Delay tool
Wait for time period or schedule later
Pause workflows for minutes, hours, or days. Perfect for post-purchase sequences, approval timeouts, and drip campaigns—no external scheduling tools needed.
Popular solutions using delay tool
Real-world automation scenarios
Post-purchase review requests
Wait 3–7 days after fulfillment, then send a review request. Give customers time to receive and try the product.
Drip email sequences
Welcome email immediately, follow-up in 3 days, win-back in 7. Space communications without separate tools.
Approval timeout handling
If approval isn't received in 24 hours, auto-escalate or proceed with a default path. No stuck workflows.
Retry and backoff
Wait before retrying a failed API call or webhook. Give external systems time to recover.
Post-shipment follow-up
Delay 5 days after shipment, then check tracking. Send a "how was delivery?" email or escalate if not delivered.
Abandoned cart sequences
1 hour: reminder. 24 hours: incentive. 72 hours: final nudge. Timed perfectly for conversion.
Pre-built delay tool templates
Get started with these customizable workflow templates
Getting started with delay tool
Add a Delay step
Insert Delay where the workflow should pause. Choose wait duration (minutes, hours, days) or a specific date/time.
Configure the wait
Enter a fixed duration (e.g., 3 days) or use dynamic values from workflow data (e.g., order.fulfilled_at + 5 days).
Add post-delay steps
Steps after the Delay run when the wait ends. Add Email, Filter, Approval, or any other steps.
Building is better together
Tools often used together:
Why choose MESA's delay tool?
| MESA Delay | Zapier | Make | Klaviyo Flows | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Included in price | ✓ | Per task | Per op | Separate tool |
| Minutes to days | ✓ | Limited | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dynamic dates | ✓ | Limited | ✓ | Limited |
| Works with Approval | ✓ | Limited | ✓ | N/A |
| Full workflow control | ✓ | Per Zap | Per scenario | Email only |
| Cost | FREE | Per task | Per op | Per plan |
Unlike other platforms, MESA's Delay tool is included free with every plan.
Common questions
What's the difference between Delay and Schedule?
What time units can I use?
Can I use a dynamic date?
What happens to the workflow during a delay?
Can I use Delay with Approval?
Is there a maximum delay?
Do delays count toward execution limits?
Can I cancel a delayed workflow?
Start using the MESA Delay tool today
Included free in all MESA plans
Need help getting started? Our team will help you design your first delayed workflow. Contact us →
