I was going to say 90 years.  But, I guess you meant something else by your question LOL.

For maximum first impression glory...right away. For professionalism, soon after and to stay in the credibility game within a 1/2 day to the same day

My expectations are low, and I won't thrash about if I get a response that day or the next business day unless it's about a showing, which needs to be 'that morning', 'that afternoon'  . . . consumers do not have my expectations, though . . . and to fail to respond within a few minutes to an hour and they're gone!

Depends on the situation. That business day could be fine, or within 24 hours, or I might be more impatient if I don't have a response in a few hours

         If it's a showing request, 4 to 6 hours max, excepting weekends and holidays. 

     If it is a potential lead or a sign call, you better be on it right away.

When you stop caring about what you are doing and just go through the motions

Somethings need a quick response. If I am writing an offer and need information from th elisting agent I want a response in hours not days. But other things can wait a day or two. 

Ha ha, I thought you meant "be" in business and I was going to answer "they have to drag me out kicking and screaming". But responding to a message? If I ask, I'd like to have an answer within an hour. That's where texting is good. Unless they left their phone at home, they should get my message right away and it is common courtesy to at least text back that they received it--within an hour. We are in business, and it flows fast.

Kathleen Daniels - sometimes 5 minutes is too long and sometimes, couple of days are okay. It all depends on what it is for and if there is any expiry to that query.

Best to pick up the phone...(and I know I have been there, seen that...)

Response time is likely in proportion to the amount of competition and how long you want to stay in business.

I expect to hear back from someone within the hour...

First I thought your question pertained to how long is too long to be in business.  That would be until one is ready to quit.  Too long for someone or even us to respond to a call or inquiry would depend on the day of the week, time of day or holiday. The response to this question has so many variables it's tough to answer.  I know I alway try to respond as quickly as I can but find that's not the situation too often with others.  

When texting I expect a message quicker, couple of hours.  Phone calls or emails hopefully within a few hours.  I reply with something as soon as possible.  

I like a rapid response. I don't want to wait hours, but sometimes do just that. 

For general purposes, 24 hours during the week and on Monday if inquiry on the weekends.  For real estate purposes, where time is of the essence, it becomes same business days when possible.

It depends on the situation.  I give contractors a little more leeway than, say, an agent on a transaction. But, still not more than the next day.  

I have a client who is buying a mobile home and she wanted to speak with a lender.  I got a referral to a lender who works with this type of loan.  I left a message last last week and received a phone call yesterday.  Um, no thanks. 

I also agree that it depends on the situation. If I'm trying to give someone business, I expect to hear from them within a reasonable amount of time, which could be hours to the next day.

Kathleen, Depending on the urgency of the request, I expect NLT next day to at least acknowledge and tell me they're working on it.  For me, whenever possible I'd trying for a matter of hours to get back to people, or I'll promise next day and then try to make it happen by that same day's evening.  I want things off my plate as quickly as possible.  Bill

For messages/inquiries received before 3PM - I would hope by the end of the day.   Received after 3PM, the next day by 12PM.   Obviously circumstances can influence my answer -- do does my mood and my patience.  

An acknowledgment is always nice if an answer can't be immediately given.

For things urgent I expect the other to pick up the phone and call, which is what I do.

All others will be responded to in the exact manner my voice mail states.

My expectations are that a Plan B will have been communicated in my message and that is what will happen. "Please call back by 3PM otherwise this issue will be consider resolved as indicated."

An hour no more than two and I'm off to someone else.  

Depends on the situation. From Immediately to 24 hours comes to mind!

I try to respond within 30-60 minutes in one form or another if I can't do it immediately. I personally don't expect such a quick response, however. I'm not all that into instant gratification the way so much of our societ seems to be.

Good morning Kathleen. I'm not sure, I don't have any goal as to how long I will be in business. They will have to carry me off the field.

I guess, I'll find out eventually, since I"m not going anywhere now.

Until you are addled.  

I prefer within 4 to 5 hours, but I expect within 24.  I will say in my market agents are pretty good.

In general, by COB or within 24 hours but, depending on the specific situation, could be sooner. If I am in a meeting or appointment, I will either text or email at the first break to say I received your message and will respond after the meeting or appointment.

i dont think there is a rule....the faster they do and the more intelligent the response the better guide there is to the other side. we cannot expect the same level that we give from others

When you forget who you are and what your doing.

24 hours unless there is a good reason otherwise

Impossible answer.

It depends, but I usually give them 24 hours.

Within 2-4 hours, depending on the nature of the initial communication.  Some take longer if involving a bank or lender.

52 years was long enough for me.

At first i would say when business becomes a job but in reality, too long is when you no longer like what you do and are no longer doing it well becuase of that