How Fast Should You Respond?

A site visitor was curious and pondered:

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

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

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 get around to it make the sender wonder what was more important that you could not respond as quickly.

Food for thought!

Some More Info for You:

1. Lightening Fast E-mail Reply Expectations
2. Business E-mail Reply Expectations? Pronto Tonto!
3. Unrealistic Response Expectations
4. E-mail Etiquette Requires Your Reply
5. Every E-mail is an Opportunity!