Stop / Retry / Escalate decision tree (template)
A decision tree for bounded retries: classify failures, enforce time budgets, and escalate with an operator payload.
FreeJan 21, 2026
What’s inside
Individual files are accessible (best for SEO/AI), plus you can download the full ZIP.
Source code
This resource is backed by a public GitHub repository with source code, templates, and documentation you can fork, review, and integrate.
View on GitHubFrom this article
Browse allUse this when retries are making an incident worse.
What you get
stop-retry-escalate-decision-tree.mdretry-budget-template.mdlayered-retry-audit-checklist.md
How to use
- Print or paste the decision tree into your incident doc.
- Pick a total time budget for the call path (web request vs job step).
- Define STOP, RETRY, and ESCALATE rules in one place.
- Audit layered retries (HttpClient, Polly, queue redelivery) and remove duplicates.
- Add per-attempt logs so you can prove attempts, delays, and budget usage.
Need the cross-service standard (templates, bulkheads/breakers, registry + queryable retry telemetry)?
Retry Policy Kit ($49) →
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