“Thank you for your patience” is typically said when there is a long delay. However, this phrase is now so overused that we do not recommend using it for sales, customer service, or even recruiting.
In this article, we’ll dive into what “thank you for your patience” really connotes, why you should avoid the phrase, and better alternatives you can use instead.
“Thank you for your patience” meaning
“Thank you for your patience” or “thanks for your patience” means that you appreciate someone waiting on a deliverable.
This phrase is usually used in a professional context when you are trying to be polite, even though the situation might be frustrating.
How to say “thank you for your patience”
This phrase is nearly always used when a process is taking a long time. You want to give some update, but you don’t have the full resolution yet. This can be particularly useful when…
- Communicating during the sales process
- Working with a customer to resolve an issue
- Transferring a customer to someone else on your team, and knowing their might be a significant delay
- Update a candidate during the application process
This phrase is most commonly used when you want to be polite and convey that you are still invested in a positive outcome, but the final update they are waiting for is still unknown right now.
How to respond to “thank you for your patience”
When sending emails, it is always important to think about how your recipient will respond. When receiving an email that says “thank you for your patience,” there are only a few ways to respond:
- "No problem"
- "It’s my pleasure"
- "Thank you for your effort here"
In most situations, the issue is still ongoing. This is just a brief check in point to ensure both parties are committed to resolving the issue, and have mutual respect for each other.
Why use an alternative for “thank you for your patience?”
The big problem with the phrase “thank you for your patience'' is that it’s been so overused that it’s lost its meaning. And worse – because the phrase is only used in frustrating situations, it has a negative connotation. When a recipient gets that message, instead of feeling appreciated, they just feel frustrated.
That being said, there are plenty of better ways you can actually thank someone for their patience and continue to build a strong relationship, despite minor delays and inconveniences.
Alternatives to “thank you for your patience”
1. I’m committed to resolving this issue
This will let your customer breathe easier, and feel glad to partner with you. They know that, even though this situation is not ideal, they can sit back and leave the hard work to you.
2. Really appreciate you digging in here
Especially if your client has done a lot of work communicating their issue with you, this shows that you really appreciate their dedication to resolving the issue.
3. You’re the best
This is casual and conversational. Unlike “thank you for your patience,” this alternative phrase is something you would actually say in a conversation.
4. I really appreciate how you (specific example)
Empathize with your client by giving them a specific example of why you appreciate them in this situation. This is much more compelling than a generic phrase.
5. Thank you for bearing with us
This alternative shows that you really empathize with and appreciate the frustration that the issue is causing them.
6. Thank you for your time and commitment
This alternative phrase has a similar meaning, but is a bit more conversational and less generic.
7. I’m sorry
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with owning up and taking responsibility for the delays.
A special way to say “thank you for your patience”
The absolute best way to thank someone for their patience is to send a personalized video message. If you are truly committed to building a long-term, human relationship with a client, don’t just write, it say it!
Sendspark makes it easy to record and share video emails right in Gmail, Outlook, and other email platforms in 5 minutes or less. Get started for free here.
Wrapping up
When you’re building client relationships, meaning matters more than words. Don’t just say the polite phrase, really try to empathize with what your client is going through to make a real connection.
For other client communication tips, check out these resources:
