Subscription boxes come in all shapes and sizes, from fandom boxes to jewelry subscriptions and more! With such a variety available, it can be challenging to differentiate the good boxes from the not-so-good ones. Here are the five qualities of a great subscription box so you can be sure your next subscription box purchase is a good one!
1. Variety
It’s important that the subscription box you choose offers a wide variety of options. You wouldn’t want to receive the same items every month, would you? Whether you’re getting socks, books, or food, variety is essential! The point of a subscription box is to provide unique items that can be delivered right to your door every month.
Many boxes offer different options each month to meet the needs of their customers. For instance, with earring subscriptions, you’ll get access to high-quality earrings every month; and you’ll get to pick the ones you love! This can make the entire subscription process more individualized and special for you or whoever you’re buying for.
Most of the time, the items you’ll find in a subscription box are specific to that box, and can’t be found in stores. You also have the option with some providers to purchase previously featured boxes at a discount to get a feel of what the company has to offer.
2. Shipping Costs
The best subscription boxes will offer free shipping with all of their boxes, but sometimes this isn’t the case. While free shipping is ideal, in situations where you end up footing the bill for shipping, you’ll want a box that doesn’t cost 50% of the box cost just to ship it.
Subscription sites will usually give you the option to ship via USPS, FedEx, or UPS. Your shipping cost(s) will depend on your carrier, how far you are from the shipping center, and when you want your box delivered. Obviously, for overnight or priority shipping, you’re going to end up paying more.
If your subscription service does charge a shipping fee, make sure they offer a variety of options so you can choose which service will ship your items. This can help mitigate the costs of shipping and get your box delivered when you want it.
3. Affordability
In addition to shipping costs, you’ll want a box that’s affordable for what’s inside. If you’re ordering a gold earring subscription box, you’ll expect it to be a bit more costly than a themed box or food subscription since you’re buying gold. Depending on what you’re buying, your box could be as much as $100 per month.
Take into consideration the overall cost of the box, including shipping and the value of the items inside. Most of the items you’ll find inside subscription boxes are box-specific; meaning you won’t find them anywhere else! Chances are, you’ll be able to find boxes that offer similar services for a lower price if you just shop around, but don’t expect to get exactly the same items if you do choose to switch providers.
4. Customer Reviews
As with any business, no one knows the business better than the customers. It’s important to take a close look at the reviews for each box and the company itself, to ensure the company and its products are adhering to a certain level of customer service. You might find the perfect box, but if it’s a bit expensive and has poor reviews, you’re probably better off saving your money for a different subscription.
Don’t let one or two negative reviews ruin your view of a particular company, but if you’re noticing a trend in complaints (cheap items, too costly, etc.) it’s probably a good idea to move on. While there is certainly the chance of poor customer experience now and then, if it’s a recurring theme for a company, you can assume customer service isn’t a priority for them.
5. Quality
Last, but certainly not least, you want to take into consideration the quality of the items you’re purchasing; especially with something like jewelry. If you’re paying for a monthly box that sends you a crate full of cheaply-made items, you’re wasting your money.
Now, it’s important to remember that there’s a difference between affordable and cheap. Affordable means that the box is a good price for what’s inside and cheap simply means the items were made as cheaply as possible for maximum profits.
If you think you’re getting poor-quality items, research other boxes with similar themes or items. You may be able to find something of a higher quality that’s still affordable if you look around.
Conclusion
With so many choices available, it can be hard to narrow down the perfect box. By following these five simple tips, you’ll be able to find the perfect box for you with items you’ll love and a price you can afford. Don’t forget to check out the customer reviews; no one knows better than the customer!
