5 Tips When Writing Apology Emails for Long Wait Times
It’s no secret that long wait times can be incredibly frustrating for customers. They often result in a loss of time and money, as well as a feeling of being ignored or neglected.
According to Forbes, 63% of customers will not return after one bad experience, which highlights the importance of an apology email.
In order to make up for the inconvenience caused, it’s important to apologize and let the customer know you accept responsibility for the delay. Here are some tips on how to write an apology email for long wait times.
The importance of apologizing to customers for long wait times
It’s essential to apologize to customers for any inconvenience caused during a long wait time (delays in shipping, delay to respond, items out of stock, etc.). This communicates that you’re aware of the issue and are taking steps to correct it. It also shows that you value your customers and appreciate their business.
Apologizing can go a long way in repairing the damage caused by a long wait time. It can also help to prevent future issues, as customers will know that you’re willing to take responsibility for your mistakes.
How to apologize to a customer
When writing an apology email for long wait times, it’s important to be clear and concise but also empathize with the customer’s disappointment and frustration. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Start by apologizing for the inconvenience
- Be honest and take responsibility
- Make it up to the customer in some way, such as with a discount or freebie
- Explain how you plan to fix the issue so that it doesn’t happen again in future
- Thank the customer for their patience and understanding
1. Start by apologizing for the inconvenience
When you start an apology email with an apology for the inconvenience caused, it shows that you’re aware of the issue and are taking steps to correct it. It also shows that you value your customers and appreciate their business. Apologizing can repair the damage caused by a long wait time. It can also help to prevent future issues, as customers will know that you’re willing to accept responsibility for your mistakes.
2. Be honest and take responsibility
It’s important to be honest about what caused the delay in the first place. Customers appreciate honesty and it shows that you’re taking responsibility for the issue. If you’re not honest, it may appear as though you’re trying to cover up the mistake, which will only make the situation worse.
3. Make it up to the customer
One way to show that you value your customers is to make it up to them in some way. This could be in the form of a discount on their next purchase, a freebie, or an explanation of why they are waiting longer than planned. No matter what you do, make sure that you apologize and take responsibility for the delay.
4. Explain how you plan to fix the issue
It’s important to explain how you plan to fix the issue so that it doesn’t happen again in the future. This shows customers that you’re taking their concerns seriously and are doing everything possible to prevent future delays.
5. Thank the customer
Finally, be sure to thank your customers for their patience and understanding. This shows that you appreciate their help in resolving the issue. The customer is one of the most important parts of your business. Without them, you have no business. So, make sure they feel appreciated even when things go wrong.
Examples of how to apologize to a customer via email
Below are some example emails of how to apologize to a customer for a long wait time. By following these examples, you can ensure that your apology is clear and concise, while also communicating your empathy and understanding.
Sample apology email to customer for delay in delivery
“Hello {Name},
I’m sorry for the inconvenience caused by the delay in delivery. I realize this can disrupt your plans and truly apologize.
We are talking with multiple shipping companies to get your order to you as soon as possible.
In the meantime, we want to offer you 25% off your next order and free shipping to make up for the delay. Shop around our site and use code SHIPPINGDELAY to use this special offer.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
Thank you,
{Your name}”
Sample apology email to customer for a delayed response
“Hello {Name},
I apologize for the delay in responding to your query. I know how frustrating it can be when you don’t hear back from us promptly. We are currently working on a solution and should have an answer for you soon.
In the meantime, please feel free to shop around our site. Use code QUERYDELAY to get 25% off your purchase.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
Thank you,
{Your name}”
Sample apology email to customer for delay in delivery due to COVID
“Dear {Name},
Thank you for your order. We are truly sorry for the delay in delivery. The delay is due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent restrictions on travel and movement.
We are doing our best to get your order to you as soon as possible, but at this time we cannot give a specific date.
In the meantime, we would like to offer you a freebie to make up for the inconvenience caused. Please choose one of the following:
- A $10 credit on your next purchase
- Free shipping on your next purchase
- A product of your choice from our site, up to a value of $10
Please let us know which freebie you would like by emailing us at {Email Address}.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult time.
Thank you,
{Your name}”
Sample apology email to a customer for out of a stock item
“Hello {Name},
I’m sorry to inform you that the {Item} you ordered is currently out of stock. We are working hard to restock this item as soon as possible.
In the meantime, I would like to offer you a {discount, free shipping, etc.} on your next purchase. Please let me know by emailing me at {Email Address} if you would like to take advantage of this offer.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience.
Thank you,
{Your name}”
And, inevitably, some customers will not be satisfied with the service received. In this case, use the same tips above to send an apology email for the poor service they experienced.
Sample apology email to a customer for bad service
“Hello {Name},
I’m sorry for the bad service you received. We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service, and we fell short of our goal in this case. If there is anything more that we can do to remedy the situation, please let us know.
We would like to offer you a 25% discount on your next purchase as a token of our appreciation. Please use code VIPCUSTOMER to redeem the discount.
We apologize for the inconvenience and disappointment caused by the bad service. We hope to earn back your trust in the future.
Thank you,
{Your name}”
Final Thoughts
It is important to apologize to customers for any inconvenience caused by long wait times. This could be with an explanation of why they are waiting longer than planned, a discount on their purchase or a freebie to make up for the wait, or any other gesture of goodwill. No matter what you do, make sure that you apologize and offer remediation for the delay. Remember, the goal is to put CustomersFirst!
