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.
Timed Release Distribution
A Timed Release is a distribution mechanism that grants instant access at a scheduled time. Unlike queues or draws, there’s no waiting or selection process—when the release opens, everyone gets access simultaneously.
How Timed Releases Work
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ TIMED RELEASE LIFECYCLE │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ BEFORE RELEASE AT RELEASE TIME DURING WINDOW │
│ ────────────── ─────────────── ───────────── │
│ │
│ ┌──────────┐ ┌──────────┐ ┌──────────┐ │
│ │ Countdown│──────────►│ OPEN! │──────────►│ Checkout │ │
│ │ │ time │ │ instant │ │ │
│ │ 3:00:00 │ │ Access │ access │ Complete │ │
│ │ 2:59:59 │ │ Granted │ │ purchase │ │
│ │ 2:59:58 │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ ... │ │ │ │ │ │
│ └──────────┘ └──────────┘ └──────────┘ │
│ │
│ Consumer sees All waiting Standard │
│ countdown timer consumers get checkout flow │
│ immediate access │
│ │
│ ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────► │
│ Release Time Close Time │
│ │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Pre-Release Phase
- Consumers arrive and see a countdown to the release time
- Optionally, consumers can join a waitlist to be notified
- Anticipation builds as the countdown approaches zero
Release Moment
- The clock hits the release time
- All waiting consumers immediately receive access
- Checkout becomes available instantly
Access Window
- Consumers have until the close time to complete their purchase
- Inventory may sell out before the close time
- Standard checkout flow applies (cart, payment, confirmation)
The Consumer Experience
Before Release
Consumers see:
- Countdown timer showing time until release
- Product details and pricing
- Option to join waitlist for notifications
- “Add to calendar” functionality
At Release Time
Consumers experience:
- Instant access—no waiting, no line, no selection
- Direct path to add items to cart
- Standard checkout process
After Release
If the access window is still open:
- New consumers can still shop (while inventory lasts)
- Products may show “sold out” as inventory depletes
Consumer Journey
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ TIMED RELEASE CONSUMER JOURNEY │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ ┌─────────────┐ │
│ │ Waiting │ (countdown to release) │
│ └──────┬──────┘ │
│ │ Release time arrives │
│ ▼ │
│ ┌─────────────┐ │
│ │ Access │ (instant access granted) │
│ │ Granted │ │
│ └──────┬──────┘ │
│ │ Add to cart │
│ ▼ │
│ ┌─────────────┐ │
│ │ Checkout │ (complete purchase) │
│ └──────┬──────┘ │
│ │ │
│ ▼ │
│ ┌─────────────┐ │
│ │ Complete │ │
│ └─────────────┘ │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
When to Use Timed Releases
| Scenario | Why Timed Release Works |
|---|
| Flash sale | Everyone gets a fair shot at opening |
| Product launch | Maximum excitement at drop time |
| Member-only drop | Reward loyalty with instant access |
| Limited-time offer | Time-bound urgency drives action |
| Restock notification | Immediate access for waitlist subscribers |
Configuration Options
Release Time
When access begins. Consumers see a countdown to this moment.
Tips:
- Choose a time that works for your audience’s timezone
- Consider peak engagement times (evenings, weekends)
- Build anticipation with advance marketing
Close Time
When the access window ends:
- With close time: Sale ends at this time regardless of inventory
- No close time: Sale continues indefinitely until inventory depletes
Tips:
- Short windows (1-4 hours) create urgency
- Longer windows (24+ hours) accommodate different timezones
- Very short windows (15 minutes) work for lightning deals
Guest vs. Verified Access
Choose who can participate:
- Allow guests: Maximum participation, anyone can buy
- Require accounts: Better tracking, can limit to loyal consumers
- Verified only: Most exclusive, best for high-value drops
Best Practices
1. Build Anticipation
Use countdown widgets to build excitement:
- Show countdown days or weeks in advance
- Send reminder emails/notifications as release approaches
- Share on social media to drive traffic
2. Prepare for High Demand
At release time, everyone arrives simultaneously:
- Make sure your checkout can handle the rush
- Run a test sale before major releases to verify everything works
- Have a plan if something goes wrong (pause the release, extend the window, etc.)
3. Set Appropriate Windows
Balance urgency with accessibility:
| Window Length | Best For |
|---|
| 15 minutes | Lightning deals, extreme urgency |
| 1-4 hours | Flash sales, limited quantities |
| 24 hours | Global audience participation |
| Multi-day | Extended promotions |
4. Communicate Timing Clearly
Show times in the consumer’s local timezone:
- Display both local time and countdown
- Send “starting soon” reminders
- Clarify when the window closes
5. Handle Sell-Outs Gracefully
Products may sell out during the open window:
- Show real-time inventory status when low
- Offer waitlist for restocks
- Suggest similar available products
Common Patterns
Standard Flash Sale
- Duration: 24 hours
- Access: Guest checkout allowed
- Use case: General promotions, clearance events
Exclusive Member Drop
- Duration: 3-hour window
- Access: Verified accounts only
- Use case: VIP early access, loyalty rewards
Countdown Launch
- Duration: Open indefinitely after launch
- Access: All consumers
- Use case: New product launches, brand reveals
Lightning Deal
- Duration: 15-minute window
- Access: Guest checkout allowed
- Use case: Extreme urgency, very limited quantities
Combining with Waitlists
Use a waitlist before the timed release for maximum engagement:
- Before release: Consumers join waitlist to be notified
- At release: Waitlist subscribers receive instant notification
- During sale: Everyone can access while inventory lasts
This combination:
- Captures interest before launch
- Builds anticipation
- Ensures engaged consumers don’t miss the drop
- Provides valuable demand data
Combining with Audiences
Different consumer groups can get different access times:
Example: Tiered Access
| Group | Release Time |
|---|
| VIP Members | 9:00 AM (3 hours early) |
| Loyalty Program | 10:30 AM (1.5 hours early) |
| General Public | 12:00 PM |
Inventory Considerations
While timed releases grant instant access, inventory is still managed:
- First consumers to checkout get the product
- Others may see “sold out” during checkout
- Consider cart reservation timers to ensure fair checkout
