Fair Queue Settings

Fair Queue controls how notifications are distributed when products restock. Instead of notifying everyone at once, it sends emails in controlled batches—giving all customers a fair chance to purchase.

What you'll accomplish

• Understand why Fair Queue exists and what problem it solves
• Configure batch size and interval for your inventory patterns
• Monitor queue performance and adjust settings over time

Requirements

• Plan: Free plan or higher (Fair Queue is available on all plans)
• Access: DemandLoop dashboard access
• Prerequisite: At least one active subscription so you can observe queue behavior

The Problem Without Fair Queue

Inventory Rush Scenario

Situation: 200 customers waiting, 20 units restocked

Without Fair Queue:

10:00 AM - All 200 customers notified simultaneously
10:02 AM - First 50 customers rush to store
10:05 AM - All 20 units sold
Result:
  + 20 happy customers
  - 180 disappointed customers (notified but product already gone)
  - Potential negative reviews
  - Frustrated customers unsubscribe

With Fair Queue:

10:00 AM - First 20 customers notified
12:00 PM - Next 20 customers notified
Result:
  + 20 happy customers (purchased)
  + 20 customers notified but not disappointed (stock sold before their turn)
  + 160 customers still waiting for next restock (not disappointed)
  + Fair distribution maintained

How Fair Queue Works

Batch Processing

Notifications are sent in batches instead of all at once.

Key settings:

Batch Size - How many customers per batch
Batch Interval - Time between batches

Example configuration:

Batch Size: 10 customers
Batch Interval: 2 hours

Timeline:
10:00 AM - First 10 customers notified
12:00 PM - Next 10 customers notified
2:00 PM - Next 10 customers notified
4:00 PM - Next 10 customers notified
...continues until all notified or stock runs out

Automatic Pause

Smart inventory tracking:

When inventory reaches zero, the queue automatically pauses:

• Remaining subscribers stay in queue
• No more notifications sent
• Queue resumes when product restocks again

Example:

Subscribers: 50 customers
Inventory: 15 units
Queue: Batch size 10, interval 2 hours

10:00 AM - Notify first 10 customers
10:30 AM - 8 units sold (7 remaining)
12:00 PM - Notify next 10 customers  
12:45 PM - 7 units sold (0 remaining)
Queue PAUSES - 30 remaining customers NOT notified

Next Week:
Inventory: 25 units added
Queue RESUMES - Continue notifying remaining 30 customers

Configuring Fair Queue

Access Settings

Go to: Notifications → Fair Queue Settings

Basic Settings

Enable/Disable Fair Queue

• Toggle ON: Notifications sent in batches (recommended)
• Toggle OFF: All notifications sent immediately

Batch Size

Recommended: 10-20 customers per batch
Minimum: 5 customers
Maximum: 100 customers

Batch Interval

Recommended: 1-4 hours between batches
Minimum: 30 minutes
Maximum: 24 hours

Default Configuration

When you first install DemandLoop:

Fair Queue: Enabled
Batch Size: 10 customers
Batch Interval: 2 hours

These defaults work well for most stores.

Choosing the Right Settings

Small Restocks (< 50 units)

Recommended:

Batch Size: 10 customers
Batch Interval: 2 hours

Why: Gives each batch enough time to purchase before next batch arrives.

Example:

Restock: 30 units
Subscribers: 100 customers
Result: First 3 batches (30 customers) get notified
       Remaining 70 customers wait for next restock

Medium Restocks (50-200 units)

Recommended:

Batch Size: 20 customers
Batch Interval: 3 hours

Why: Faster notification with still-fair distribution.

Example:

Restock: 100 units
Subscribers: 200 customers
Result: 5 batches over 15 hours
       ~100 customers notified
       Stock likely sells out before all notified

Large Restocks (200+ units)

Recommended:

Batch Size: 50 customers
Batch Interval: 4 hours

Why: High confidence you have enough stock for all subscribers.

Example:

Restock: 300 units
Subscribers: 150 customers
Result: 3 batches over 8 hours
       All 150 customers notified
       Stock remaining for walk-in customers

High-Demand/Limited Items

Recommended:

Batch Size: 5 customers
Batch Interval: 1 hour

Why: Maximum fairness, everyone has equal chance.

Example:

Product: Limited Edition Sneakers
Restock: 25 pairs
Subscribers: 500 customers
Result: 5 batches (25 customers) notified
       Each batch has great chance to purchase
       Remaining 475 customers not falsely alerted

Advanced Strategies

Priority Queue (Coming Soon)

VIP customers first:

Tier 1: VIP customers (first 2 batches)
Tier 2: Repeat customers (next 5 batches)
Tier 3: New customers (remaining batches)

Currently all customers are treated equally (first-come, first-served).

Product-Specific Settings (Manual)

Different settings for different products:

Example:

Regular T-Shirt (restocks weekly):
  Batch Size: 50
  Interval: 6 hours
  
Limited Hoodie (restocks monthly):
  Batch Size: 5
  Interval: 1 hour

How to implement: Contact support for custom configuration.

