Wait / delay node
A workflow step that pauses execution for a defined period or until a condition is met. Example: send a welcome email, wait 3 days, then send a follow-up. Without delay nodes, both emails would fire simultaneously.
Expert insight
A wait/delay node that pauses a workflow for a fixed duration doesn't account for the possibility that the condition it's waiting for already changed during the wait, a workflow that waits 24 hours then checks a status should re-check the current state at that point, not assume nothing relevant happened during the delay.
In a real workflow
A follow-up email waits three days after the first message unless the contact replies.
Common mistakes
- Long waits that block resources.
- Not cancelling the wait when the condition changes.
Complexity level
Anyone can understand this no technical background needed.
Related terms
Drip sequence
A timed series of automated emails or messages sent to a contact over a defined …
Workflow template
A pre-built automation that can be imported and customised. PURIST's Workflow Li…
Async / Asynchronous processing
When an automation queues a task and continues without waiting for it to complet…
See it in action
Want Wait / delay node built into your automation?
Book a free audit and we'll show you exactly how this applies to your business.
Get my free automation plan →Who we build for
Run a firm, an agency or an online store? We automate the work behind it.
Done-for-you n8n workflows and Claude AI agents, fixed price, maintained for you.
- Professional firms Onboarding, documents, billing and reporting run on their own. See what we automate →
- Agencies and SaaS teams Custom n8n and Claude builds, client reporting and internal tools. See what we automate →
- E-commerce brands Orders, support, returns and stock handled without the busywork. See what we automate →
More in Core concepts
Keep exploring
Webhook replay
Re-sending a previously received webhook payload through a workflow, t…
Workflow library
A catalogue of pre-built, tested workflows ready to deploy. PURIST's W…
Active polling
Repeatedly checking an external service for new data on a fixed schedu…
Boolean logic
True/false conditions that drive branching in workflows. `IF contact.c…
Chain (workflow)
Linking multiple automations so the output of one becomes the trigger …
Hybrid automation
A combination of API-based automation and RPA in a single workflow. Wh…