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Why response time matters
Response time is the time, in hours, between a resident reaching out and you acting on it. It's tracked on your Performance review and is among the strongest signals for ranking, conversion, and missed bookings.
Why it matters
For bookings
Most residents message several listings while deciding. Your reply is often a tiebreaker — they go with the first host who answered helpfully.
For ranking
Faster, more reliable response feeds into ranking. Two listings of similar quality at similar prices: the faster-responding one ranks higher.
For missed bookings
The 48-hour request window is firm. Slow response increases the chance of crossing it and creating a missed booking — which counts worse than a clean decline.
For reviews
Residents who feel ignored before the booking write less generous reviews after the stay.
What "fast enough" looks like
| Response time | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Under 1 hour | Strong; you'll convert most fitting inquiries. |
| 1–4 hours | Healthy daytime expectation. |
| 4–24 hours | Acceptable, but losing some bookings to faster hosts. |
| Over 24 hours | Hurting your performance noticeably. |
| Past 48 hours on a request | Becomes a missed booking. |
How to respond faster
- Push notifications on your phone. Don't rely on email alone.
- Pre-written replies you copy into the Inbox for common questions.
- Team coverage for off-hours — invite a team member with Booking manager access.
- A "thanks, will follow up" reply counts as a response and buys you time to think.
What to do during holidays or long breaks
- Contact support to pause the listing.
- Or warn residents in advance with an away note.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Do "thanks, will follow up" replies count? A: Yes — any genuine response counts.
Q: Does response time include weekends? A: Yes. Residents don't wait based on your work week. Plan team coverage.
Q: My listing's been live for a week with no requests. Does this matter yet? A: Yes. Pre-booking inquiries also count toward response time — slow replies hurt before you've confirmed anyone.