First Response Time, often abbreviated as FRT, is a measure of how quickly your customer service or sales team responds to a customer’s inquiry or complaint. It is the time between when the customer first reaches out to your company and when they receive their first response. A swift response can significantly impact customer satisfaction and loyalty.
The faster a company can respond to a customer’s query or concern, the better the customer’s perception of the company’s service quality. A short First Response Time indicates that a company values its customers and their time, which, in turn, builds trust and fosters customer loyalty. Moreover, it provides a competitive edge in markets where customer service is a significant differentiator.
How to measure First Response Time?
First Response Time can be easily tracked with the aid of customer service software or CRM tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Record the exact time a customer’s query, complaint, or request is received.
- Note the precise time the first response was sent to the customer.
- Subtract the time the query was received from the time the response was sent. The result is your First Response Time.
The goal is to keep the First Response Time as short as possible. A shorter FRT often translates into happier, more satisfied customers.
To have an accurate view of your team’s performance, it’s recommended to calculate the average First Response Time over a particular period, say a week or a month. This way, you will be able to observe trends, identify potential bottlenecks, and make necessary improvements.
