Do countdown timers really work?

Discussion in 'General Marketing' started by topcoder, Jul 6, 2016.

  1. #1
    or is it a waste of time.
     
    topcoder, Jul 6, 2016 IP
  2. sarahk

    sarahk iTamer Staff

    Messages:
    28,818
    Likes Received:
    4,536
    Best Answers:
    123
    Trophy Points:
    665
    #2
    You mean things like "you have x hours to get y at a 20% discount" type of thing?
     
    sarahk, Jul 6, 2016 IP
  3. topcoder

    topcoder Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    125
    Likes Received:
    7
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    138
    #3
    yes
     
    topcoder, Jul 6, 2016 IP
  4. qwikad.com

    qwikad.com Illustrious Member Affiliate Manager

    Messages:
    7,284
    Likes Received:
    1,697
    Best Answers:
    31
    Trophy Points:
    475
    #4
    Assuming you meant the countdown timers that always count down from the same starting point every time you visit a site: they are misleading and downright annoying. I'd never use one. If it's a real countdown, then it has its merits.
     
    qwikad.com, Jul 7, 2016 IP
  5. sarahk

    sarahk iTamer Staff

    Messages:
    28,818
    Likes Received:
    4,536
    Best Answers:
    123
    Trophy Points:
    665
    #5
    I've got a client who has one on one of their sites but it's not dynamic as it only displays days and it's referring to actual dates when prices will change.
     
    sarahk, Jul 7, 2016 IP
  6. unlimitedoptions4us

    unlimitedoptions4us Greenhorn

    Messages:
    91
    Likes Received:
    2
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    8
    #6
    Hi:

    Countdown timers can work to create a sense of urgency when used properly. Make sure that the timer doesn't start over each time the eprsoon opens the email or source. If the time starts all over again people will perceive it as a fraud.

    Don't put a countdown timer on everything you send out though.

    Dan
     
    unlimitedoptions4us, Nov 8, 2016 IP
  7. Milliardo

    Milliardo Active Member

    Messages:
    244
    Likes Received:
    26
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    63
    #7
    I don't see the purpose of it, really. As someone posted, it is more a waste of resources for your site.
     
    Milliardo, Nov 9, 2016 IP
  8. Bhavna Malhi

    Bhavna Malhi Member

    Messages:
    73
    Likes Received:
    1
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    28
    #8
    I don"t think countdown is a waste of time.
     
    Bhavna Malhi, Nov 9, 2016 IP
  9. geek123

    geek123 Greenhorn

    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    11
    #9
    A countdown timer is the best way to demonstrate that a sale lasts for a limited time, a nonverbal way to tell customers: soon a carriage will turn into a pumpkin and the price for that new bag will become huge again. You need to hurry.

    Urgency is one of the best decision-making factors, so why don’t you use it to encourage a subscriber to buy?
     
    geek123, May 10, 2019 IP