The only times I have used it was when I was on vacation out of the country in areas with limited internet;  my message says my teammate is covering, lists all her contact information but also says I will check email intermittently. And I do.  Of course, any active clients already know and won't be surprised by the message should they send me something while I am gone.

Yes, but just for web inquiries.

Yes, I do.  For the initial contacts.

Not particularly, except for my internet leads from Market Leader, who get a letter from me right away--but it's a real letter and not anything that looks like an auto-responder.

I don't like getting them and I don't want to use them. The only exception: when I'm out of the country and not available for a few days. 

I do not ever use an auto responder. I think it's a definite no no!

I use auto-responders to make sure my ckients are still being notified in case I am busy.  I also get them on my email so I can also keep up  with what they are receiving.

I use auto responders for every opt-in form. (10 or so different ones) It alows me to have the informaiton go to a data base (name, email,phone, buyer, seller, lender.)The auto response asks a specif question... not the generic. If they respond to the auto it goes to my phone email.

I am new to tech. I will be using a drip campain in the future to stay in contact with them

I do not./...I don't like to get them and most of my clients have told me the same.  They say it is laziness.

If I'll be away for an entire day or more and won't have access to my phone I'll use them.  Otherwise, I always have my email coming to my phone, so no need for them.

Jeff - Only for the rare times that I don't have connectivity or on a dramatically different time zone so that I can manage their expectations.  When I have someone covering for me, I make sure that they cc me on any response so that I am up to speed.

Prefer not, Jeff Dowler CRS - the clients may feel that you are not available to them (unless of course when you are away - have someone fill in for you.)

Never used it. Gee, maybe I'm just always working and never take any time off...

IMO, the only time to use an auto-responder is when you are truly unable to do business with/for clients in a meaningful way, in an a reasonable time-frame.

A few of examples would be:

• Injury / surgery / prolonged illness (like a real-deal flu that takes you out for an actual week)
• Vacation
• A major move (your homestead, your office)

Basically, anything that will materially separate you from your ability to communicate with people for a period of time.

There are two key points to successfully using this feature:

• Be informative (within reason) - Let your clients/colleagues know generally why you are away, when you will be back, and if applicable, who is covering your desk in the meantime.  Also, use the same "voice" in your a/r message as you do for everything else (many times, people think they have to use an overly formal or dispassionate tone... poppycock!).
• Stay on top of it - The very instant you return, TURN OFF THE AUTO-RESPONDER. Also, to every, single person who tried contacting you, send them a short "I'm back!" message. Extra credit: personalize each one (yes, this isn't possible all the time, but it is a very nice touch.)

No, I don't like them, even when we are away, we can see our email on our various devices, and I like responding sooner than later.  I find the automated response cold and distant.

Nope with all the technology clients can just move on to the next person:)

No i do not use auto responders because I always reply to email right away.