> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://crushsuite.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://crushsuite.gitbook.io/docs/clubs/managing-releases/creating-a-release.md).

# Creating a Release

This article walks the release form section by section, using the exact fields you'll see. It takes about 10 minutes once your products are in Shopify.

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**Next:** [Managing Release Orders](https://crushsuite.gitbook.io/docs/clubs/managing-releases/managing-release-orders)
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***

#### Before you start

* Your products exist in Shopify and allow one-time purchase.
* Shipping zones and rates for the club's market are set in **Shopify Admin** → Settings → Shipping and delivery.

***

#### 1. Where to start

Go to **Clubs** → \[Club Name] → **Overview** and click **Create Release**. The **Clubs** list has the same button on each club's row.

While a club has an active release, **Create Release** is disabled — you can't even start a draft. Let that release complete, or archive it, first. Every release is one you create here — nothing is drafted or scheduled for you.

#### 2. Release Details

**Release Name** is required. **Release Description** is marked required on the form. Members see both.

#### 3. Release Dates

Four dates live here: **Publish Date**, **Signup Cutoff Date**, **Inventory Allocation Date**, and **Release Date**. The fifth, the **Customization Deadline**, sits below in **Products**, under **Allow Customization**. For what each does and the ordering rules, see [Understanding Release Dates](https://crushsuite.gitbook.io/docs/clubs/managing-releases/understanding-release-dates) or click **Learn about release dates**.

#### 4. Products

* **Allow Customization** — when on, members can swap products before the customization deadline.
* **Customization Deadline** — the last date members can customize before their order locks.
* **Min Order Value** (optional) — orders below this amount can't be submitted.
* **Min Products Required** — minimum products needed to complete an order.
* **Max Products** (optional) — leave blank for no limit.
* **Default Products** — in every member's order. Set quantity, pricing, and whether members can adjust quantity. All selected products must sit in one Shopify delivery profile; mixing products from different profiles blocks the save until you fix the selection.
* **Optional Add-On Products** — extras members can add during customization.

The picker rejects variants that only allow subscription purchase. Change the product in **Shopify Admin** → Products to also allow one-time purchase, then add it again.

#### 5. Shipping & Delivery

* **Shipping Methods** — which delivery-profile methods are available. CrushSuite recommends just one.
* **Default Shipping Method** — pre-selected for members, who can change it during customization.
* **Flat Rate Shipping** (optional) — a fixed price overriding the calculated rate on every shipping order. Shipping discounts don't apply on top.
* **Only show cheapest shipping rate** — when on, members can only pick the cheapest rate.
* **Allow In-Store Pickup** and **Allow Local Delivery** — extra delivery methods members can choose.
* **Allow UPS Access Point Pickup** — appears only if your store has the CrushSuite UPS integration. Access Point options then show alongside the cheapest rate, even with **Only show cheapest shipping rate** on.

A "no shipping rates were found for this club's market" message and a shipping-methods load error both point at **Shopify Admin** → Settings → Shipping and delivery. Fix zones and rates there, then refresh the form.

#### 6. Discounts and Additional Settings

**Discounts** apply automatically based on order quantity or subtotal, at order or shipping level. Under **Additional Settings**, **Gift Note** is a message included with each order that members can personalize, and **Shipping Hold Date** delays shipment until a set date — it appears only when you edit an existing release.

#### 7. Save as Draft vs. Save & Publish

* **Save as Draft** — relaxed validation. Only **Release Name** and **Release Date** are required. CrushSuite still blocks the save if dates are out of order, if the customization gap is under 2 days, or if products span more than one delivery profile.
* **Save & Publish** — full validation: every required field, at least one product, a valid shipping setup, and the 2-day minimum on the **Release Date**.

> 📸 **Screenshot:** The Release Dates section of the release form, showing the four date fields and the **Learn about release dates** button.

***

#### If you edit products after inventory is reserved

CrushSuite clears the reservation records and reserves again for the new product set. Quantities already moved to reserved in Shopify stay reserved — billing can't return them, because the records that tracked them are gone. Correct those quantities yourself in **Shopify Admin** → Products.

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For a published release's phases, see [How Releases Work](https://crushsuite.gitbook.io/docs/clubs/managing-releases/how-releases-work).
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