Author: Lou Lang IV | Last update: Saturday, December 20, 2025
Email (Don't Call) Turning down a contractor via phone puts you both on the spot. ...
Thank Them for Their Time. Always begin your email with a “thank you” to ensure you start on a positive, polite, and professional note. ...
Provide Honest Feedback. ...
Stay Positive. ...
Leave the Door Open for Future Projects.
How do you politely decline a contractor quote?
Send an Email. You may feel uncomfortable telling a contractor that you've chosen another contractor on a phone call or in person. To make it less awkward, you can send an email or text message mentioning that you've decided to go with the kitchen estimate provided by a different company.
How do you say no to a quote politely?
How to decline gracefully ``You just need to say something like, 'I am sorry I am not going ahead with the quote on this occasion as I have found someone better able to meet my needs. I will keep you in mind for next time. '''
How do you politely decline a bid offer?
Tips for Politely Declining a Business Offer
Send it from the right address. ...
Check the recipient's address. ...
Include your company letterhead. ...
Use an appropriate salutation. ...
Communicate clearly and effectively. ...
State That You Are Declining the Offer. ...
Offer a Reason for Declining the Offer. ...
Thank Them for Their Interest.
How do you reject a contractor proposal?
How to write an RFP rejection letter
Thank them for their proposal. Start the letter by addressing the vendor politely, either by name or greeting their business as a whole. ...
Clearly reject their offer. Clearly reject their proposal in a concise way. ...
Provide your reasoning. ...
Close the letter professionally.
Day in the Life - Construction Estimator
How do you respectfully decline a contract?
The following are steps on how to politely decline a business offer, including contracts, partnerships and services:
Be sure of your decision. ...
Respond promptly. ...
Be professional. ...
Express appreciation. ...
Provide reasons. ...
Consider offering a referral. ...
Maintain communication. ...
Seek legal counsel.
What should you not say to a contractor?
What Should You Not Say to a Contractor?
'I'm not in a hurry' ...
'I know a great roofer/electrician/cabinet installer! ...
'We had no idea this would be so expensive' ...
'Why can't you work during the thunderstorm/snow/heat wave? ...
'I'll buy my own materials' ...
'I can't pay you today. ...
'I'll pay upfront' ...
'I'm old school.
How do you decline an offer quote?
Thank you for taking the time to put together a quote for [Product/Service]. I appreciate the effort you and the team put into preparing this proposal. However, [give a clear reason], we have decided to decline the offer. I regret that we're unable to go forward with the proposal at this time.
How do you say "no" professionally?
6 tips for saying no professionally
Assess the request.
Know your priorities.
Be straightforward and authentic.
Bring up an alternative/solution.
Build trust with your boss and colleagues.
Practice before the conversation.
How do you tell a company you will not be using their services?
To soften the blow, start with a heartfelt appreciation for what they have done for you. So you could say something like, “We are grateful for the great work you've been doing for us. Unfortunately, due to a change in circumstances, we will not be needing these services anymore.
How do I politely say no to a proposal?
How to say no Politely?
Be Honest and Sincere: The key to a respectful rejection is honesty. ...
Show Gratitude: Always express gratitude for the proposal and the opportunity it presented. ...
Respect Their Feelings: Remember that your decision may be disappointing or even hurtful to the other party.
How do you say no in a gentle way?
50 ways to nicely say "no"
"Unfortunately, I have too much to do today. ...
"I'm flattered by your offer, but no thank you."
"That sounds fun, but I have a lot going on at home."
"I'm not comfortable doing that task. ...
"Now isn't a good time for me. ...
" Sorry, I have already committed to something else.
How do you politely decline an invitation to a quote?
Polite ways to decline an invitation
Using words and phrases like "I am sorry," "I appreciate," "thank you," "honor," and so on, make your response sound more polite. Consider some examples. Thank you for the invite. I am honored; however, I will not be able to attend because I have another engagement that day.
How do you politely decline a price quote?
How do you refuse a quote request?
Be upfront about your reasons for declining.
Keep it short.
Suggest alternative solutions.
Stay in touch with the customer.
How to write a no bid letter?
When writing a no-bid letter, a company should use a formal letterhead, thank the contact for considering their solution, state specific reasons for not bidding based on a bid/no-bid analysis, reiterate their interest in future opportunities, and end the letter formally with a signature.
How do you professionally decline something?
Declining an offer or invite
I appreciate the offer/invite, but I can't commit. I'm honored by the offer/invites, but can't. I'm flattered you considered me, but unfortunately I'll have to pass this time.
How do you say no without offending?
How to Say No to Others Without Offending Them
Start small. ...
Just say it. ...
Explain why– briefly. ...
Offer an alternative. ...
Have a “policy.” ...
“Let me think about it.” ...
Make it clear you're saying “no” to the request, not to the person. ...
Improve your self-esteem.
How to say no without burning bridges?
When asked in person to do something I may not or should not commit too, I always say “Let me check my schedule and I will get back to you.” This gives me time to determine the right response for me, and if the response is no, the best way to say no.
How to decline graciously?
Here are a few variations to practice:
Thanks for thinking of me. I can't right now/I can't make it/I can't attend.
I'm at capacity right now, so I will decline. Thanks for understanding.
No, not at this time.
How do I decline a contract offer?
I appreciate it very much, but I'm afraid I need to decline your offer at this time. Thank you for this offer, as well as the time you've invested in my candidacy. I'm afraid, though, after careful consideration, I've decided to stay in my current role.
How to reject someone nicely quotes?
"I know the feeling I'm looking for, and I'm just not feeling it here." "I don't think we're a good match for each other, and while I know you might not agree, I hope you can trust that I know what's right for me." "I don't know what else to say. This is just where I'm at, and I hope you can respect my decision."
How do you say no after asking for a quote?
"Thank you for your efforts. I don't think you have what I'm looking for at this time, but I'll certainly keep you in mind for the future."
How do you politely reject a contractor?
Email (Don't Call) Turning down a contractor via phone puts you both on the spot. ...
Thank Them for Their Time. Always begin your email with a “thank you” to ensure you start on a positive, polite, and professional note. ...
Provide Honest Feedback. ...
Stay Positive. ...
Leave the Door Open for Future Projects.
How do you respond to a contractor quote?
How To Respond To A Contractor's Quote?
Review The Details: You should read through the fine print after receiving a quote. ...
Ask Questions: If you need clarification about any of the conditions written in the contract, feel free to ask questions. ...
Negotiate Or Make Changes: The first price is not the last.
How much over an estimate can a contractor go?
An estimate is just an estimate, and it can be reasonable for the final cost to be anywhere from 5% to 20% above the estimate. That's why it's always important to stick to your budget and account for a bit of cushion before you begin any project.