What’s “stuck flow” or “dead-end” logic?

Stuck flows trap recipients in automation limbo:

How it happens: Wait step with no timeout. Condition that can never be satisfied. Branch with no path for certain scenarios. Exit condition never triggers.

Examples: "Wait until customer visits website" but customer never returns. "Wait until payment clears" but payment fails permanently. Decision point missing the scenario customer is in.

Consequences: Customers frozen in automation indefinitely. May suddenly receive messages months later if condition finally met. Distorts flow analytics and conversion tracking. Wastes system resources tracking stuck contacts.

Prevention: Maximum wait times for all wait conditions. Fallback paths for all decision branches. Regular audits for contacts stuck in flows. Timeout exits that move or remove stuck contacts.

Every wait needs an escape. No recipient should be trapped forever.