What Updates in Real Time?
Queue Positions
Consumers see their position update as the line moves:- Current position in line
- Estimated wait time
- When they’ll reach the front
Auction Bids
Bidders see competition instantly:- Current high bid
- Whether they’ve been outbid
- Time remaining
- Bid extensions when activity is high
Draw Entries
Participants see confirmation:- Entry confirmation
- Total entries (if shown)
- Time until selection
Countdowns
Timing updates automatically:- Time until experience opens
- Time until draw selection
- Time remaining to complete checkout
The Consumer Experience
Waiting in a Queue
Bidding in an Auction
Multiple Browser Tabs
When consumers have multiple tabs open, state stays synchronized:- Join a queue in one tab → other tabs show the same position
- Receive access in one tab → other tabs update immediately
- Place a bid in one tab → reflected across all tabs
How It Works (Simplified)
Fanfare uses efficient techniques to keep consumers updated:
Adaptive Frequency
Update frequency adjusts based on context:| Situation | Update Frequency | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Actively in queue | Frequently | Position changes often |
| Waiting for draw | Less frequently | Fewer changes expected |
| Has checkout access | Occasionally | Just tracking expiration |
| Tab in background | Reduced | Save resources |
What Consumers Experience
Smooth Updates
- Position changes smoothly, not abruptly
- Countdown timers stay accurate
- No page refresh needed
Clear Notifications
- “It’s your turn!” when they reach the front
- “You’ve been outbid!” when someone bids higher
- “2 minutes remaining” as checkout time runs low
Reliable State
- Refresh the page → still see correct position
- Close and reopen → session continues
- Multiple devices → stays in sync
Handling Edge Cases
Connection Issues
If a consumer’s connection drops:- Updates pause temporarily
- Reconnection happens automatically
- Latest state is fetched when connection returns
- Consumer sees accurate information
High Traffic
During peak demand:- Updates continue to flow
- The system is designed to handle load spikes
- Consumers see their current positions
Tab Visibility
When a browser tab is hidden:- Updates slow down (saves battery/data)
- Returns to full speed when tab is visible
- Immediate refresh when consumer returns
What to Expect
Smooth Experience
Fanfare handles updates automatically, so you can expect:- Positions update without refreshing the page
- Countdown timers stay accurate
- Notifications appear when status changes (outbid, your turn, etc.)
If Something Seems Off
Occasionally, a connection hiccup may delay updates:- Refresh the page to get the latest status
- Check your internet connection
- Updates resume automatically when reconnected
For Technical Teams
If you’re building a custom integration, see Events and Resume for implementation guidance on journey events and restored state.Related Concepts
- Queue Distribution — Queue positions and wait times
- Auction Distribution — Real-time bidding
- Draw Distribution — Entry status and selection notifications