Separate an enquiry from an opportunity
“How much does it cost?” starts qualification; it is not a completed sale. Collect what matters to your business, such as the required service, quantity and timing. Record confirmed information and keep assumptions as open questions rather than apparently final facts.
Choose stages that reflect the work
Your process might move from a qualified enquiry to requirements, a quote and follow-up. Choose suitable stages in your workspace and define what each transition means. Sending a quote alone is not customer acceptance or payment confirmation.
Assign ownership and follow-up
Assign the opportunity and record the next action. If a customer asks to compare two options, the next step might be an approved quote, owned by a specific colleague. Use available tasks and follow-up tools to organize commitments instead of relying on memory.
Review stalled opportunities
Ask what information is missing, who is waiting for whom and whether the stage is still accurate. Update the record from evidence and review the facts before marking an opportunity successful or counting a financial amount.