Final Order Cutoff files are a key part of the ordering process. They let you review upcoming products, compare distributor data against customer demand, and make final quantity adjustments before the distributor deadline.
Manage Comics supports Final Order Cutoff workflows for:
Diamond
Lunar
Penguin Random House
Universal Distribution
Universal uses a separate workflow. See Universal Distribution Final Order Cutoff (FOC) for those steps.
How FOC Files Work
FOC starts with a file from the distributor. You download the current FOC file from the distributor’s website, then upload it into Manage Comics.
Manage Comics reads that file and compares it against your subscriber activity, including:
existing subscriptions
customer pre-orders
requested quantities
current order quantities, when the distributor file includes them
From there, you can review each item, adjust quantities up or down, and generate a finished file that is ready to upload back to the distributor.
Generate a Final Order Cutoff File
Download the current FOC file from the distributor.
In Manage Comics, go to the FOC workflow.
Choose the correct distributor.
Upload the distributor’s FOC file.
Review the products shown in Manage Comics.
Adjust quantities as needed.
Generate the final upload file.
Upload the finished file to the distributor’s website.
The exact steps vary slightly by distributor, so use the distributor-specific workflow when you are ready to place the order.
Distributor-Specific Workflows
Use these articles for the full step-by-step process:
Notes Before Uploading
Make sure you are using the current FOC file for the correct distributor. A Diamond, Lunar, PRH, or Universal file cannot be used interchangeably.
For best results, upload the file exactly as downloaded from the distributor. Avoid opening and re-saving the file in Excel unless the workflow specifically tells you to.
Edit or Place an FOC Order — the weekly workflow walkthrough.
Initial Orders — the article about your first commitment (which FOC later adjusts).
Universal Distribution FOC — Universal has its own flow.