> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.fanfare.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Waitlist Distribution > Interest capture and notification for pre-launch and overflow scenarios A **Waitlist** is a distribution mechanism for capturing interest and notifying consumers when access becomes available. Unlike other distributions that actively allocate access, waitlists are passive collectors that work alongside other distribution types. ## How Waitlists Work Waitlist lifecycle diagram showing interest, waiting, opening, notification, and conversion. ### Signup Phase 1. Consumer discovers an upcoming experience or sold-out product 2. Consumer provides their email or phone number 3. System confirms their signup and sets expectations ### Waiting Phase 1. Consumers accumulate on the waitlist 2. No real-time position display (unlike queues), though you can prioritize by signup time 3. Waitlist remains passive until a trigger event ### Notification Phase 1. Trigger event occurs (launch, restock, availability) 2. Waitlist members are notified (all at once, in batches, or by priority — see Notification Strategies) 3. Consumers convert through the available distribution (queue, draw, or instant access) ## The Consumer Experience ### Signing Up Consumers see: * Clear message about what they're signing up for * Email or phone input field * Confirmation of what to expect ("We'll notify you when it's available") ### While Waiting Consumers know: * They're on the list * They'll be notified when it's available * No action needed until then ### When Notified Consumers receive: * Alert that the product/event is now available * Direct link to access or purchase * Optional: Time-limited access window ## Consumer Journey Waitlist consumer journey showing not signed up, waiting, notified, convert, and no conversion. ## When to Use Waitlists | Scenario | Why Waitlist Works | | -------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- | | Pre-launch | Capture demand before product is available | | Coming soon page | Build anticipation and collect interested consumers | | Sold out products | "Notify me when back in stock" | | Overflow handling | When queue/draw is full, capture additional interest | | Invite-only launches | Collect requests before opening access | ## Configuration Options ### Capacity Maximum number of waitlist signups: * **Unlimited**: Accept all interested consumers * **Limited**: Cap signups (e.g., 10,000 maximum) Setting a limit can create scarcity ("Only 500 waitlist spots remaining!"). ### Contact Requirements What information to collect: * **Email only**: Most common, sufficient for notifications * **Email + phone**: For SMS notifications * **Full profile**: When you need more consumer data ### Guest vs. Verified Who can join: * **Allow guests**: Maximum signup rate, anonymous consumers welcome * **Require account**: Better data, can connect to consumer history ## Use Case Examples ### Pre-Launch Interest Capture interest before a product launches: **Setup:** * Create waitlist when announcing the product * Unlimited capacity (capture all interest) * Email required for notifications **Consumer journey:** 1. See "Coming Soon" page 2. Sign up for waitlist 3. Receive launch notification 4. Join queue or draw when it opens ### Overflow Handling When your primary distribution is at capacity: **Setup:** * Create waitlist alongside queue or draw * Show waitlist option when primary is full * Notify if spots open up **Consumer journey:** 1. Try to join queue 2. Queue is full 3. Offered waitlist instead ("Get notified if spots open") 4. Notified if capacity increases or spots become available ### Restock Notifications Alert consumers when out-of-stock items return: **Setup:** * Show waitlist on sold-out product pages * Unlimited capacity * Email required **Consumer journey:** 1. See "Sold Out" on product page 2. Sign up for restock notification 3. Receive alert when restocked 4. Immediate access to purchase ## Notification Strategies ### Blast Notification Notify all waitlist members at once: * **Best for**: Product launches with high inventory, flash sales, unlimited access events * **Timing**: Everyone gets the same notification at the same time * **Result**: First to act gets the product (standard checkout rules apply) ### Batched Notification Notify in waves to manage traffic: * **Best for**: Limited inventory, capacity-constrained systems * **How it works**: Notify in batches over time (e.g., groups of consumers every few minutes) * **Result**: Spreads traffic, gives each batch a fair chance ### Priority Notification Notify based on signup time or consumer attributes: * **Best for**: Rewarding early signers or VIP consumers * **Example**: VIP consumers notified first, then general waitlist * **Result**: Loyal consumers get first access ## Best Practices ### 1. Always Collect Contact Info Waitlists require a way to notify consumers. At minimum, require email or phone. For better conversion, verify contact information (send confirmation email/SMS on signup). ### 2. Set Clear Expectations Be transparent about what joining means: > "Join our waitlist to be notified when this drops. You'll receive one email when it's available." ### 3. Provide Easy Unsubscribe Always include an opt-out option: * One-click unsubscribe in every notification * "Leave waitlist" option in consumer account * Respect opt-outs immediately ### 4. Time-Bound Access Give notified consumers a reasonable window: * "Your exclusive access expires in 24 hours" * Creates urgency while being fair * Prevents indefinite "I'll buy it later" delays ### 5. Track Conversion Monitor waitlist effectiveness: * **Signup count**: How many joined * **Notification sent**: How many were notified * **Converted**: How many purchased * **Conversion rate**: Typical range is 10-30% ## Common Patterns ### Coming Soon Page Minimal waitlist for pre-launch: * Show product teaser * Collect email addresses * Send one notification at launch ### Sold Out Fallback When inventory depletes: * Show "Sold Out" status * Offer "Notify me when back in stock" * Automatically notify on restock ### VIP Pre-Registration Tiered waitlist access: * **VIP Waitlist**: First access, limited to VIP audience * **General Waitlist**: Second access, open to everyone VIP members get notified earlier, giving them priority access. ## Integration with Other Distributions Waitlists work alongside other distribution types: ### Waitlist → Queue 1. Consumers join waitlist before launch 2. At launch, queue opens 3. Waitlist members get notified 4. They join the queue at their convenience ### Waitlist → Draw 1. Consumers join waitlist before draw registration 2. Draw registration opens 3. Waitlist members get notified 4. They enter the draw for a chance to win ### Waitlist → Timed Release 1. Consumers join waitlist before drop 2. Timed release scheduled 3. Waitlist members get notified just before release 4. They're ready when the countdown hits zero ## Related Concepts * [Distributions Overview](/concepts/distributions/overview) — Common distribution concepts * [Queue Distribution](/concepts/distributions/queue) — First-come, first-served alternative * [Draw Distribution](/concepts/distributions/lottery) — Random selection alternative * [Auction Distribution](/concepts/distributions/auction) — Competitive bidding * [Appointment Distribution](/concepts/distributions/appointment) — Time-slot booking * [Timed Release Distribution](/concepts/distributions/instant) — Instant access at scheduled time * [Audiences](/concepts/audiences) — For segmented waitlist notifications