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This is Part 1 of a two-part series on everything you need to know about Subscription Boxes (AKA a way to make getting the mail 10x more enjoyable each month). Today’s post focuses on finding the best box for you. Come back next Monday for Meggy’s post on how to score the best deals on ’em.
It all started when I ordered a free trial subscription box from Julep in the spring of 2013. I placed my order, my box was shipped and the excitement of receiving that package ensued! When I got the package, it helped turn my crappy day around! So, I looked for more boxes — I was hooked.
Following the launch of Birchbox in 2010, the market has exploded with subscription boxes of all types. Some of them can help you discover awesome new products, while others may simply send you expensive junk. You can spend $5 to $5,000 (seriously) on boxes filled with anything, and for anyone, you can think of: fashionistas, moms, Christians, women, men, kids, babies, fitness enthusiasts, geeks, gamers, pet-parents, foodies and more.
So, is this new shopping trend worth it? And what makes a good box?
Some argue that subscription boxes just encourage people to spend money on things they don’t need, because you could just go to the store and only buy the items you’ll use, at a lower cost. That’s probably true; who really needs 24-36 new bottles of nail polish in a year? If you’re only looking to save money on things you already buy regularly, you will probably conclude that they are not worth it.
But for me, that isn’t the point! I like to feed the monster inside me who loves a great deal. It’s fun because I get to use new products that I otherwise would not have found. I use a small portion of the leftover money in my monthly budget, which gives me the thrill of looking forward to a gift, knowing that it will be of interest to me, but not knowing exactly what will arrive.
A box that is truly worth it, to me, generally meets the following criteria:
1. Retail value exceeds the amount paid for the box
2. Products are useful, but not necessities
3. Offers a good rewards system
4. Has great packaging
5. Is well-curated
My favorite service is Birchbox, because it consistently delivers on all of the above criteria, and the $10 monthly cost is low-risk. My favorite aspect of Birchbox is that it offers a great rewards program. By reviewing the products I receive, I get about $5 of credit to their online store each month. I love this system, because even if the box contents aren’t spot-on, I have credit to buy something that I do want! Here is what my latest Birchbox (February 2015) looks like:
- Fekkai Blowout Hair refresher Dry Shampoo – $10
- Derma e Anti-Wrinkle Vitamin A Glycolic Scrub – $3.19
- Not Soap, Radio Body Wash – $1.76
- Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner – $4.40
- TheBalm Read My Lips lip gloss – $4.00
Total Estimated Retail Value: $23.35
Birchbox occasionally throws in something extra, which is always a nice surprise. This month, Rent the Runway helped to curate the box, so a coupon for $30 off a $75 order was included. Not a bad perk!
Come back next Monday for a full guide to snagging the best deals on subscription boxes (including ways to get one for free).
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.
I found your post after spending $30. on Twistbands and hvinag one of the ties fray nearly completely after my daughter wore it once. I had an order in my cart that (thank goodness!) I had not submitted. What a blessing to find your information and know that I can make my own twistbands and for the price, throw them away if they fray!! Thank you for sharing your information. I am going to find FOE and place an order now.