Start from your first reply
Think about the first useful reply you'd send to a new quote request. What do you need to know to write it? That's your required list. Everything else is optional or can wait.
A typical field set for a local service business
| Field | Required? | Why | Input tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Yes | To address them | One "Name" field is simpler than first/last |
| Phone or email | At least one | To reply | Let them choose their preferred method |
| Service needed | Yes | To route and prepare | Short list plus "Something else" |
| Postcode / area | Usually | To confirm you cover them | Short text |
| Timing | Optional | Urgency and planning | Choices: urgent, this week, flexible |
| Details | Optional | Context | Free text with a helpful prompt |
| Photos | Optional | Helps for some trades | Only if your tools handle uploads safely |
| Consent to marketing | Optional, separate | Only if you send marketing | Unticked checkbox |
Make it work on a phone
- Use the right input types (
type="email",type="tel") so phones show the right keyboard. MDN's tel input and autocomplete references explain how. - Add autocomplete hints so browsers can fill name, email and phone.
- Visible labels above fields, not placeholder text that disappears.
- Big enough tap targets and a clear submit button.
- Error messages that say exactly what to fix, next to the field.
The W3C's forms tutorial covers labels, instructions and error handling in an accessible way.
Fields to avoid
- Passwords, payment details or ID numbers. Never in a quote form.
- Sensitive details (health, legal, financial) in a general form; route those to a suitable process. See customer data in automations.
- "How did you hear about us?" as required. Useful to you, annoying to them. Make it optional or ask later.
- Long dropdowns that are hard to use on phones.
- Pre-ticked marketing consent.
Help the customer write useful details
A blank "Message" box gets "Need a quote". A prompt gets better answers: "What's happening, and anything we should know? For example: the model, when it started, access notes."
After they press submit
- Show a clear confirmation on the page with what happens next.
- Send an acknowledgement — see inquiry acknowledgements.
- Route it to a named owner — see form lead routing.
- Store it somewhere besides an inbox.
On MendRev sites
Every MendRev site includes click-to-call, tap-to-email and a quote form that delivers to your inbox, tested monthly on website plans. We set up the fields with you; we don't add fields you can't use.
Questions
Should I ask for a budget?
Only if it genuinely helps you respond, and make it optional with ranges. Many customers don't know yet, and a required budget field can put them off.
Should I ask for the full address?
For on-site work, a postcode or area is usually enough to check you cover them. Ask for the full address once you're arranging a visit.
Sources and further reading
- tel input developer.mozilla.org
- autocomplete developer.mozilla.org
- forms tutorial w3.org
Official documentation changes. Check the current version before you rely on a rule, limit or setting.
Next step
See a site built around your real details.
Look at sample layouts (fictional previews, not client work), read published website pricing, or ask for a free concept preview.
Already happy with your site? Website Maintenance covers monitoring, a monthly form test, backups and edits.