A kinder way to say “I'll pass on the quote”
Why it can fall flat
“I'll pass on the quote”
Readers can't tell whether you're declining or forwarding the quote, since “pass on” covers both, and a bare refusal with no reason can sound curt. Say plainly that you're not accepting the price, and why.
Say this instead
- 01
I've reviewed the printing quote and it's above what we budgeted, so I won't be going ahead with it. I'll let the supplier know today.
Boss · Email
Use it when you own the decision and want your manager to see the reason and the next step.
- 02
Quick update: I'm declining the catering quote because it's over what we planned. Can you hold off on booking anything with them?
Coworker · Chat
A teammate who might otherwise act on the quote gets the decision and what to do next.
- 03
After going through the supplier quote you sent, I've decided not to go ahead with it. The total is above the budget we agreed.
Client · Email
Pointing to the agreed budget lets you say no to a client's third-party quote without friction.
- 04
Appreciate you getting this quote. We won't be accepting it, as the cost is above this quarter's budget. Could you tell the vendor we're declining?
Someone you manage · Chat
It thanks the person you manage for the work, gives the reason and hands them a clear next step.
- 05
The day rate you quoted for this contract is below what I can accept, so I won't be taking it forward. I'd be glad to hear about future roles.
Recruiter / HR · Email
This declines the rate firmly and leaves room for other roles without hinting the rate could change.
- 06
Hi Kendall, the £250 quote you sent is below my rate, so I won't be taking the job on. Feel free to get other prices. Hope it goes well.
Customer · SMS
Short and friendly, it suits a customer whose price you can't meet and frees them to look elsewhere.
- 07
Just so you know, we're declining the license quote, as it's above the agreed budget. I'll confirm with the vendor on our side.
Client · Chat
Good for a quick, informal heads-up when a client needs to know a quote won't proceed.
Examples
Hi Marcus, I've gone through the quote for the office chairs. The total is above the budget we set for this quarter, so we won't be going ahead with it. I appreciate the time you took to put it together. Kind regards, Nandini
Hi Marvin, I've looked at the web designer's quote and I'm not going to accept it, as it's above our budget. I'll let them know this afternoon.
What to avoid
- Saying “pass on” alone is risky, so use “decline” or “not go ahead with” and nobody will think you're forwarding the quote.
- Hinting that you might accept if the price drops is misleading unless it's actually true.
- A quote left unanswered keeps the other side waiting, while a clear no lets them move on.
- Calling the price unfair or greedy turns a budget matter into criticism, so stick to your own limits.
- If your answer is final, a vague reason can invite a negotiation you don't want.