Quote TandemAustralian trade industry briefs and practical ideas for following up quotes. Original sources are linked so you can check the details.
AROUND THE TRADES
Building activity, quoting costs and people. Short Australian industry briefs with a useful next step for your business.
Edition:
Sources checked on 7 November 2026. Source dates and report periods are shown below. The practical takeaways are Quote Tandem's commentary.
THE WORK PIPELINE
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Australian dwelling approvals rose 5.1% to 17,948 in September 2026, seasonally adjusted. Private-sector house approvals fell 5.3%, while approvals for other private dwellings rose 16.6%.
Our practical takeaway
The type and location of work matter. Check local projects and your own enquiry list before filling the diary. Approvals are a signal to watch, not a promise of jobs.
COSTS & QUOTING
Australian Bureau of Statistics
The ABS reports that input prices for house construction rose 1.0% in the September quarter of 2026. This is an industry index; it does not mean every material or supplier price rose by that amount.
Our practical takeaway
Before reissuing an older estimate, confirm supplier prices, delivery charges and availability. Put a clear validity date on a new quote and confirm the scope with your customer.
PEOPLE & CAPACITY
Jobs and Skills Australia
2026 occupation shortage analysis
Jobs and Skills Australia found that almost half of Technicians and Trades Workers occupations were in shortage in 2026, even as shortages eased overall. Persistent gaps include construction and electrotechnology trades.
Our practical takeaway
Allow time to find qualified help. Confirm your team and subcontractor availability before promising a start date, then give customers a realistic update.
Meet Andrew. See how the service works.
MEET QUOTE TANDEM
You’ve sent the quote. Then the next job starts, and following up slips down the list.
I started Quote Tandem to help busy service businesses with exactly that. I call customers who’ve already requested a quote, find out where things stand, and report back with the next step.
If you’ve got a few quotes sitting unanswered, let’s talk.
Contact Andrew
HOW IT WORKS
You choose which quotes to follow up and tell me what I need to know. I call on behalf of your business, listen to what the customer needs, and report back on what they said. If they want to go ahead or have a question for you, you’ll know who to call and why.
You stay in charge of pricing, technical advice and accepting the job.
See the follow-up process
LET’S TALK
Book a free 15-minute call with me. Tell me what you quote, how you currently follow up, and where you’d like a hand. I’ll explain how I’d handle those calls on your behalf so you can decide if it suits your business.
Andrew, Quote Tandem
Book a free 15-minute call