Countdown timer

When to Use a Countdown Timer

Countdown timers are powerful tools for driving conversions when used strategically.

Before Preorder Opens

Use a countdown timer before launch to:

• Build anticipation for upcoming product releases
• Create buzz around limited edition items
• Allow customers to plan their purchase
• Generate excitement for product launches

Example text: "Preorder starts in 3 days 12:45:30"

During Preorder Period

Use a countdown timer during the preorder to:

• Create urgency for limited-time offers
• Encourage customers to complete their purchase
• Highlight deadlines for special pricing or bonuses
• Drive action before preorder windows close

Example text: "Preorder ends in 5 days 08:22:15"

Both Phases

Use countdown timers for both phases to:

• Maximize engagement throughout the entire campaign
• First build anticipation, then create urgency
• Provide a complete timeline for customers
• Support product launches with defined preorder windows

Accessing Countdown Timer Settings

The countdown timer settings are located in the offer editor.

Navigating to the Settings

1. From your Shopify admin, open the STOQ app.
2. Click Preorders in the left navigation menu.
3. Click Offers to view your preorder offers.
4. Click on an offer to open the editor.
5. Click on the Countdown timer section in the offer summary.

Enabling the Countdown Timer

Follow these steps to add a countdown timer to your preorder offer.

Step 1: Enable the Timer

1. In the Countdown timer panel, locate the Display section.
2. Select Show countdown timer to enable the feature.
3. The timer options expand below.

Step 2: Choose When to Show the Timer

Select when the countdown timer should appear to customers:

Before preorder opens:

• Timer counts down to your preorder start date
• Shows customers when they can begin ordering
• Available when your offer is disabled or has a scheduled start date

During preorder period:

• Timer counts down to your preorder end date
• Shows customers how much time remains to order
• Available when your offer is live or has a scheduled end date

Countdown to launch and deadline:

• Timer first counts down to launch, then switches to counting down to the deadline
• Provides complete timeline coverage
• Requires both start and end dates to be set in Status settings

Step 3: Configure the Dates

Choose where the countdown timer gets its dates from:

Use schedule dates:

• Timer automatically uses the start/end dates from your Status settings
• Keeps timer synchronized with your offer schedule
• Recommended for most use cases

Set custom dates:

• Timer uses separate dates independent of your offer schedule
• Useful for promotional countdowns that differ from actual availability
• Allows flexibility for marketing campaigns

Setting Custom Dates

If you choose custom dates:

1. Click Change next to the date field.
2. Select a date from the calendar.
3. Choose a time from the dropdown (30-minute intervals).
4. The timer will count down to this specific date and time.

Step 4: Customize the Heading Text

Add custom text that appears above the countdown numbers.

Heading - before launch:

• Text shown when counting down to the preorder start
• Default: "Preorder starts in"
• Example: "Available in" or "Launching in"

Heading - during preorder:

• Text shown when counting down to the preorder end
• Default: "Preorder ends in"
• Example: "Order within" or "Limited time remaining"

Step 5: Save Your Changes

1. Click Save changes to apply the countdown timer settings.
2. The timer will appear on product pages for items in this offer.

Customizing Timer Appearance

Make the countdown timer match your brand with styling options.

Accessing Styling Options

1. In the Countdown timer panel, scroll to the Styling section.
2. Click Show to expand the styling options.

Color Options

Text color:

• The color of the countdown numbers and labels
• Click the color swatch to open the color picker
• Enter a hex code for precise color matching

Background color:

• The color behind the countdown timer
• Creates contrast and draws attention
• Use your brand colors or a complementary shade

Corner Radius

Adjust how rounded the timer corners appear:

• Enter a value in pixels (0-50)
• 0 = sharp corners (square)
• Higher values = more rounded corners
• Default is 8px

Time Units to Display

Choose which time units appear in the countdown:

• Days - Shows remaining days
• Hours - Shows remaining hours
• Minutes - Shows remaining minutes
• Seconds - Shows remaining seconds (creates live ticking effect)

You can enable or disable each unit independently. For example:

• Show only days and hours for long countdowns
• Show hours, minutes, and seconds for short countdowns
• Include all units for complete precision

How the Timer Works

Understanding the timer behavior helps you configure it effectively.

Live Updates

The countdown timer updates in real-time on the customer's screen. Seconds tick down continuously, creating a sense of urgency and movement.

Automatic Transitions

When using "Countdown to launch and deadline" mode:

1. Before the start date, the timer shows "Preorder starts in..."
2. When the start date arrives, the timer automatically switches to "Preorder ends in..."
3. When the end date arrives, the timer stops or hides

Time Zone Handling

The countdown timer uses your store's timezone settings. Ensure your Shopify store timezone is configured correctly so the timer displays accurate countdowns for your target audience.

What Happens When Timer Reaches Zero

Before launch timer:

• Timer stops or transitions to the "during preorder" countdown
• Preorder button becomes available (if offer is scheduled)

During preorder timer:

• Timer stops displaying
• Preorder offer ends (if scheduled)
• Products return to normal state

Integration with Scheduled Offers

The countdown timer works seamlessly with STOQ's scheduling feature.

Using Schedule Dates

When you schedule an offer in the Status settings:

1. Set your start and/or end dates in Status
2. In Countdown timer, select "Use schedule dates"
3. The timer automatically syncs with your schedule
4. Changes to schedule dates update the timer automatically

Benefits of Integration

• Single source of truth for dates
• No manual synchronization needed
• Timer and offer status always match
• Reduces configuration errors

Editing Schedule Dates

If you need to change the dates:

1. Go to the Status section of the offer editor
2. Modify your start and/or end dates
3. The countdown timer updates automatically

Known Limitations

The countdown timer feature has some constraints to be aware of.

• Countdown timer requires a paid STOQ plan
• "Countdown to launch and deadline" mode requires both start and end dates in Status settings
• Times are in 30-minute intervals when setting custom dates
• The timer position is determined by STOQ's widget placement
• Custom CSS may be needed for advanced positioning
• Timer may not appear on quick-view modals or collection pages
• Very long countdowns (months) may appear less urgent to customers

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with the countdown timer, use this guide to identify and resolve common problems.

FAQs

Q: Can I have different timers for different products?

A: The countdown timer is configured per offer. If you need different timers for different products, create separate offers with their own countdown timer settings.

Q: Does the timer work on collection pages?

A: The countdown timer primarily appears on product pages where the full preorder widget is displayed. It may not appear on collection pages or quick-view modals depending on your theme.

Q: Can I show the timer without scheduling the offer?

A: Yes. You can use custom dates for the countdown timer independent of your offer schedule. This allows you to show a countdown while keeping the offer manually controlled.

Q: What happens if I change the dates while the timer is live?

A: If you're using schedule dates, changes in Status settings update the timer immediately. If using custom dates, changes in the countdown timer settings take effect when you save.

Q: Can I hide the timer temporarily without disabling it?

A: To hide the timer, select "Don't show timer" in the Display section. Your other settings (dates, text, styling) are preserved and will be used when you re-enable the timer.

Q: Does the timer affect SEO?

A: The countdown timer is rendered client-side and does not significantly impact SEO. Search engines will see your product page content normally.

Updated on: 19/02/2026