This is the second half of our two-part series on Everything You Need to Know About Subscription Boxes. You can check out Part 1 here. 

By Meggy Masters

Now, how do you find a box you like without spending a ton of money on useless items? Here is a list of tips (and discount codes!) to help you out:

Tip #1 – Keep an eye out for free or discounted first boxes or bonus offers.

This is a great way to see if a subscription box is for you, and you can typically cancel your subscription if you don’t like it. See the list of coupons at the end of this article.

 

Tip #2 – Take advantage of the rewards systems!

I seek out low-cost boxes with a good reward system. The rewards are my safety net; if I get a disappointing box, I still get some rewards out of it and can pick out something I want. Many subscription services give you points for reviewing products and referring friends, which you can use for more boxes or full-size products from their shops.

 

Tip #3 – Watch the sales on flash-deal websites for discounts on subscriptions.

The bigger boxes are a splurge for me, so I am more likely to order them when I can find a great deal and I will probably cancel the service after the deal expires. For example, by combining credit to Rue La La with a flash deal for the FabFitFun VIP winter box, I scored over $300 worth of products for only $29.99. Here are a few sites to watch:

• Gilt City – Use this link to sign up for an account and get 25% off your first purchase.
• Rue La La – Use this invitation link to become a member.
• Amazon Local
• Living Social – Sign up for an account using this link and get ten Deal Bucks to spend on a purchase of $20 or more.
• Scoutmob – Sign up for an account using this link and get $10 credit.
• Zulilly

 

Tip #4 – Search online for sneak peeks and spoilers before purchasing a box.

Even though some of the more expensive boxes tend to have a great value, I am still hesitant to plop down my money for – let’s face it – stuff I don’t really need. In some cases, sneak peeks are revealed before the boxes are sold out or shipped. The spoilers are usually valued at or above the price of the box, making the decision to purchase (or not) a little easier and less risky. For example, the spoiler for the winter FabFitFun VIP winter box was valued at $40, and that paid for the cost of the box, so I figured I didn’t have much to lose.

 

Tip #5 – Read subscription box posts and reviews like this one.

Learning about types of products that have been sent in previous boxes can help you decide if the box is for you.

 

Tip #6 – Subscribe to subscription box blog newsletters.

Get the most up-to-date reviews, spoilers, coupons and deals delivered right to your inbox so you never miss out on a great box or discount! (One blog I love is MySubscriptionAddiction.com.)

 

Here is a list of services (and coupons!) that I have tried or are on my list to try. Two quick notes:

• This list contains referral links.
• Some codes courtesy of MySubscriptionAddiction.com

 

HEALTH & BEAUTY

• Birchbox – Use code “JILLIAN” to get $10 (100 Birchbox points) to spend in the shop when you sign up for a subscription. Also, spend $35 and get three extra samples free with code “EXTRAGIFT,” which you can combine with the free mystery sample pack.
• Ipsy
• Julep – Use this link and code “SPRING” to get your Welcome Box free!
• Glossybox – Use code “OPRAH” to save 20% off any subscription length.
• Beautybox5 – Use code “FREEBOX1” to get a previous months box free with any subscription.
• Allure Sample Society – Use code “5FORYOU” to get your 1^st box for $10.
• The Honest Company – Use this link to get a free trial of their products.

 

KIDS & BABY

• Citrus Lane – Use this link to get 50% off your first month.
• Bluum – Use this link and code “ADMHALF” to get 50% off first month.
• Fabkids – Get your first outfit for $15.

 

CRAFTS

• Darby Smart – Use link and code “HOWDYDARBY” for $10 off your first order.

 

SNACKS

• Love with Food – Get your first tasting box free (just pay $2 for shipping) when you sign up through this link.
• Nibblr – Get your first box free by using referral code “25091.”
• Graze 1^st and 5^th box free with code “MEGGYM51P”
• Naturebox – Click here to start your free trial. Just pay $2 for shipping.

 

GROCERY

• Farmivore –  Try code “ADDICTION” to get 60% off your first small or medium box.
• Hello Fresh – Use code “Q7RNSC” to receive $40 off your first box.
• Plated – Get two free plates by using this link.
• Hamptons Lane – Use this link to get $10 off your first box.

 

WOMEN’S

• FabFitFun VIP – Use this link and code “TENOFF” to get $10 off your first box.
• POPSUGAR Must Have – Use code “MUSTHAVE5” to get $5 off your first box.

 

MEN’S

• Birchbox Man – Use code “JILLIAN” to get $10 (100 Birchbox points) to spend in the shop when you sign up for a subscription. Also, spend $35 and get three extra samples free with code “EXTRAGIFTMAN,” which you can combine with the free mystery sample pack.
• Bespoke Post – Get $13.50 off your first box by using code “RESCUE.”
• Mantry

 

FITNESS

• Bulu Box – To get your second box free, use code “FANTASTIC”. Use code “TENTOSPEND” to get $10 in rewards points when you purchase a $10 monthly subscription box. Or use code “WONDERFUL” to get three months for $10. Also, get a free Health magazine subscription with any $10 purchase (If you don’t want the subscription, you can mail in a form to get a $10 rebate).

 

About the Author:

Meggy Masters is a textiles and paper goods designer (as well as subscription box enthusiast!) in New York City. You can check out her work at NutMeg, Ink.