# Understanding workflow triggers

![image](https://docs-assets.foxecom.app/xflow-app/XFlow%20docs%20screenshot%20(15)_yKyvQrec.jpg)

## What are triggers

Triggers define **when a workflow starts**.

A trigger listens for a specific event. When the trigger occurs, the workflow is automatically executed, and relevant data is passed to subsequent workflow steps.

<Hint type="info">

Every workflow can have only 1 trigger. Without a trigger, a workflow cannot run.

</Hint>

## Types of triggers

<Table widths="110.33953857421875,176.09197998046875,auto,auto">

| Event | Event type | When it fires | Data available |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Product restock | **`product.restocked`** | Inventory changes from 0 to > 0 | `Product/variant ID`<br/>`Inventory level`<br/>`Subscriber list` <br/>`Campaign ID` <br/>`Restock timestamp`<br/>`Location/warehouse` |
| Customer signed up | **`customer.signed_up`** | Customer submits "Notify Me" form | `Email`<br/>`Product/variant ID` <br/>`Timestamp`<br/>`Source`<br/>`Consent` |

</Table>

<Tabs>
<Tab title="Product restock">

![image](https://docs-assets.foxecom.app/xflow-app/XFlow%20docs%20screenshot%20(78)_F6giJN1W.jpg)

Starts when a product that was out of stock becomes available again.

<Hint type="info">

*Example:*

**Trigger:** Product restock\
→ **Action:** Send back-in-stock email<br />

Prebuilt workflow: [Send a back in stock notification](https://docs.foxecom.com/xflow-app/workflows/get-started-with-workflow-templates-library/send-a-back-in-stock-notification)

</Hint>

<Hint type="success">

✨ Explore more pre-built workflow templates: [Get started with workflow templates library](https://docs.foxecom.com/xflow-app/workflows/get-started-with-workflow-templates-library)

</Hint>

</Tab>

<Tab title="New customer sign up">

![image](https://docs-assets.foxecom.app/xflow-app/XFlow%20docs%20screenshot%20(79)_jvSRM7pc.jpg)

Starts when a customer signs up to be notified about a product in Notify me form

<Hint type="info">

*Example:*

**Trigger:** New customer sign up\
→ **Action:** Send welcome email\
\
Prebuilt workflow: [Welcome new subscribers with a discount email](https://docs.foxecom.com/xflow-app/workflows/get-started-with-workflow-templates-library/welcome-new-subscribers-with-a-discount-email)

</Hint>

<Hint type="success">

✨ Explore more pre-built workflow templates: [Get started with workflow templates library](https://docs.foxecom.com/xflow-app/workflows/get-started-with-workflow-templates-library)

</Hint>

</Tab>
</Tabs>

<Hint type="info">

Learn more: [Available triggers, actions, and conditions](https://docs.foxecom.com/xflow-app/workflows/available-triggers-actions-and-conditions)

</Hint>

## How triggers work

Triggers work automatically. Once set up, no manual action is needed for the workflow to run.

<Stepper>

<Step>

An event happens in the system (for example, a product comes back in stock).

</Step>

<Step>

The trigger listens for that event.

</Step>

<Step>

When the event occurs, the trigger automatically activates the workflow.

</Step>

<Step>

Event data is passed to the next steps in the workflow.

</Step>

</Stepper>

<Hint type="info">

Want a full picture? Learn more about how workflows work: [How workflows work](https://docs.foxecom.com/xflow-app/workflows/how-workflows-work)

</Hint>

## Common workflow triggers use cases

<Table widths="234.34881591796875,auto">

| Trigger | Common use cases |
| --- | --- |
| Product restock | • Send a notification to all waitlist subscribers once the subscribed product is back in stock<br/>• Alert the internal team about high-demand restock<br/>• Create a limited-time discount for waitlist customers<br/>• Implement VIP early access (send to VIPs first, then general waitlist) |
| Customer signed up | • Send an immediate confirmation email<br/>• Thank the customer for signing up<br/>• Set expectations about notification timing<br/>• Offer signup incentive (e.g., discount for waitlist) |

</Table>

## Examples of workflow triggers

<Hint type="info" title="Example 1: Product restock">

**Trigger:** Product restock

→ **Condition:** Customer criteria: Order count. **Order count > Greater than 0**\
→ **Action:** Create discount code\
→ **Action:** Send email\
\
🔗 Learn more: [Back in stock with exclusive discount for loyal customers](https://docs.foxecom.com/xflow-app/workflows/get-started-with-workflow-templates-library/back-in-stock-with-exclusive-discount-for-loyal-customers)

</Hint>

![image](https://docs-assets.foxecom.app/xflow-app/image_BIn6IcSe.png)

<Hint type="info" title="Example 2: New customer sign up">

**Trigger:** New customer signs up

→ **Action:** Send an initial **welcome email** to the new customer.\
→ **Action:** Wait 3 days\
→ **Action:** Send a **follow-up brand story email**.\
\
🔗 Learn more: [Welcome email series for new subscribers](https://docs.foxecom.com/xflow-app/workflows/get-started-with-workflow-templates-library/welcome-email-series-for-new-subscribers)

</Hint>

![image](https://docs-assets.foxecom.app/xflow-app/image_ACdJxrEq.png)

## Related articles

<PageLink href="https://docs.foxecom.com/xflow-app/workflows/available-triggers-actions-and-conditions">Available triggers, actions, and conditions</PageLink>

<PageLink href="https://docs.foxecom.com/xflow-app/workflows/create-a-workflow">Create a workflow</PageLink>

<PageLink href="https://docs.foxecom.com/xflow-app/workflows/assign-a-workflow-to-your-campaign">Assign a workflow to your campaign</PageLink>