The Best Times to Send Out Product Feedback Surveys

Most businesses get this wrong. They send surveys whenever it suits them, not when it suits their customers. And then they wonder why nobody responds. Here's the hard truth: if you don’t time your product feedback surveys just right, they’re useless. That’s right—useless. If you want real insights from your customers, you need to send your surveys when they are ready to talk to you, not when you’re ready to hear them.

Keep reading to know exactly when to send those surveys so you can get responses that actually matter. Follow these steps, and you’ll start collecting feedback that helps you grow your business and improve your products.

 

Why Timing Makes or Breaks Your Surveys

Think about the last time someone asked you for feedback. Were you busy? Tired? Or just not in the mood? That’s what happens to your customers if you send surveys at the wrong time.

Timing influences everything. Send your survey too soon after someone buys your product, and they might not have enough experience with it to give meaningful feedback. Wait too long, and they might not even remember using your product. The wrong timing can lead to incomplete answers, or worse, no response at all.

To get the best feedback, you need to meet your customers when their experience with your product is still fresh and their interest is high. This is when they’re most likely to tell you what they really think.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Survey Time

The “best time” isn’t the same for every business. It depends on who your customers are, what kind of product you’re offering, and where they’re located. Let’s break it down:

First, think about your customers’ daily habits. When are they likely to have a few spare minutes? Mid-morning (around 10 or 11 AM) is often a sweet spot. People have settled into their day but aren’t yet overwhelmed with tasks. Early evening (around 6 or 7 PM) can also work because it’s when many people are relaxing after work.

Next, consider the day of the week. Most people are too busy on Mondays catching up from the weekend or on Fridays rushing to finish their tasks before the weekend. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are golden because people are usually in a steady work rhythm and less distracted.

Don’t forget about where your customers live. If you’re sending surveys to people across different time zones, you’ll need to adjust the timing for each region. No one wants to receive an email at 3 AM.

Finally, think about the product lifecycle. If someone just bought your product, don’t wait a month to ask them for feedback. Send a survey right after their purchase to ask about their buying experience. Then, after they’ve had time to use the product—maybe a week or two—follow up with another survey to ask about their satisfaction.

 

When Should You Hit Send?

Let’s get specific. Mid-morning between 10 and 11 AM is ideal for most customers. Early evening around 6 or 7 PM also works, especially if your audience includes busy professionals who check their emails after work. Avoid weekends unless your customers are most active then—think hobbyists or families planning their leisure time.

If you’re gathering feedback on a specific product, send a survey within 24-48 hours of purchase to ask about their buying experience. For detailed product feedback, give them at least a week to use it before following up with another survey.

Timing isn’t just about the clock or calendar. It’s about catching your customer at the perfect moment when they’re willing to engage with you. That might mean experimenting with different times and days to see what works best for your audience.

 

How to Use Data to Get Timing Right

Here’s where most businesses miss the mark: they don’t use the data they already have. Your survey software or email tool probably shows you open rates and response rates. Use that information to figure out when your customers are most likely to engage.

If you’re not sure, start with two test groups. Send your survey to one group in the morning and the other in the evening. Compare the results. Over time, you’ll see patterns. Maybe your audience responds better after work or during their lunch break.

Don’t stop there. Track how response rates change during different times of the year. For example, if your customers are parents, they might be less responsive during back-to-school season or holidays. Adjust your timing to match their schedules.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even if you know the best times to send surveys, there are some traps you need to avoid. First, don’t overwhelm your customers with too many surveys. If they’ve already answered one last week, they’ll be less likely to respond again. Space them out.

Second, don’t send surveys during public holidays or long weekends unless your audience specifically engages during those times. People are usually busy with personal plans and won’t bother with your survey.

Lastly, be mindful of cultural differences if your audience is global. What’s a convenient time for someone in the U.S. might be inconvenient for someone in Europe or Asia.

 

Conclusion

The timing of your product feedback surveys can make the difference between valuable insights and radio silence. Think about your customer’s habits, use data to refine your strategy, and always test to find what works best.

If you’re ready to start sending surveys that actually get responses, try Enquete’s survey tools. They’re designed to help you schedule and optimize your surveys for maximum engagement. Don’t just guess—let Enquete help you nail the timing and get the feedback you need to grow your business.