How long should a quote be valid for?
There's no legal rule for how long a quote must be valid. Most UK trades use 30 days, and some use 14 days or less when material prices are moving quickly. The important thing is to state a validity period on every quote, so you're not held to an old price months later.
Last updated September 2026 · by the TradeKwote team
Why a validity period matters
Your price depends on the cost of materials, your diary and the job as you saw it on the day. Months later, all three may have changed. Without an end date, a customer could reasonably expect you to honour an old quote.
A clear validity period also gently encourages the customer to decide. "This quote is valid for 30 days" is a polite reason to get back to you.
What's normal?
- 30 days is the most common choice for general building and repair work.
- 14 days suits jobs with a lot of materials whose prices change often, such as timber, copper or some roofing materials.
- Longer periods can suit fixed-price services, such as annual boiler servicing, where your costs are stable.
Whatever you choose, use the same period consistently so customers know where they stand.
What to say on the quote
Keep it simple and put it near the price, for example: "This quote is valid for 30 days from the date above." If a big part of the price is materials, you can add: "Material prices are checked again when the job is booked." Be careful with this wording for consumers, though. A price that can change at any time isn't really a quote.
When a customer accepts after it's expired
- Check whether your costs have changed. If not, you can simply honour the price and confirm the start date.
- If they have, send an updated quote and explain why. Most customers understand that prices move.
- Either way, confirm in writing so there's no confusion about which price applies.
Following up before it expires
Many quotes are lost simply because the customer forgot. A polite follow-up a few days after sending, and another before it expires, wins jobs that would otherwise go quiet.
How TradeKwote helps
- Set your standard validity period once in Settings, and it's added to every quote.
- Each quote shows its expiry date, and customers can't accept an online quote after it has expired.
- On Pro, TradeKwote follows up unanswered quotes automatically after 3 and 7 days, with polite emails sent in your name.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a legal time limit for a quote?
No. You choose the validity period, but you should state it on the quote.
What's the usual validity period in the UK?
30 days is the most common. Some trades use 14 days when material prices change quickly.
Do I have to honour an expired quote?
No, but you can if your costs haven't changed. Otherwise send an updated quote and explain why.
Should I follow up before a quote expires?
Yes. A polite reminder often wins jobs that would otherwise be forgotten.
This guide is general information for UK tradespeople, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules can change and can differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check GOV.UK or a professional adviser for your situation.
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