Two quotations can offer the exact same price for the exact same work and get completely different responses — one approved within the day, the other ignored for two weeks. The difference is rarely the number itself.
Break the price down, don't just state a total
A single lump sum invites a client to wonder what's actually included. Itemizing by task, material, or phase lets them see exactly what they're paying for, which builds confidence in the number rather than suspicion of it.
State what's explicitly NOT included
A short "excludes" note (revisions beyond two rounds, rush delivery, third-party costs) prevents a client from assuming something is covered when it isn't — and prevents an awkward conversation later when it turns out it wasn't.
Give a real validity window
"Valid for 14 days" creates gentle urgency without pressure, and protects you if material costs or your own availability shift before the client responds.
Make the next step obvious
End with a clear instruction — "Reply to this email to approve" or "Sign and return to confirm" — rather than leaving the client to guess how acceptance actually works.
Keep the tone confident, not apologetic
Quotations that hedge heavily ("just a rough estimate, could change a lot") tend to make clients nervous about hidden costs later. State the price plainly, and note only genuine, specific contingencies if they exist.