How do tools manage reply detection and stop sequences?

Reply detection is essential functionality that enables automated sequences to behave appropriately.

Detection mechanism:

Tools connect to mailboxes via IMAP

Incoming messages are scanned on schedule (minutes to hours)

Parsing identifies replies to campaign messages

Matching uses message IDs, subjects, and sender addresses

Sequence stopping:

When reply detected, sequence pauses for that recipient

No further automated follow-ups are sent

Notifications alert team members to respond

Status updates in campaign dashboards

Reply categorization:

Some tools auto-categorize (positive, negative, out-of-office)

Filters can detect automated responses

Manual review still recommended for important replies

Potential issues:

Detection delay can cause awkward follow-up timing

Replies to different threads may not match

CC or forward replies sometimes missed

Multiple mailbox configurations need testing

Configuration best practices:

Test reply detection before live campaigns

Set appropriate polling frequency

Configure auto-response filtering

Monitor for missed replies