# Subscription anchor dates

Last updated: May 14, 2025

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The most **common use-case** for anchor dates is when a shop wants to release subscription boxes on a specific day. For example, say a shop releases seasonal subscription drop:  ‘Autumn’ product on October 1st, etc. These dates are always fixed regardless of when the previous subscription product was delivered.
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### Adding an Anchor

When managing a [Subscription Program](https://help.smartrr.com/docs/support/subscription-setup/subscription-programs), you will see an option to add an Anchor. Note—this option will not populate if your billing interval is set to "Days".

<figure><img src="https://3658670565-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FndNAuxS4koYyI8AQTpS9%2Fuploads%2Fm7IcggAc8y3R8iq8GIoD%2FScreenshot%202024-03-26%20at%2009.04.21.png?alt=media&#x26;token=cbbbb9a0-49ab-46cb-b986-a144069fc5e9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If you select a **Week Day** or **Month Day** from the dropdown, you'll also be presented with the option to add an optional Cutoff Day and determine subscription behavior Pre-Anchor:&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://3658670565-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FndNAuxS4koYyI8AQTpS9%2Fuploads%2FcYxjdqdkTLb2VtlOu8oz%2FScreenshot%202024-03-26%20at%2009.05.19.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d8ec814c-118d-4ed9-8c5c-a6aed049f663" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### **Cutoff Days**

A **cutoff day** is how many days in advance of the delivery anchor the order would need to be placed in order to qualify for the next delivery cycle.&#x20;

### **Pre-Anchor Behaviors**

**Pre-Anchor Behavior** is the possible fulfillment of the first order when placed within the cutoff. **ASAP** means orders placed inside a cutoff can be fulfilled or delivered by the next anchor. **NEXT** means orders placed inside a cutoff can be fulfilled or delivered at the following anchor.