⚓What are subscription anchor dates?

Anchor dates are an optional add-on to Subscription Programs that set a day on which billing interval calculations should be made + schedule specific product ship dates.

Last updated: March 26, 2024

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.

Adding an Anchor

When managing a Subscription Program, you will see an option to add an Anchor. Note—this option will not populate if your billing interval is set to "Days".

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:

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.

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.