How do email auto-responses work?


Email auto-responses automatically reply to reservation inquiries sent in from 3rd party providers, such as FlipKey or HomeAway. They are a means of automatically responding to guest inquiries via email so that human interaction is not required. Auto-response emails are only sent when an inquiry contains required data, including guest name and email address, arrival dates and a valid property ID.


What information does the auto-response contain?


Each auto-response contains property information, a photo and a total amount for the requested reservation. It also provides a link for the inquirer to book their stay online through your website, automatically filling in appropriate arrival dates and property information. If a property is not available, 3 other similar properties are offered up as an alternative.


The property photo, book online and other company website links contained in the auto-response email are all trackable via Google Analytics. They are tagged with a source value of SM Auto Response and a campaign value of the name of the 3rd party provider.


Which 3rd party providers do the auto-responses work with?


We currently support the following providers:


  • FlipKey.com (TripAdvisor.com)
  • HomeAway.com
  • VRBO.com
  • VacationRentals.com

How quickly do auto-responses reply to the initial inquiry email?

Inquiry emails are checked every 15 minutes and auto-response replies are sent immediately. So response time varies between 1-15 minutes.

What happens with inquiries that cannot be auto-responded to?

If an inquiry lacks the required data for an auto-response to be generated, it simply stays in the mailbox for 14 days. After 14 days, it's automatically deleted.