Quote request forms that actually get filled in

Ask for the minimum

Name, phone or email, postcode, what the job is, and a photo if relevant. That is enough for most trades to reply with a rough price or to book a visit. Every extra field loses some people, so only add one if you genuinely need it before replying.

Let them send photos

For most trades a photo saves a visit. Let customers upload photos straight from their phone, and say on the form that it helps you give a faster, more accurate price.

Make it easy on a phone

Most people will fill it in on a phone. Use large fields, the right keyboard for phone numbers and email, and as few typed answers as possible. Drop-downs or buttons for the type of job help.

Say what happens next

Under the button, tell people when you will reply and how, such as 'I usually reply the same day by text'. After they send it, show a clear confirmation. Customers who know what to expect are less likely to send the same request to three other people.

Then reply fast

The form only works if someone answers it. Make sure enquiries reach the phone you check, and reply as quickly as you can, even if only to say when you will get back to them.

Test it yourself, every few months

Fill in your own form on your phone every couple of months and check the message arrives, with any photos attached, where you expect it. Check it still looks right on a small screen, that the confirmation appears, and that the reply address works. It takes two minutes and catches the silent failures that cost the most work.

Keep an eye on spam too. A hidden honeypot field or a simple check stops most automated junk without making real customers solve puzzles.

If you change your phone number or email, update the form the same day. A form sending enquiries to an inbox nobody reads is worse than no form at all.