We know how important it is to get quick replies when you’re looking for an exchange. When you send a proposal, it’s natural to expect a timely response so you can move forward with your plans. However, many of you have told us that replies often come in late, sometimes even after the exchange date. To help speed things up, we’ve introduced an automatic decline after 4 days without a response, which will also impact your response rate.
How does the automatic decline work?
If a member doesn’t respond to a request (the first message) within 4 days, our system will automatically send a decline to the person who sent the message. This will let them know it’s an automatic reply, explain that the person might have been unavailable, and invite them to keep looking for other options.
Don’t worry though! You’re not required to make a decision within 4 days. We just want to encourage you to reply within this time. A quick response of any kind, whether to acknowledge the request, ask for more info, or simply to decline will be enough, and no automatic decline will be sent.
Will I be reminded before the automatic decline is sent?
Yes! Before the automatic decline is sent, we’ll send you several reminders — via email, the app, and on the website — to nudge you to respond. If the decline is sent after 4 days with no response, you’ll be notified.
What if I missed the message and still want to reply?
If you miss an exchange proposal and only realize it after the automatic decline is sent, then that is okay. You can just pick up the conversation by replying to the original message.
We still believe a personal response is always the best approach to an exchange request, because it fosters trust, and builds a positive rapport between members. HomeExchange is built on mutual respect and communication, and a direct response — whether accepting, declining or asking for more details — shows courtesy and consideration for the other member’s travel plans.
Why 4 days?
We chose the 4-day deadline after hearing from you in our community surveys. Around 85% of members said they think 4 days is the right amount of time to wait for a reply. The goal isn’t to force a decision, but to get everyone to respond in a timely way so that home exchanges are easier to organize.