Most first issues arrive within 6 to 12 weeks of ordering, depending on how often the magazine publishes. This is the industry-standard time publishers need to add you to their mailing cycle.
Print magazines: estimated first issue
| How often the magazine publishes | First issue arrives |
|---|---|
| Weekly | 6 to 8 weeks after ordering |
| Bi-weekly and monthly | 8 to 10 weeks after ordering |
| Bi-monthly and seasonal | 8 to 12 weeks after ordering |
| Quarterly and less frequent | 10 to 12 weeks after ordering |
Many best-selling titles arrive sooner than this. Later issues arrive on the publisher's normal schedule; the wait applies to the first issue only.
Why the first issue takes a while
Publishers print mailing labels weeks in advance. If your order lands after the label cutoff for the current issue, your subscription starts with the next one. Magazines are delivered by USPS in most cases, without tracking, which is part of how subscriptions stay so inexpensive. The full cycle, from your order to your mailbox, is explained in Why does a magazine subscription take weeks to start?
Digital magazines
Digital subscriptions and single issues (Zinio and Magzter) are usually ready within an hour of ordering. You get an activation email; check your spam folder if you do not see it. See How do I access my digital magazine?.
Waiting more than 12 weeks?
Check your order date in My Orders, then contact us with the order number. We open an investigation with the publisher and follow up with you.
Renewals are different
Renewals through DiscountLock continue your subscription without a gap, so there is no wait for a first issue.