When to Start a New Cycle (And When to Pause One)

When every member has received the pot once, the cycle is complete. Then you face a choice: start a new cycle or pause.

Starting a new cycle. If the group is happy and everyone wants to continue, start a new cycle in Sousou. You can keep the same order, draw a new order, or adjust the amount or schedule if everyone agrees. Update the circle settings if needed, then run the first round of the new cycle like any other.

Pausing or ending. If someone is leaving or the group wants a break, don’t start a new cycle until you’re ready. You can leave the circle in “cycle complete” state and resume later, or close the circle if the group is disbanding. Make sure everyone has received their due payout before you close.

Adding or removing members. If you add or remove people, the next cycle will have a different size and possibly a new order. Agree the new order and update Sousou before the first round of the new cycle. If someone left with unpaid obligations, resolve that before continuing.

When in doubt. Talk to the group. A short discussion after each cycle helps everyone align on whether to continue, change the rules, or take a pause. Sousou keeps the history so you can always pick up with a clear record.