Five messages that follow up on a proposal without chasing

Wait a few working days, then send something new each time: a check it arrived, a change, a smaller way to start. A follow up that asks whether they have read it gives them little to answer.

Each follow up on a proposal should bring something the last one did not. Check it arrived, then add a change, a smaller way to start, or an honest note that you will stop chasing. The examples cover the usual stages, from the week after to a formal letter to procurement, and each is complete as written.

Five messages, by stage

A one liner, to check it arrived

Fits the week after you sent it.

Salma, checking that the proposal for the Jalwa Fresh cold storage pilot reached you. I am happy to answer anything.

A three sentence note on what has changed

Fits a proposal that has gone quiet for a few weeks.

Ines, I know the school licence for Tilde Learning went quiet over the start of term, so no pressure. One thing has changed since I sent the proposal: the pilot can now begin in January. If it is still on your list for the new year, I can update the figures.

One with a concrete offer, a smaller start

Fits a buyer who likes the idea but not the size.

Omran, one way to make the decision easier. We could begin with a single hotel rooftop at Helios Rooftop Solar, priced as one site, and decide on the rest after a month.

If that helps, I can send a revised proposal by Friday.

One for a warmer relationship

Fits a client you know well, when you would rather keep the relationship than win the work.

Hana, no chasing, just a note to say I enjoyed putting the proposal together for the school campus. Whatever you decide, I would like to hear how it goes.

One in a more formal register, to procurement

Fits a formal evaluation with a procurement team.

Dear Mr Pillai,

Further to our proposal for the Chennai hub audit, may I ask whether your team needs any further information to complete its evaluation? I am glad to provide references or a presentation to the committee.

I understand the decision may take time, and I will await your guidance on next steps.

With kind regards,

A rhythm for chasing

Within a week, check it arrived.
Two or three weeks later, send something new.
After that, offer a smaller start, or say you will close the file unless they want to pick it up.

Where Marrow fits

Tell Marrow when you sent the proposal and when to chase it, and it sets the follow up. If they ask for time, Snooze moves the date. When it is due, ask for a draft, marked not sent, and send it yourself, because Marrow does not send messages on your behalf. Marrow is in Beta. If your proposals live in a sales system your team shares, keep the chasing there.

The request Draft a short note to Salma Qattan sending the pilot pricing for the cold storage trial, and Marrow's reply: Here's the draft to copy and send yourself, then a subject line, a greeting, thanks for the call on Thursday 1 Oct about the pilot scope, the pricing for the cold storage trial, a sign off with the user's name, and the line Not sent, it's yours to send

Get Marrow on your phone.

Install the app, sign in with your email, and send it the last business card you are still carrying. Marrow is in Beta.

Last updated 10 October 2026.