How Fast Should You Respond to Business E-mails?

A site visitor was curious and pondered:

What is the standard turn around time to send a business email response?

Short Answer: As fast as you can!

Long Answer: I recommend at least within 24 hours if at all possible. If you cannot respond quickly, just send a note saying you will respond when you can do so in detail. Those considering doing business with you have high expectations about response time with e-mail (due to the perception of instantaneous receipt). Since they assumed you received their e-mail within moments of them clicking the Send button, how long you take to respond will be correlated into how important they are to you.

Responding promptly in a professional and concise manner also gives the Sender an insight as to what it will be like to communicate and do business with you. Don’t we all prefer to do business with those who think our e-mails are of importance and provide us with the info we seek in a timely manner?

The quicker you respond, the more favorable of an impression you will make. With new contacts, know that onliners e-mail several sites or companies at once. Those who respond quickly and professionally will have the coveted opportunity to create a incontestable positive impression. While those who respond at their convenience may cause the Sender to wonder what delayed your response while your competitors beat you to the punch!