How Long Should It Take to Get a Quote in the UK? (2026 Response-Time Benchmarks)
How long should a quote take in the UK? See 2026 response-time benchmarks by service type, why providers delay, and how to get faster, clearer quotes.
If you’ve requested a quote and heard nothing back, you’re not alone. In 2026, response times vary widely depending on the service type, urgency, and how detailed your request is. The problem is that most people don’t know what’s “normal” — so they either wait too long or hire the first person who replies.
This guide gives realistic UK response-time benchmarks for common local services, explains why delays happen, and shows how to get faster, more accurate quotes.
Typical Quote Response Times in the UK (2026 Benchmarks)
Fast-response services (often same day)
These services tend to reply quickly because the jobs are short, urgent, or easy to price:
Emergency plumbing: 15 minutes to 2 hours
Locksmiths: 15 minutes to 2 hours
Urgent electrical faults: 30 minutes to 4 hours
Boiler breakdown call-outs: 30 minutes to same day
What “normal” looks like: you should usually hear back within the same day, often within hours.
Medium-response services (1–3 days)
These usually need basic details, photos, or a brief call:
General plumbing (non-urgent): same day to 2 days
Electricians (non-urgent): 1–3 days
Domestic cleaning (regular / one-off): same day to 2 days
Gardening / garden tidy-ups: 1–3 days
Handyman jobs: 1–3 days
What “normal” looks like: a first reply within 24–72 hours.
Slower-response services (3–7 days or more)
These often require surveys, measurements, or higher planning:
Roofing (non-urgent): 2–7 days (longer in storm peaks)
Painting & decorating: 3–7 days
Removals (larger moves): 2–7 days
Windows & doors: 3–10 days (often survey-led)
Major landscaping: 7–14+ days
Large renovations: 7–21+ days
What “normal” looks like: a reply within a week is common, especially if a site visit is needed.
Why Some Providers Reply Fast (And Others Don’t)
Response times aren’t just about professionalism — they’re also about workload and job fit.
Common reasons for slow replies:
the job description is too vague to price
they’re at capacity and can’t take more work
the job is small and not profitable relative to travel
they need a survey/visit to quote accurately
your message landed at peak demand (weekends, storms, month-end)
That said, repeatedly poor communication before booking is often a warning sign.
What Counts as “Too Long” to Wait?
As a general rule:
Urgent jobs: if there’s no reply in 2–6 hours, request more quotes
Standard jobs: if there’s no reply in 3 days, follow up once then move on
Survey-led jobs: if there’s no reply in 7 days, shortlist new providers
You don’t need to chase endlessly. If someone wants your job, they’ll usually confirm whether they can quote.
How to Get Faster Quotes (Without Sounding Pushy)
Most fast quotes happen when the customer makes quoting easy.
Send a request that includes:
what you need done (specific tasks)
exact location (postcode area is enough)
photos or a short video (where relevant)
measurements (if possible)
timing preference (flexible or urgent)
access notes (stairs, parking, key arrangements)
If you’re unsure what details to include, use a simple quote checklist to make sure scope, VAT, exclusions, and timing are all covered from the start.
Why “Instant Online Quotes” Can Be Misleading
Instant quotes can be helpful for ballpark pricing, but they’re often based on assumptions:
standard access
average complexity
default materials/spec
no hidden damage
They’re most reliable for predictable jobs and less reliable for fault finding, leaks, or work with unknowns.
Best practice: treat instant quotes as a starting range unless the scope is clearly confirmed in writing.
When You Should Expect a Site Visit Before a Quote
Some jobs are hard to price remotely because mistakes are costly.
Site visits are common for:
roofing issues where the cause isn’t clear
window/door replacement measurements
large painting projects with repairs
major garden clearances
renovations and structural work
A provider who insists on a visit before quoting isn’t necessarily slow — they may be avoiding inaccurate pricing and disputes later.
How Many Quotes Should You Aim For?
For most services, three quotes is the sweet spot:
enough to see the true price range
enough to spot outliers
not so many that you waste time
When replies start coming in, use a step-by-step method for comparing quotes so you’re judging like-for-like scope — not just totals.
What to Do If Nobody Responds
If you’re getting zero replies, it’s usually fixable.
Try this:
rewrite your request to be more specific
add photos and measurements
mention timing flexibility
be clear about the property type (flat/house, access)
ask for a rough range if a fixed quote isn’t possible yet
Often, small tweaks can turn a “too vague” request into something providers can quote quickly.
Final Thoughts
In 2026, quote response times depend heavily on service type, urgency, and how clear your request is. The fastest way to get better quotes is to send a structured request, aim for three responses, and compare scope and terms — not just price. If communication feels weak before booking, don’t ignore that signal.
FAQ — UK Quote Response Times (2026)
1) How quickly should a tradesperson reply to a quote request?
For urgent work, often within hours. For standard jobs, within 1–3 days is common. Survey-led jobs can take a week or more.
2) Why do some providers never reply?
They may be fully booked, the job request may be too vague, the job may be too small for travel time, or they may require a site visit to quote.
3) How long should I wait before requesting more quotes?
For urgent jobs, request more quotes the same day. For standard jobs, follow up once after 2–3 days, then move on.
4) How can I get faster quotes?
Send photos, clear scope, measurements, access notes, and timing preferences. The easier you make quoting, the faster you’ll get replies.
5) Are instant online quotes accurate?
They can be useful for a ballpark range, but often rely on assumptions. For complex or uncertain jobs, a survey-based quote is safer.
6) How many quotes should I get?
Three quotes is usually enough to understand the price range and choose best value confidently.
Related Articles
