The Cart Countdown element creates urgency within the cart drawer by displaying a countdown timer. This visual cue encourages customers to complete their checkout before the timer runs out, helping reduce cart abandonment and increase conversions.
By default, the timer is set to 10 minutes, but it can be fully customized to fit your sales strategy.
Overview
Countdown timers tap into the psychology of urgency, motivating customers to act quickly rather than postpone their purchase.
Why Countdown Timers Work
Psychological Trigger | Effect |
Scarcity | Fear of missing out on the opportunity |
Urgency | Motivation to act now rather than later |
Commitment | Encourages completing the started action |
Inserting the Cart Countdown Element
Step 1: Open the Insert Panel
Navigate to the Insert Panel in Instant.
Step 2: Locate the Countdown Element
Go to Elements → Cart
Hover over the Cart category to expand the menu
Select Cart Countdown
Step 3: Drag into Cart Layout
Drag and drop the Cart Countdown element into your Cart Drawer Layout
It appears pre-configured with a default 10-minute timer
Configuration
Once added, you can fully customize the countdown.
Timer Duration
Setting | Description |
Default | 10 minutes |
Custom | Set any duration (5 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc.) |
Choose a duration that fits your strategy—shorter timers create more urgency, while longer timers give customers more breathing room.
Behavior Options
Behavior | Description |
Start on cart open | Timer begins when the cart drawer opens |
Reset on add/remove | Timer restarts when products are added or removed |
Continuous | Timer continues regardless of cart changes |
Styling Options
Property | Customization |
Typography | Font, size, weight |
Colors | Text color, background |
Sizing | Timer display size |
Position | Placement within cart layout |
Tip: Style the countdown so it stands out but doesn't distract from cart details.
Use Cases
Limited-Time Offers
Highlight flash sales or expiring promotions. The countdown reinforces that the deal won't last forever.
Cart Expiry
Encourage checkout completion by making customers aware that their cart won't remain reserved indefinitely.
Urgency Boost
Create psychological pressure that nudges customers to move forward in the purchase flow.
Scenario | Recommended Duration |
Flash sales | 5-10 minutes |
Standard cart | 15-30 minutes |
High-value items | 30-60 minutes |
Best Practices
Practice | Description |
Match your brand tone | Aggressive countdowns may not suit luxury brands |
Be honest | Don't use fake urgency that resets indefinitely |
Test durations | A/B test different timer lengths |
Combine with messaging | Add text explaining what happens when time expires |
Quick Reference
Task | Action |
Insert Countdown | Insert panel → Elements → Cart → Cart Countdown |
Set duration | Select element → Right sidebar → Timer duration |
Configure behavior | Select element → Right sidebar → Timer settings |
Customize styling | Select element → Style options |
Timer Duration Guide
Duration | Urgency Level | Best For |
5 minutes | High | Flash sales, limited stock |
10 minutes | Medium-High | Standard urgency (default) |
15-30 minutes | Medium | General cart completion |
1 hour | Low | Gentle reminder |