making the scope, price, timing and next step easy to understand—then giving the customer room to make an informed decision.
Put the playbook to work
ContractClosed keeps the quote, signature and payment record together so you can focus on the conversation.
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