What’s the difference between real-time and delayed triggers?

Real-time triggers fire immediately (or within seconds/minutes) when conditions are met:

Order confirmation sends instantly after purchase. Password reset sends immediately after request. Security alerts fire without delay.

Delayed triggers wait a specified time before firing:

Cart abandonment waits 1-4 hours to confirm the customer left. Browse abandonment waits to see if the customer returns. Welcome series spaces messages over days.

When to use each:

Real-time for urgent, expected communications. Delayed when you need to confirm intent, avoid interrupting in-progress actions, or space out messages.

Delays also enable cancellation if conditions change. A cart abandonment email can be cancelled if the customer returns and purchases before the delay expires.

Real-time says "right now." Delayed says "after we are sure." Choose based on urgency and confidence.