This article shows you how to add a custom wait time between cycles of a recurring countdown timer. Use it to run “Every Friday” flash sales, weekly webinar countdowns or monthly product drops, without rebuilding your timers each time they reset.
What is custom wait time for recurring timers?
Custom wait time lets a recurring timer pause for a set time after it reaches 00 : 00 : 00. It then starts the next cycle automatically. During the pause (the Wait state), you can choose whether the timer stays visible at zero or disappears from your funnels. In emails, the timer shows a zero-state banner that links to your expiry page.
How to set up a recurring timer with a wait time
Follow these steps once. The timer will then manage itself every cycle.
Go to Marketing ▸ Countdown Timer ▸ + New to create a new timer.
Choose a timer template and click Continue with this template.
Set Time Type to Recurring, then set the Start and End offsets.
Enter the Loop Events number. This is the total number of times the cycle repeats.
Set the Custom Wait Time duration (for example, 5 days 12 hours).
(Optional) Turn on Hide Timer in Wait State to remove the timer from your funnels during the pause. This toggle only affects funnels. Emails always show the zero-state.
Select the Expiry Page / URL that visitors should see when they click the timer, or refresh a funnel page, during the Wait state.
Save the timer, then add the timer block to your funnels and/or emails.
How the timer lifecycle works
Knowing what your contacts see at each stage helps you design smooth journeys.
Active cycle: the timer counts down until it hits 00:00.
Wait state: the timer pauses for your custom wait time.
Next active cycle: the timer restarts automatically, and the cycle repeats.
State | Email behaviour | Funnel behaviour |
Active | Live ticking countdown | Live ticking countdown |
Wait | Timer shows 00 : 00 : 00. Clicking it redirects to the expiry page. | • Timer is hidden or shows 00 : 00 : 00 (depending on your toggle) |
Reset | A new cycle starts automatically | A new cycle starts automatically |
Example set-ups
Here are some ready-to-use numbers to help you get started.
Scenario | Start → End | Wait time | Result |
Every Friday Sale | Fri 00:00 → Fri 23:59 | 6 days 1 min | Timer restarts at midnight the next Friday |
Weekly Webinar | Mon 09:00 → Thu 17:00 | 3 days 16 hrs | Countdown restarts each Monday morning |
Monthly Drop | 1st 00:00 → 3rd 23:59 | 27 days | Runs on the first three days of every month |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a wait period cross a daylight saving time change?
Yes. Timers store durations, not fixed dates, and recalculate their offsets when daylight saving time changes.
Q: What happens if I change the wait time later?
The new wait time applies the next time the timer enters the Wait state. The current cycle isn’t affected.
Q: Can I style the zero-state in emails?
Not yet. The zero-state uses the default timer font and colour to keep email delivery consistent.
Q: Does the redirect still happen in funnels if I turn off Hide Timer?
Yes. Refreshing the page during the Wait state always redirects, whether the timer is visible or not.
Q: How many cycles can one timer run?
Unlimited. Cycles continue until you archive or delete the timer.
Q: Will contacts see the wrong time in cached emails?
No. Email timers refresh with real-time data when the email is opened, and cached images are replaced on the server.
Q: Can I add a wait time to timers that aren’t recurring?
No. Wait time is only available for the Recurring timer type.