> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://responsive-media.gitbook.io/advanced-free-shipping/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://responsive-media.gitbook.io/advanced-free-shipping/advanced-features/scheduling.md).

# Scheduling

## Overview

Every discount can have optional start and end dates, perfect for seasonal promotions, limited-time offers, and scheduled campaigns.

## How It Works

In the "Active dates" section of any discount:

* **Start date** - Discount activates at this date/time
* **End date** - Discount deactivates at this date/time
* **Leave blank** - Discount is always active

## Status Indicators

Discounts show different statuses based on dates:

* **Active** (green) - Currently running
* **Scheduled** (blue) - Future start date
* **Expired** (red) - Past end date

## Common Use Cases

<details>

<summary>Holiday Promotion</summary>

**Black Friday free shipping**

* Start: November 24, 2024 12:00 AM
* End: November 27, 2024 11:59 PM
* Discount: Free shipping

</details>

<details>

<summary>Seasonal Campaign</summary>

**Summer free shipping**

* Start: June 1, 2024
* End: August 31, 2024
* Discount: Free shipping

</details>

<details>

<summary>Flash Sale</summary>

**24-hour free shipping**

* Start: Today 12:00 PM
* End: Tomorrow 12:00 PM
* Discount: Free shipping

</details>

<details>

<summary>Ongoing with End Date</summary>

**Trial period**

* Start: (blank - starts immediately)
* End: December 31, 2024
* Discount: Free shipping

</details>

## Best Practices

{% hint style="info" %}
Schedule promotions in advance - create them weeks early with future start dates.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
Use Test Mode to verify scheduled discounts before the start date.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
Keep expired discounts for reference when planning next year's promotions.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Discounts activate/deactivate based on your store's timezone. Check your Shopify settings.
{% endhint %}

## Tips

* Create next year's holiday discounts by duplicating last year's and updating dates
* Use clear naming: "Holiday 2024 Free Shipping" helps you find it later
* Set end dates slightly past the promotion end to account for timezone differences


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://responsive-media.gitbook.io/advanced-free-shipping/advanced-features/scheduling.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.