# What is a cutoff date in subscriptions?

> Source: https://zubs.app/glossary/cutoff-date
> Title: What Is a Cutoff Date for Subscription Orders? — Zubs
> Author: Alexander Kohout (https://zubs.app/authors/alexander-kohout)
> Published: 2026-10-02
> Updated: 2026-10-06
> Language: en

## Short answer

A cutoff date is the last moment a customer can place or change an order and still have it count for the upcoming delivery; anything after it rolls over to the next cycle. It gives the merchant a fixed list to produce, buy or pack from.

## How does a cutoff work?

A cutoff sits a set time before a billing or delivery day. Before it, the order is open; after it, it's locked. New sign-ups wait for the following cycle, and the upcoming order can no longer be changed.

**Example (made up):** a weekly box bills every Friday, with a cutoff 3 days before. A subscriber who swaps a product on Monday gets the new product this Friday. One who tries on Wednesday finds the order locked, so the change can only go into next week's box.

## Why does a cutoff matter for subscriptions?

Every subscription business with fixed production or packing days needs a moment when the list is final. Without one, last-minute changes collide with orders already placed with suppliers or already packed. A clear cutoff, mentioned in your reminders, lets customers plan and lets you work from final numbers.

## How does Zubs handle cutoffs?

Zubs covers both cases: new sign-ups close to the billing day roll into the next cycle, and you can lock upcoming orders for changes a few days before they bill. How that fits a box with a changing menu is on the [build-a-box page](https://zubs.app/features/build-a-box).

## Bottom line

A cutoff is the line between "still changeable" and "being prepared". Zubs handles it for new sign-ups and for changes to upcoming orders.

## Frequently asked questions

### What's the difference between a cutoff date and a billing date?

The billing date is when the order is charged. The cutoff is the deadline before it.

### How long should the cutoff be?

As long as your production or packing needs a final list. Count back from the day you order from suppliers or start packing.

### Do customers know when the cutoff is?

They should. Mention it in your reminder emails, so customers make their changes in time.

## Related

- [Feature: subscription plans, prepaid, anchors and cutoffs](https://zubs.app/features/subscription-plans)
- [Feature: build-a-box subscriptions](https://zubs.app/features/build-a-box)
- [Glossary: billing anchor](https://zubs.app/glossary/billing-anchor)
- [Help center: anchor dates and cutoffs](https://help.zubs.app/docs/subscription-management/create-subscription-plan/)