Overview
When creating promotions, it is important to understand how the scheduling options behave with time zones. The Daily scheduling method uses the configured local timezone of each location, while the One-Time Recurring option operates in UTC.
This article explains how to properly configure promotions using the Daily scheduling method so promotions activate and end based on each location’s local time.
Key Difference Between Scheduling Methods
| Scheduling Method | Time Zone Behavior |
|---|---|
| Daily | Uses the location’s configured local timezone |
| One-Time Recurring | Uses UTC time |
Important Note
If you need a promotion to start and end at a specific local time for each location, use the Daily scheduling method.
When to Use the Daily Scheduling Method
Use the Daily method when:
- Promotions should follow each store’s local time zone
- Multiple locations are in different time zones
- Promotions need to activate at the same local time each day
- You want predictable daily start and stop behavior based on the location configuration
Example:
A promotion configured for:
- Start Time: 6:00 AM
- End Time: 6:00 AM the next day
will run according to the local timezone configured for each location.
How to Configure a Promotion Using Daily Scheduling
Step 1: Create or Edit the Promotion
Navigate to the promotion configuration screen and either:
- Create a new promotion
- Edit an existing promotion
Step 2: Select the Scheduling Type
Under the scheduling options:
- Select Daily
- Define the desired date range
- Set the daily start and end times
Step 3: Verify the Location Time Zone
Ensure the location has the correct timezone configured.
The Daily scheduling option references the location’s configured timezone when determining when the promotion becomes active.
Step 4: Save and Activate the Promotion
Save the configuration and monitor the promotion after activation to confirm expected behavior.
Example Scenario
Desired Behavior
A customer wants a breakfast promotion to run:
- Every day
- From 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Based on each store’s local time
Recommended Configuration
Use:
- Scheduling Type: Daily
- Start Time: 6:00 AM
- End Time: 10:00 AM
Result:
- Eastern Time locations begin at 6:00 AM ET
- Central Time locations begin at 6:00 AM CT
- Pacific Time locations begin at 6:00 AM PT
No manual UTC conversion is required.
Testing and Validation
Additional testing confirmed:
- The Daily scheduling method correctly follows the configured timezone of each location
- This behavior differs from the One-Time Recurring scheduling option
- Promotions configured with Daily scheduling activate according to local store time
Troubleshooting
Promotion Did Not Start at Expected Time
Verify:
- The promotion is configured with the Daily scheduling option
- The location timezone is configured correctly
- The date range includes the current date
- Start and end times do not unintentionally overlap or conflict
Best Practices
- Use Daily scheduling for location-based local timing
- Avoid using One-Time Recurring when local time behavior is required
- Validate timezone settings before activating promotions
- Test promotions in multiple time zones when applicable
Summary
The Daily scheduling option is the recommended method when promotions must follow each location’s local time zone. Unlike the One-Time Recurring option, Daily scheduling automatically uses the timezone configured at the location level, eliminating the need for UTC time conversions.