Time-of-Day Optimization

Best times to send notifications:

• Morning: 8-10 AM (high open rates)
• Evening: 6-8 PM (high conversion)
• Night: 11 PM-6 AM (low engagement, avoid)

Current behavior: Batches send regardless of time

Workaround: Set batch interval to align with business hours

Example:

Restock detected at 11 PM
Batch Interval: 10 hours
First batch: 9 AM next day (perfect timing)

Monitoring Queue Performance

Queue Dashboard

Go to: Notifications → Fair Queue

What you'll see:

• Active queues (products currently notifying)
• Customers notified vs remaining
• Next batch send time
• Estimated completion time

Example display:

Product: Premium Hoodie - Black / Large
Queue Status: Active
Notified: 30 of 120 customers (25%)
Next Batch: 2:00 PM (in 45 minutes)
Estimated Completion: 8:00 PM (6 hours)

Notification History

Go to: Subscriptions → Notification History

Filter by:

• Date range
• Product
• Batch number

Use this to:

• Verify batches are sending
• Check conversion rates per batch
• Identify optimal batch sizes

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Fashion Boutique

Store: Small fashion boutique
Product: Designer jeans (popular item)
Challenge: Limited inventory (10-30 units per restock)

Configuration:

Batch Size: 5 customers
Batch Interval: 1 hour

Results:

• 95% of notified customers purchase
• Very few "sold out" complaints
• Customers feel they have fair chance

Example 2: Electronics Store

Store: Tech accessories
Product: Phone cases (regular restocks)
Challenge: High volume (100-200 units per restock)

Configuration:

Batch Size: 30 customers
Batch Interval: 3 hours

Results:

• All subscribers notified within 24 hours
• Inventory almost always sufficient
• Fast notification cycle = happy customers

Example 3: Limited Edition Drops

Store: Streetwear brand
Product: Limited sneakers (monthly drops)
Challenge: Extreme demand (1000+ subscribers, 50 units)

Configuration:

Batch Size: 5 customers
Batch Interval: 30 minutes

Results:

• 50 customers notified over 5 hours
• Each batch has high purchase rate
• Remaining 950 customers not disappointed
• Fair perception maintained

Best Practices

Start Conservative

First time setup:

Batch Size: 10 customers
Batch Interval: 2 hours

Monitor performance for 2-3 restocks, then adjust.

Monitor Conversion Rates

Track these metrics:

• Notifications sent vs purchases made
• Inventory remaining after queue completes
• Customer complaints about "sold out"

Adjust based on data:

• High conversion (>50%) → Increase batch size
• Low inventory remaining → Decrease batch size
• Many complaints → Decrease batch size or interval

Communicate the Policy

Add to FAQ:

Q: Why didn't I get notified immediately?
A: We use a fair queue system to ensure everyone has 
   an equal chance to purchase limited items. 
   Notifications are sent in batches over several hours.

Benefits of transparency:

• Customers understand delays
• Reduces support inquiries
• Builds trust in fairness

Test Before Launch

Before enabling Fair Queue:

1. Set up configuration
2. Use test product with controlled inventory
3. Subscribe test emails
4. Monitor batch sends
5. Verify timing and behavior
6. Adjust settings if needed

Review Monthly

Set calendar reminder to:

• Check queue performance metrics
• Review customer feedback
• Adjust settings based on inventory patterns
• Test different configurations seasonally

Disabling Fair Queue

When to Disable

Consider disabling if:

• You always have abundant inventory
• Products restock very frequently (daily)
• Customer base is small (< 100 subscribers)
• Speed is more important than fairness

Example scenario:

Store: Grocery delivery app
Product: Organic milk
Restock: Daily, 500 units
Subscribers: 50 customers
Decision: Disable Fair Queue (plenty of stock)

How to Disable

1. Go to Notifications → Fair Queue Settings
2. Toggle "Enable Fair Queue" to OFF
3. Save changes

Behavior after disabling:

• All notifications sent immediately when product restocks
• No batching or delays
• First-come-first-served (fastest customers win)

Troubleshooting

Queue Not Processing

Problem: Batches not sending

Check:

1. Fair Queue enabled in settings
2. Product actually restocked (inventory > 0)
3. Subscribers exist for the product
4. No Shopify API issues (check status page)

Solution:

• Manually trigger queue from dashboard
• Check system status
• Contact support if issue persists

Queue Too Slow

Problem: Taking too long to notify all customers

Current settings:

Batch Size: 10
Batch Interval: 4 hours
Subscribers: 200
Time: 80 hours (3+ days!)

Solution:

Increase batch size to 25
Reduce interval to 2 hours
New time: 16 hours (much better)

Queue Too Fast

Problem: Inventory selling out before queue completes

Current settings:

Batch Size: 50
Batch Interval: 1 hour
Inventory: 30 units
Result: First batch buys everything

Solution:

Decrease batch size to 10
Increase interval to 2 hours
Better distribution across more batches

FAQ

Q: Can I pause an active queue?
Yes. Go to Notifications → Fair Queue → Find active queue → Click "Pause."

Q: Can I manually trigger the next batch?
Yes. Go to active queue → Click "Send Next Batch Now."

Q: What if product sells out mid-queue?
Queue automatically pauses. Remaining subscribers stay queued for next restock.

Q: Do I need Fair Queue if I have unlimited inventory?
No. If you always have 100+ units, you can disable Fair Queue and notify everyone immediately.

Q: Can I prioritize certain customers?
Not currently. All customers are treated equally (first-come-first-served by subscription date).

Q: Does Fair Queue work with preorders?
No. Preorders don't use Fair Queue since all customers can purchase immediately (no inventory limits).

Q: Can I see which customers are in which batch?
Yes. Go to Notifications → Fair Queue → View Queue → See batch assignments.

Next Steps

• How Notifications Work - Understand notification flow
• Email Templates - Customize notification content
• Understanding Analytics - Track queue performance