Here are some tips for responding to an email requesting early access to a product or service:
Thank them for their interest
• Express your appreciation that they reached out regarding early access. It’s a compliment that they want early access.
Explain the early access process
• Let them know if you have an established early access program with clear criteria on who gets access.
• If it’s more informal, explain generally how you choose who to give early access to. Be transparent.
Ask clarifying questions
• Try to understand why they want early access and how they plan to use the product/service.
• This info can help you determine if it makes sense to grant them access.
Set proper expectations
• If granting access, be clear it is an unfinished product and changes/updates are still being made.
• Manage expectations upfront so they understand it will have bugs and be incomplete.
Follow up with next steps
• Let them know you will follow up with a decision by X date. Or request any other info you need to make a determination.
• If saying no for now, explain why and say you can revisit when you expand access.
Consider using SuperReply
• Replying to early access requests and managing ongoing conversations takes time.
• Install the SuperReply Chrome extension to save hours crafting thoughtful, personalized responses.