We appreciate your patience

You can place this phrase at the start of an email. It also works perfectly at the very end. In person, say it with a small, sincere smile. It is often followed by an update on the situation. For example, We appreciate your patience while we fix this. It works for both short delays and long-term projects. It’s like a polite handshake in verbal form.

Use it when a meeting starts five minutes late. Use it if you take two days to reply to an email. It is perfect for customer service roles. If a restaurant table isn't ready, this phrase saves the day. It’s great for technical support or shipping delays. Use it whenever someone has to wait for you.

Do not use it for massive, life-altering mistakes. If you lose a client's house keys, say I am so sorry instead. Avoid using it with your best friends or partner. It might sound like you are a robot or a bank. If you use it too many times in one email, it loses meaning. Don't use it if no waiting actually happened.

In Western business culture, time is a very precious resource. Being late is often seen as a sign of disrespect. This phrase acts as a social lubricant to smooth over these moments. It comes from a "Customer is King" philosophy. It became a staple of corporate communication in the late 20th century. It helps maintain a professional distance while still being warm.

You will often hear Thank you for your patience. Another version is We value your patience during this time. If you want to be slightly less formal, try Thanks for bearing with us. For very long waits, some say We truly appreciate your continued patience. Each one adjusts the "volume" of your gratitude.