Consumer impatience refers to the extent to which consumers are unwilling to wait to obtain certain benefits in consumption scenarios. Although research on consumer impatience is increasing, there is a lack of comprehensive literature reviews on this topic both domestically and internationally. Firstly, this paper summarizes the forms, measurement indicators, and conceptual definitions of consumer impatience, and clarifies its connections and distinctions from concepts such as intertemporal choice and self-control. Secondly, it summarizes four mediating mechanisms in the field of consumer impatience, including goal activation, subjective perception of time, focus of time, and differences in time discount rates. Thirdly, it evaluates the impact of consumer impatience on individuals and the society. Finally, it outlines future research directions, including antecedents of consumer impatience within the contexts of emerging technologies (such as algorithms, virtual digital worlds, device variations, and social media environments), novel mechanisms of consumer impatience, long-term consequences of consumer impatience, and interventions to mitigate consumer impatience such as time resource evaluation and trade-off, a “foresight” mentality, cognitive modes, and savoring tendencies. In conclusion, this paper advances academic research and practical applications in the field of consumer impatience.