This article explains why rate limiting errors might occur, HubSpot handles them, and what users should do when they see these errors
0CodeTools for HubSpot enhances HubSpot Workflows by adding extra actions, allowing users to automate various tasks more efficiently. However, due to the nature of HubSpot Workflows and the potential for enrolling thousands of objects simultaneously, users may occasionally encounter "rate limit" errors. This article explains why these errors occur, how HubSpot handles them, and what users should do when they see these errors
What is a Rate Limit?
A rate limit is a restriction on the number of API calls that can be made to our service within a specific timeframe. These limits ensure the stability and reliability of our service by preventing abuse or overuse of resources
Why Do Rate Limit Errors Occur in HubSpot Workflows?
Rate limit errors occur when the number of API calls made to our service exceeds the allowed limit within a given period. This is common in HubSpot Workflows, especially when multiple objects are enrolled simultaneously. Each object triggers an API call for the workflow action, and with thousands of objects, it’s easy to hit the rate limit.
How HubSpot Handles Rate Limit Errors
HubSpot Workflows are designed to handle rate limit errors automatically. When a workflow action returns a 429 status code (rate limit exceeded), HubSpot will retry the API call after a certain period. This process continues until a successful response (200 status code) is received.
What to Do When You See a Rate Limit Error
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Stay Calm: A rate limit error is not an indication of a problem with HubSpot or your workflow. It means the rate limit for API calls to our service has been temporarily exceeded.
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Understand the Automatic Retry Mechanism: HubSpot Workflows will automatically retry the action that returned the rate limit error until it succeeds. This mechanism ensures that your workflows will eventually complete.
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Just give it some time: In most cases, no action is required on your part. Simply wait, and the workflow will resume once the rate limit resets.
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Review Workflow Design: If rate limit errors occur frequently, consider optimizing your workflow. Avoid enrolling large batches of objects simultaneously. Staggering enrollments or adding delays between actions can help reduce the number of API calls and prevent rate limits from being reached.
Best Practices to Avoid Rate Limit Errors
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Target Only Necessary Objects: Ensure your workflow actions are only triggered for objects that truly need them. This can be managed by setting the appropriate Workflow Triggers.
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Process Objects Gradually: Where possible, design your workflows to operate on objects as they appear, rather than processing the entire database at once. This helps distribute the API calls over time and reduces the risk of hitting the rate limit.
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Be Patient: Give your workflows time to complete. Rate limiting is a standard mechanism, and seeing this message means everything is functioning correctly. HubSpot will continue to call the service as many times as needed until the actions are successfully executed.
Conclusion
Rate limit errors are a normal part of working with APIs and are handled automatically by HubSpot Workflows. By understanding why these errors occur and following best practices to minimize them, you can ensure your workflows run smoothly and efficiently.