# Response time

> Response time is the interval between a review being published and the business replying to it.

_Category: Metrics · Updated 2026-08-15 · By Elizabeth Davis_

Source: https://happyreplies.com/glossary/response-time

Speed matters most on negative reviews because the reviewer's willingness to edit or upgrade decays quickly. Most platforms notify the reviewer by email the moment a reply publishes, which is the window where an amendment is realistic.

Tripadvisor is the exception: management responses are moderated, so the practical clock is about drafting quality rather than minutes.

## In practice

Same day for negatives, within a week for everything else. Set an alert rather than checking manually.

## FAQ

### How fast is fast enough?

Within 24 hours for a negative review. After a week, a reply is documentation for future readers rather than recovery with the reviewer.

## Related terms

- https://happyreplies.com/glossary/response-rate
- https://happyreplies.com/glossary/service-recovery