diff --git a/mesh_bot.py b/mesh_bot.py
index c47fc0c..6b78f64 100755
--- a/mesh_bot.py
+++ b/mesh_bot.py
@@ -1257,6 +1257,7 @@ def onReceive(packet, interface):
                             # add to qrz_hello list
                             hello(message_from_id, get_name_from_number(message_from_id, 'short', rxNode))
                             # send a hello message as a DM
+                            time.sleep(responseDelay)
                             send_message(f"Hello {get_name_from_number(message_from_id, 'short', rxNode)} {qrz_hello_string}", channel_number, message_from_id, rxNode)
                             time.sleep(responseDelay)
         else: