A kinder way to say “I can't send a quote”
Why it can fall flat
“I can't send a quote”
People usually say “I can't send a quote” when a price is requested before the details or approval are in place. It reads as a flat refusal with no reason or next step, when the writer means “not yet” or “not from me”.
Say this instead
- 01
Thanks for your request. I can't send a quote just yet. Once you've confirmed the deliverables and timeline, I'll send a full quote within two working days.
Client · Email
Fits an unclear scope, since it names what you need and when the quote will follow.
- 02
I can't send that quote until the discount is signed off. Could you check with Radhika? I'll send it as soon as it's approved.
Coworker · Chat
A colleague who can unblock you makes this one useful, and it shows the delay has a clear fix.
- 03
I'm still waiting on final costs, so I'd rather not put a number in writing yet. I'll send the quote as soon as they're in, by Thursday at the latest.
Client · Chat
Friendly and honest when a client wants a price now but costs aren't confirmed, and the deadline keeps trust.
- 04
I can't send the Harlow Ltd quote yet because the pricing hasn't been approved. Could you tell me who signs it off? I'll send it as soon as I have the go-ahead.
Boss · Email
Approval is the blocker here, so you ask your boss for one specific thing.
- 05
I'm not the right person to send you a quote, but our sales team can. They'll probably need a few details from you, so it's quickest if you contact them directly.
Customer · Email
Quotes aren't your job in this case, so it points to who can help and what to expect.
- 06
Hi Quinn, I can't quote by text as the price depends on seeing the job. Can I visit Friday morning? I'll send the quote that afternoon.
Customer · SMS
Trades and services suit this one because the price depends on a visit, and it offers a time and a delivery date.
- 07
I can't send a quote for this contract yet, as I don't know the scope. If you can share the responsibilities and weekly hours, I'll reply with my day rate within two days.
Recruiter / HR · Email
Freelancers asked for a rate too early can use it to tie the number to the missing information.
- 08
I can't send out the quote until the numbers are checked. Please send me the cost breakdown by noon and I'll review it today.
Someone you manage · Chat
Someone you manage can hear this to hold a quote for accuracy while getting a clear deadline.
Examples
Hi Dominic, Thanks for your inquiry about the event photography. I can't send a quote yet because I need the venue, the date and how many hours you'd like covered. Once you've confirmed those, I'll send a full quote within two working days. Best regards, Charlotte
Hi Amira, I can't send a quote for a rush turnaround until I've checked who's free this week. Give me until 3pm today and I'll message you the price and the earliest delivery date.
What to avoid
- Refusing without a reason leaves the other person guessing, while one short reason makes it sound fair.
- Leaving the next step open keeps them stuck, so say what you need and when the quote will arrive.
- Blaming a colleague or “the system” for the delay helps no one, so name the actual blocker instead.
- Offering a rough price to soften the refusal is risky if you can't stand behind it.