A sales closing checklist is useful when a customer says “Sounds good” but the order still cannot move forward. Before treating that reply as a booked job, check what they approved and what remains unfinished.
A verbal yes may mean the customer likes the idea. They might still need to confirm quantities, approve a design, or get a business partner's input. Make those remaining steps easy to see.
Check the details that unlock the work
- Offer: confirm the exact version, quantity or scope, and quoted total the customer is choosing.
- Approval: ask whether anyone else needs to review the order and what they need to decide.
- Inputs: identify missing information or materials, such as final artwork or delivery details.
- Timing: explain what must happen before you can confirm a start or delivery date.
Send one specific request
For example, a print shop has a customer's go-ahead on an invitation quote, but the artwork is unfinished. Instead of sending another “Ready to proceed?” message, the owner could write:
Thanks for confirming you'd like to proceed with the invitation quote. Please send the final artwork so I can prepare your proof. Once you've approved the proof and confirmed the quantity, I'll check production availability and confirm the delivery date.
Use the steps that actually apply to your business. If an order form or deposit is part of your stated process, include that requirement clearly. Don't add surprise conditions or imply that a slot is reserved when it isn't.
Keep the opportunity's status specific: “waiting for artwork” is more useful than “almost closed.” When the missing item arrives, confirm it and move to the next step. The goal is to turn interest into a shared understanding of what happens next.