How to respond quickly to a request: the right reflexes and what to write
Your phone vibrates: someone has messaged you on Pambe. They’re looking for someone to iron their laundry, walk their dog, or keep their mum company. This is the moment that matters most. A quick, clear reply and the connection is made. A reply three days later, and they’ve often found someone else. Here’s how to respond fast—and well.
Why the first few hours matter
Put yourself in the shoes of the person messaging you.
- Their need is often urgent. A dog to look after this weekend, a basket of laundry for Monday, a mum just out of hospital.
- They sometimes contact several people. The one who replies first, with a clear message, has a head start.
- They form an impression of you from your reply. A quick response says: “I’m reliable, you can count on me.”
Your speed is also visible on your profile. Pambe displays your usual response time, for example “Usually replies in under an hour.” This small text reassures clients even before they message you.
You don’t need to be glued to your phone. The goal is simple: reply within the day, and if possible within the first few hours.
Turn on the right notifications
You can’t reply to a request you haven’t seen. Take five minutes to set up your notifications.
The Pambe app on your phone
This is the most convenient option. Install the Pambe app and accept notifications when prompted. You’ll be notified as soon as a client contacts you or sends a message, no matter where you are.
Other channels
In your notification settings, you can choose to be alerted by email, SMS, or notification for each type of event. Some useful settings to enable:
- New request / new contact: a client has reached out to you. Keep this on, absolutely.
- Messages: a new message arrives in one of your conversations.
- Matching requests: a client posts a request that matches your service, even before they contact you. A great opportunity to make yourself known.
- Clients waiting for your reply: if you haven’t responded yet, Pambe will send up to three reminders in the following hours.
To receive SMS, add your phone number and verify it in your profile. It’s quick, and it’s also a step toward earning badges that reassure clients.
What to write in your first message
A good first message is short. Four elements are enough:
- Greet the person by their first name and thank them for their message.
- Clearly state if you can help, and when.
- Ask one or two questions to fully understand their need.
- Suggest next steps: an indicative price, a call, a meeting, or a trial.
Avoid one-word replies (“ok,” “avail”): they don’t say much and don’t encourage further conversation. Avoid writing a novel, too—three to six sentences is perfect.
Example: ironing
Hi Sophie, thanks for your message. Yes, I can take care of your ironing. I iron at my place in Montignies and return the laundry within 48 hours. Roughly how many items do you have each week? My rate is €12/hour, and I can give you an estimate for your basket. Could you drop it off on Thursday?
Example: pet sitting
Hi Marc, thanks for thinking of me for Filou! I’m available from the 26th to the 29th of December. Before the stay, I always suggest a first meeting to get to know him and see his habits. Is he comfortable around other dogs? I can stop by on Saturday late morning if that works for you.
Example: home help
Hello Ms. Dupont, thanks for your message. I can accompany your mum for her shopping on Tuesday and Friday mornings. Would you prefer me to meet her at her place? I suggest a first one-hour visit so she can get to know me comfortably. I’m available by message all day.
Example: babysitting
Hi Julie, thanks for your request. I’m available Saturday evening from 7 PM to midnight. How old are your children? I’m used to little ones—I’m a mum of two. If you’d like, I can stop by for a few minutes beforehand so the kids can meet me.
What if you can’t help?
It happens: you’re not available, the request is outside your usual services, or it’s too far away. Still reply, or decline the request in Pambe. A short message is enough:
Hi Paul, thanks for your message. Unfortunately, I’m not available this weekend. Don’t hesitate to reach out again next time!
The client can look for someone else without waiting. And they’ll remember you as someone considerate.
Mistakes that cost you
- Waiting until you have “time to reply properly.” A short reply now is better than a perfect reply tomorrow.
- Not reading the request all the way through. The client has often already provided the date, address, or number of items. Don’t ask them again.
- Promising what you can’t deliver. It’s better to announce a 48-hour turnaround and stick to it than to promise 24 hours and disappoint.
- Being vague about the price. An indicative price, even approximate, avoids many misunderstandings.
After the first message
The conversation is underway. For what comes next:
- Summarise the agreement in writing in the conversation: the day, time, place, price, and what’s included.
- Track the job in Pambe: accept the request, start the job, then mark it as completed.
- After the job, the client can leave a review. This is what will help future clients choose you.
In summary
- Reply within the day, if possible within the first few hours.
- Turn on notifications in the Pambe app, and verify your number for SMS.
- A first message in four parts: greet, say if you can help, ask a question, suggest next steps.
- If you can’t help, say so simply.
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