340 word reply to an enquiry - too much? too little? ok?

[bananacake]

Hi

my standard reply to an enquiry is around 340 words.... would you say that is sufficient? too much? too little?

approximately how many words is your reply?

[Don Ciccio]

Mine is around 350 av.

We thank them for the enquiry, explain availability, show how we've worked out cost and explain what is included and a date by which we'd appreciate a reply.

DC

[Margaret]

I'd say that was very long. I personalise every reply so I am not sure about average word counts. A recent one, which was fairly typical and resulted in an immediate booking was 136 words. It would have to be a very complicated enquiry with lots of questions for me to go very much above that as I would worry about people actually reading it. The main exception is if I have to do a complicated explanation of alternatives if their chosen accommodation is booked. I do always refer people to our website for more information on the area and the apartments and I try to concentrate on giving them the information they have asked for and not too much more.

[Jimbo]

We don’t have a ‘standard reply’; it depends on the enquiry. We look carefully at what’s being asked and, applying our best Inspector Morse techniques, tailor the reply accordingly. Some people just want a short answer to a specific query; some need detailed responses to carefully targeted questions and the best price brigade are obviously never going to come, no matter how hard you try to persuade them. All the information about how to book comes later, once they’ve indicated that they wish to come. But first you must get them securely on the hook.

Jim

[la vache!]

I my accommodation is unavailable it is 14 words, if it is available and assuming they haven't asked any extra questions, it is about 35 words. I wouldn't dream of telling an enquirer the date they had to get back to me.

[Margaret]

I agree with LV about not putting deadlines in the first reply but I do always point out that there is a booking form on the website. Some people are actually ready to book and are just enquiring to make sure the dates really are available and that someone is answering emails.

[Tizfata]

390 here!
Anyway, I think there might be a difference depending upon the origin of the enquiry.
Someone that book through you site needs less words IMH.
Someone that books through an ad deserves more "attention" as you have to "compete" with the others enquiries the enquirer might have send to some other property...

[Mountain Goat]

Just under 9,500 from us.

We send two replies from different email addresses: one answering their specific questions and confirming rental rate and availability, and some image links, then a follow-up with 3 folders of notes: map, general directions from airports by road/rail and local area guide.

MG

[la vache!]

Just under 9,500 from us.

We send two replies from different email addresses: one answering their specific questions and confirming rental rate and availability, and some image links, then a follow-up with 3 folders of notes: map, general directions from airports by road/rail and local area guide.

MG

Isn't that a bit pushy though, MG? I don't want the punter to assume that I think their enquiry constitutes a booking and fill their in box (and my outbox) with stuff unnecessarily? Or am I missing a trick somewhere?

[Mountain Goat]

You could be right, LV, but we've done it almost from Day 1. It really stems from our experiences in contacting rentals on the listing sites, which can be summed up as 95% dire.

I think answering immediately, giving them the exact info they need (but not a booking form or payment details) is essential. If that gets them interested (i.e. we're available and the price is in the right ballpark) then the follow-up with map, directions (well, very general, but basically road and rail from Geneva) and the local area info is an interesting extra. Ski info adds another 5,000 or so. None of our competitors do, and we're going to stand out.

How do I know if it works? I don't.

And I can quite see that it looks too keen and pushy, but I think it's far less pushy than a gushy follow-up phone call to chat them up - which I couldn't do to save my life.

MG

[la vache!]

And I can quite see that it looks too keen and pushy, but I think it's far less pushy than a gushy follow-up phone call to chat them up - which I couldn't do to save my life.
MG

Totally agree, me neither, I think the follow up phone call is way too much. I see your point in sending lots of extra info - I'm too much of a minimalist regarding everything to do with the booking process. Or should that be lazy?

[Mountain Goat]

I suppose it's what we all feel comfortable with, and I don't know whether punters read it all. They either read everything, down to the last detail, or just ignore it, certainly with their arrival instructions.

MG

[roxytoo]

mine tends to be quite short as i am assuming (probably very wrongly!) that they have read all the extensive info on the website! In peak times I don't give a date to get back by but always says not to book flights before checking with me again as availability can change hourly. It happened a few times that they would come back after a week and ask to book and in the meantime it has been rented..........then they would get stroppy saying 'but you said it was free!!!....'

[pambon]

I have recently modified my 'standard' reply for 'normal' enquiries - those enquiries where nothing out of the ordinary from availability/rates and location in relation to the town, is requested.

It now stands at 354 words Before, it was about half that.

I have also included, among other bits of info. the recommendation about insurance since Iceland's volcano is ever active.

[kendalcottages]

I just reply on an email by email basis also. Usually I would guess (I've never actually counted) that it's less than 100 words, confirming that we can/can't do the dates and/or suggesting an alternative. It's only likely to get lengthier than this is they've asked specific questions which of course I always try to address.